I see this in a similar light as the question surrounding using a CD as a transport- and the differences between units. I have 2 older EAD units that I use with external DAC's and they are superior to any other CD player/transport I have used. I am certain better units exist, I just haven't heard them. Theoretically they are delivering just "digits", but even with my ancient ears I hear a significant difference. Why would streamers be any different? Better signal paths, better components....should probably sound better. Whether that difference is worth $10K is up to the individual and their budget.
Streamer opinion.. Pease comment on validity.
Please comment on the below statement.
"A streamer is just a digital network appliance. It connects to a network, renders a digital stream, and spits out either analogue or digital audio stream. It's just digits; you don't need an 'audiophile network streamer' for the digital aspect. The 'audiophile' stuff is handled by the DAC. If the DAC can't clean up noise and jitter on the digital inputs, it's poorly engineered; look elsewhere."
"A streamer is just a digital network appliance. It connects to a network, renders a digital stream, and spits out either analogue or digital audio stream. It's just digits; you don't need an 'audiophile network streamer' for the digital aspect. The 'audiophile' stuff is handled by the DAC. If the DAC can't clean up noise and jitter on the digital inputs, it's poorly engineered; look elsewhere."
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- 45 posts total
Here is a post from a very experienced and knowledgeable DIY hobbyist who has built many servers and streamers https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/taiko-audio-sgm-extreme-the-cr%C3%A8me-de-la-cr%C3%A8me.27433/page-138#post-626261 I have been heavily involved in the development of streamers / music servers for the last 5 years Here are my takeaways - all streamers get the 0's and 1's right - nearly every USB DAC gets the timing of arrival of the 0's and 1's done well - in all digital devices the numerous clocks are significant sources of RF emissions - the effect of RF emissions is very difficult to attenuate to levels where their effects are no longer audible - RF emissions are sensitive to vibration and power supply - software activity in a streamer has an immediate effect on power supply current draw and which carries a RF emission imprint The evidence to support this chain of effects - streamers running different operating systems sound different - put any streamer on a vibration control / damping platform you will hear a difference - every new roon release sounds significantly better even when delivering bit perfect to the DAC - USB cables sound different |
- 45 posts total