2. digital
  3. 154417-109885

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."
pkvintage
cleeds
6,271 posts
 
jetter

...  it would make common sense that a person comparing two different stereo units, without knowing which was which, and picking that which they liked the sound of the best is a valid test ...
Is that how you choose your audio components?
cleeds
6,271 posts
 
big_greg
... Whether it's a blind test or a fast A/B sighted test, while you may hear differences, that doesn't mean that you'll be able to instantly pick the one that is "better". I've heard (and bought) a few things that upon first listen I thought sounded better than something I had, but after extended listening noticed other less favorable characteristics about the sound.
Exactly. The true characteristics of an audio component are best revealed over time, and less likely to be identified in a quick "shoot-out" or AB test.
djones51
4,947 posts
 
Is a long term evaluation a test of the components or our brains adaptability?
cleeds
6,271 posts
 
djones51
Is a long term evaluation a test of the components or our brains adaptability?
If genuine differences are revealed over time, then it’s obvious - by definition - that it’s not the brain’s "adaptability" that’s responsible. Otherwise, "adaptability" would suggest that no difference be heard.
jetter
3,118 posts
 
cleeds
Is that how you choose your audio components?
I hate to throw this out there but for the most part I buy online without any demo.  I just read as much as I can here, and try to buy from venders that allow returns if a product turns out to not have synergy with the rest of the system.

I live in rural Vermont and the nearest bricks and mortar stores with any type of choices are hours away.

But if a bricks and mortar store offered a blind test I certainly would not refuse it.  



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