Sonics of Streaming

I meant streamer/transports -- digital-out processors with no integrated DAC. For example, the Aurender N10 versus the N100H. 

I can speculate on why there are differences but this won’t be helpful to you because it will remain my speculation. Of course, this very question has been addressed in many related threads so you might find value in reading through them.  While YMMV, in my own experience, I found greater differences in moving upstream from a Bluesound node 2 (going into my outboard DAC) than I did in moving into a much nicer DAC. 

There are many on here who consistently claim there can be no difference or that they haven’t heard differences.  Fair enough.  They’re are a number of us here who do. Perhaps it’s placebo. Perhaps not.  

There’s really only one way for you to know.  If you already have a decently resolving system - audition a couple in home.  I would suggest you listen for spatial information (openness in soundstage width and depth) as opposed to tonal differences.  Lower quality units sound “flat” to me relative to nicer units. 

Best,

Hickamore - I too am mystified by this. Reading around, you can find that some $1000+ streamers use a Raspberry Pi to do the actual processing. A R-Pi is about $30. So what seems to matter is the first stage of output. The R-Pi 4 has fixed a problem earlier models had with the quality of the USB-out. I like coax out so I got a good quality HAT to sit on top of my R-Pi. This measures spectacularly well yet was not more than about $100. I’ve done blind listening tests comparing this R-Pi plus Allo $150 setup with my Node 2i running digital coax out, both with the same Ethernet in, both out to the same DAC. There was no difference at all to my ears. Or to my son’s younger and better qualified (and very fussy) ears.

Very interesting, thanks. I will also look up other threads possibly addressing the same question.

Differences yes. Big deal no.