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Check in: How quickly are streamers and servers evolving?

This is a question for those who have been trying streamers and servers recently, watching reviews and product launches, or who just know their stuff and keep up with the technology. I am trying to separate market hype and churn from what is happening, technologically.

Many have said that DAC technology development has slowed down enough for people to feel comfortable spending real coin on a good DAC. Good to know.

So my question is: How quickly do you think streamer and server technology is evolving? Is it still a moving target -- in other words still worth being somewhat cautious about perhaps waiting before dropping serious coin as the technology is soon to change again? Or are we slowing down?

(For those who think these technologies can be accomplished in economical ways (Raspberry Pi, etc.), I'm still curious about your opinion about the speed of change, regardless of whether high dollar expenditures are unnecessary.)

Of course the other yet integral issue is how fast music catalogs are keeping up with the hardware changes to supply the new hardware with files that it can play. I just watched Darko discuss the Spotify move to CD quality (which he celebrates and for which explains the rationale), and it seems most of the music out there continues to exist at CD quality only, not higher resolution.

(Oh, and before someone chimes in with how analog beats digital so why bother...please don’t. I know you think that.)
hilde45
chorus
976 posts
 
In the last 3 months I purchased an Innuos Zen 3 and a Audio Mirror DAC. My final decision became simplified when I realized I wanted 
a one box solution-Stream/Burn/Store. Not that many choices.
I managed to get a new one from James at Choice Audio MN 
without waiting for it to be built. And at a good price. 
So if box management plays a role in your decision making
here is an option.
stibi
51 posts
 
In theory, lots of things could look one or another way. Sometimes both ways. I can only share my personal experience comparing 3 different streamers in the range 8-12K, all three of them hooked on my home system. I talk about a Pink Faun, an Evo essence and Evo master. I was highly skeptical that I will hear a substantial, if any difference. Big mistake. Going from Evo essence to Pink Faun was a shock - so much more information and clarity. From the latter one to the Evo master it was a more subtle improvement, but still immediately noticeable. I have played swithching between the three for couple of days and it was always the same immediate difference. Story short - streamers do sound very differntly. Whether it is worth the money, it’s a personal decision. But to claim that whatever streamer you choose or even just using an ipad, makes no difference - sorry, I don’t buy this anymore.
surfmuz
413 posts
 
Pro Tools, AutoTune, etc. That ship has sailed. 
Of course, so as other DJ and audio engineer’s tools, but it kind a limited yet. I think it’s will be implemented in streaming services and equipment software soon. 
big_greg
6,724 posts
 
I think it’s will be implemented in streaming services and equipment software soon.

Roon, HQPlayer, upsampling, also not new. 
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