Check in: How quickly are streamers and servers evolving?

I just finished doing some testing with 3 streaming solutions I have in my office system.

STREAMERS
- microRendu with linear power supply (LPS) 
- opticalRendu  with linear power supply (LPS) (I have 2 of these)
- RJ45 streaming with 1 DAC 

DACS
- Benchmark DAC3B
- AudioMirror Tubadour III SE DAC
- KRELL K-300i integrated amp with internal DAC

My RJ45 streaming was to the internal DAC of my KRELL K-300i integrated (latest model). My network switch is a brand new $199 Ubiquiti Networks switch that has both RJ45 and 2 Fibre slots. I am using regular CAT5 Ethernet cable into the RJ45. The USB cables I used were either free from Benchmark or $25 from Schiit Audio. I am buying a $200 USB from WyWires that has not been shipped yet. I plan on using that one with the winner of this test. A fibre wire goes from the network switch to my opticalRendu and then by USB to one of the 3 DACs. My source of the streaming is a ROON Core on a very cheap server in another room. The musical bits (1's and 0's)  need to travel by PowerLine copper to my office. I use ROON client on cheap computer or iPhone.

For some reason I settled on Fleetwood Mac's Dreams from Rumors as the song I would compare with all the streaming types. There is a lot of percussion hits on this song that are a bit hot sounding but it was interesting to compare this with the 3 streamers.

The RJ45 and the microRendu were about the same on the KRELL. The percussion hits were noticeable and the music sounded good. 

I then flipped the USB cable from the microRendu to an opticalRendu and compared with the RJ45. A massive difference in sound and also volume. I did not need to compare any minor details. There was more of everything with the opticalRendu. The percussion hits seemed like they were happening in my room, so realistic. I also compared the microRendu and the opticalRendu on the KRELL and the same results as the RJ45 and the opticalRendu.

I then compared microRendu vs opticalRendu with a Benchmark DAC3B and also a Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE DAC (tube). In both instances the optical had a massive improvement in sound. I am going to be selling this microRendu and LPS now.

This test for me was to prove to myself whether fibre is really today's holy grail for streaming. I think it is. I do not plan on testing with a dedicated music server (instead of a cheap computer as my ROON Core). I just think the fibre functions as an expensive music server in that it lowers the noise on the network.

The OP asks if streaming is evolving.  Boy, is it ever.  And not always in a good way.
There is a thread in the Digital section on the Roon Nucleus.  Apparently Roon did a software update that KO a lot of users who are now spending hours trying to figure out what went wrong.  I had the same experience with Bluesound—many times—and Bryston.  There have been threads from Innuous, Aurender, Auralic owners...Streamers are IT devices.  Have you ever had an IT problem at work or home?  A printer that suddenly got a divorce from what seemed to be a stable marriage with your laptop?  Imagine the same thing with your music.  When all other IT applications become hassle free then streamers will as well

  CD players are also specialized computers, but it’s hard to beat the reliability of popping a CD in a tray and hit “play”.  Transport-DAC combinations in my opinion are also as easy, the IT issues generally being of a much lesser magnitude than streaming.
And though as Audiophiles we argue endlessly about small sonic differences, essentially streaming and CD replay, into the same DAC, sound similar.  Both are sending 1s and 0s into the DAC.  An Uber priced streamer will sound better than a cheapo CD transport, but if both components are in the same price range, there isn’t much difference.

  Streaming is about convenience.  Get rid of those thousands of CDs.  Have portability, and access to unlimited music catalog, and control it all from your phone without getting your butt out of the recliner.  It’s all great, until it doesn’t work.  My advice is explore streaming, but don’t throw out those CDs just yet

@yyzsantabarbara 

Thank you so much for your careful and perspicuous listening report. I learned a lot from your efforts, and I'm glad you came to a discovery.

Several years ago, a friend showed me his home built setup — he built two very simple computers with kits running Linux, one to process and store (mainly FLAC) files and the other to send them to his DAC. The computers are connected with fibre and have an LPS. Eventually they are played through VTL gear (monoblocks) and giant Maggies. It sounds lovely.

@mahler123 

And though as Audiophiles we argue endlessly about small sonic differences, essentially streaming and CD replay, into the same DAC, sound similar.  Both are sending 1s and 0s into the DAC.

I will admit I have a hard time hearing a difference. But I won't comment on your statement, because I suspect it's like a match tossed into gunpowder in this forum! 

Your other statement about the fragility of technology -- the ability of these IT devices to wind up divorced and non-functional -- is well taken. I have longed for the personal computer to achieve the simplicity and reliability status of other home appliances, but to no avail. It's a shame, as most people use computers for very basic tasks.