Weakest digital link: DAC - Streamer - Server?


I am curious WHICH of the three is MOST important in digital playback? DAC, Streamer, or Server? I assume DAC is #1, but what about server/streamer?

 

Specifically, I have a Synology NAS which I can host ALL my music on, then using a good streamer play off it via Roon/Upnp, PLUS my streaming services.  Does it make sense to use a SEPARATE server JUST for my music? 

Like is there going to be MUCH difference between these setups?!

1. NAS (music server) --> Good Streamer (ethernet, Roon) --> DAC

2. Dedicated Music Server --> Same streamer (ethernet, Roon) --> DAC

3. Dedicated Music Server with streamer (digital out) --> DAC

 

I understand for SURE, if one connects a NAS USB out to streamer/DAC it will sound WORSE than dedicated music server with low noise components, BUT if I am sending the music over ethernet to a good streamer, WHY would a music server make ANY difference? The streamer would essentially take the same files off my NAS, as if would from Tidal and play in the same fashion... no?! 

WHAT am I missing?!

 

PS. I can also upgrade the NAS with linear PSU to lower noise, but once again, sending audio through ethernet shouldn't matter.

alexb76

@Op

I applied this approach initially with the Node 2i and I do not notice any obvious difference between music on my PLEX Server- WD PR2100 - versus IDAL on my streamer DAC.

My server with PLEX installed is connected into my router via ethernet as is my stream/DAC.

I find I stream much more than I use my server - I can't recall the last time I bought a CD - mid 2000s. 

The upgrading from the Node 2i to Moon 280D did make a huge sonic improvement.  Lots of options at $2-3.5k price point.  Part of the reason I bought the Moon unit is they advertise they design upgradability into their equipment.  

And my stored music isn't changing format  - so really the only value I get out of new technology capabilities is with new music in high resolution format.  

 

Hope this is constructive.

 

You need to say your budget , that’s the biggest limiting factor if you only have $4 -5 k including cables ,power cords , dac  should be themodt expensive for sure 

even a computer can sound pretty good with a ether regen , ad a ddc reclocker 

to the dac , a good streamer server at least $4k with linear power supplies 

cables alone are at least a grand  buy the best you can at least buy a good dac first and good usb cable , 

@soix +1 couldn’t agree more with his take.

First I got an Innous Zenith MK3, then got a decent DAC (Musetec MH-DA005), now finishing it up with the Innuos Phoenix USB reclocker.

So start strong, then finish strong and lastly work the in-between to shore up any weakness in your sound chain.

@alexb76 Many, many years ago I ripped my CD library to a Synology NAS using iTunes, installed LMS, and used it for whole house stereo via Squeezebox devices connected to NAD 7140 integrated amps and tower speakers in several rooms.

About 4 years ago, I ditched the Squeezebox devices for RIVA Wand powered speakers. I purchased a 2TB Innous Zenith MKII streamer and a Roon lifetime subscription. I hosted Roon core on the Zenith, and I ripped my CD library to FLAC on the Zenith I had two zones: RAAT in my basement listening room and rec room; and AirPlay to the RIVA Wand speakers on my first and second floors.

A couple of months ago I migrated Roon core and database to a new Mac mini. In my basement, I use Sense and Roon for my first and second floors. IMHO, the Sense SQ exceeds Roon by a wide margin. Both Roon and Sense use the Zenith’s "shared" music library. I stream Tidal, Qobuz, and JazzRadio.com.  If you haven’t yet, give Sense a try if you can. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

In my "old school", the belief was that the most critical components were the transducers - speakers, phono cartridges, mics...

While a DAC might not technically be a transduceer, I'm satisfied that converting data into music qualifies as converting energy from one form to another!