What are you using as a streamer? Constructive feedback please.

Roon

NUC w/2 SSDs

Custom LPS

Bridge to isolate and distribute the computing load (bridge = Rpi Ethrernet in USB out)

Custom LPS for that

Isolation on USB

--> DAC; either DAC powers USB or i have yet another very small LPS to power just the clean USB side.

Most people are surprised digital can sound so -- well like nothing at all.

So what's important?

1. The network - wire it, no wifi

2. isolation of noisy computers from DACs.  Isolated interfaces, independent power.  This means not just +5 rails but grounds.

3. Timing at the DAC chip - generally not an issue unless you use SPDIF, which is one big reason i don't, except for TV etc.

The rest is pretty much irrelevant

One of the big improvements of the Raspberry PI 4 was to separate the USB bus from the ethernet bus. Why?... Because of the noise of the shared bus. PI 3 was still able to backup your hard drive as a computer bit (a switch) isn’t as prone to noise as an bit converter.

i haven’t tried a PI 4 but requiring a fan because the extra heat it produces made me go a different way.

The PI2AES was a I2s interface that blew away some of the top streamers unfortunately they aren’t being made and probably will incorporate the technology into a much more expensive products.

Here is a post on how to improve the USB signal for sound reproduction and it works for me.

Fidelizer 8.8

Not a robot but I do dream of electric sheep

Very interesting thread. I learned a couple of new things. Recently I scored a deal on Lumin U1 Mini, and apart from the dumb app (iPhone anyway) and the ethernet-only option, I found it was no real meaningful upgrade from Lindemann Limetree Bridge II. To me, the latter was a huge upgrade from Node 2i, which I won't touch every again. I like German simplicity and manufacturing: so Limetree feeding into the loved-for-a-reason RME ADI2 DAC. This combo is very, very good for the price.

Innous Zen MK3 was my other option, but I think the real sonic difference comes up the chain from an amazing DAC. Among streamers, Limetree Bridge is already great and any incremental upgrades will be marginal. The DAC however can really change what you hear - sound stage, clarity, transparency, etc.

Roon and Tidal is the core of my streaming. The signature system uses Roonbridge running on a Thinkserver 2016 with Audiophile Optimizer and separated USB card powered by a separate power supply and CA DAC magic Plus.  Just recently bought Bluesound Node 3rd generation, Pangea Power cable, Audioquest evergreen interconnects, Tripplite line conditioner, Project Carbon EVO turntable, NHT Zero, SVS SB-1000 SW, Carver Amp for a 2nd system and could not be any happier as to the performance of the BSN. BSN is hardwired with CAT6 to wall plugs and connected to two switches in the media room which serves the entire house.

My new Bel Canto E.One Stream came in while I was traveling this week will set it up tomorrow and see how it works with all my other BC gear.

Thanks for all the feedback.