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Streamer vs renderer vs music server...help

I have been reading a lot of the forum posts to try understand my best path forward for my digital frontend.  Within the posts on streaming all these terms seem to come up with recommended brands but I am now somewhat confused as to what I need to get the best source sound quality to my DAC.  I don't know if I need a streamer, a dedicated music server, a renderer, a bridge, a roon endpoint, a combination of, or something else.  Looking for some education so I can then zero in on some options.  

I mostly stream tidal so I don't necessarily need to pay extra for CD ripping or file storage capabilities, however I won't discount these options if they come with the component that has great sound quality. Basically, how best do I get the Tidal stream to my DAC, preferably using Roon as the controller (open to other options if SQ is improved with different components).

I have a Leben CS600x, Devore 0/96s, and currently an Auralic Vega G2 but I am looking to change to the Holo Audio May KTE or a TotalDac.  The Vega has the built in streamer and lighting controller but I also use the Vega as a Roon endpoint with the Roon controller (I think that's how it works?)  The Roon core is currently on my iMAC.

Sorry for starting another post!  I tried to piece it together from other posts but there were too many types of components mentioned in the chain before the DAC that I didn't fully understand.

crandell25
crandell25 OP
22 posts
 

@jjss49 agreed, some great advice and knowledge shared on the thread.  It has really helped me get a better understanding of how the digital pieces fit together and what would work best for my situation.  I do think a good dedicated streamer, regardless of my dac choice is currently a missing link. The comments have also helped get a better understanding of how Roon works and how others have implemented a dedicated core...to get the best out of that solution.  Lots of good stuff for me to digest!

jpwarren58
671 posts
 

HMI.  Human Machine Interface. 

Fancy title for app used to control your digital source?

Are there any reviews out there that address the pros and cons of these apps?

durangoat
20 posts
 

I stream exclusively and have been using the new NODE connected to a Qutest (w/ SBooster) via a high quality USB.  It's a $3000 outlay that likely provides me with 95+% of the sonic benefit my ears can detect.  Long-term, I may not remain in the BluOS camp, but it seems to be one of the few current OS' with the capacity to offer the broadest access to quality streaming content.  And, as streaming technologies quickly evolve, I'd rather incur a potentially slight compromise in SQ to investing significant dollars in an ecosystem that might eventually struggle to scale against the competition.  Good luck!

cns1946's avatar
cns1946
68 posts
 

+! for rareace 

mahler123
3,354 posts
 

I am a little late to this thread, but some questions/observations for the OP

1) I think you are having anxiety about all the terminology.  I agree that it can be confusing.  It is also a moving target. My advice is take a deep breath and relax.  The goal is to get great sounding music with a minimum of fuss.

2) After reading the thread I haven’t figured out why you dislike your current set up. If you like the way it sounds and is easy to operate then you ought to be done.  If not, why not?

3) Budget?

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