Streaming vs Physical Media

@chopandchange 

So if the streamer is always getting a perfect binary signal where does it go wrong?

Well the only thing I can think of is that noise is entering the system along with the binary stream. It's noise that's the polluter nothing else can be!

You're right it's noise of various kinds, e.g, but not limited to -  RF, EMI, and high-impedance leakage currents from SMPS and network component clocks that increase jitter and clock phase noise. 

The whole clocking thing is another space I haven't grasped enough to figure out how to make it right or even better

Thus there are some products available to address reducing the noise in our perfect binary signals

Here's a couple of links that describe the problem(s) and some products that improve the SQ

https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/pages/systemoptique-certified

In another thread on cables, I linked an article by the Pink Floyd recording engineers but there's this one statement about digital recordings and making copies:

In my opinion there are a lot of misconceptions about digital audio. Disregarding the good points, some of the bad points are that it is almost impossible to do a digital to digital copy and retain the resolution; it is far more susceptible to the sound changing from many different reasons – RF, A/C mains, harmonic distortion and fluctuation, physical vibrations, etc., than most people realize. What we have tried to achieve is to get our HD system sounding as good as possible, given the parameters of what it is in the first place. We have spent many days listening and testing. Accordingly, every area of improvement has been implemented to the highest degree: all the A/C mains, audio cabling, digital cabling, anti jitter boxes, master clocks, physical support of the units, etc.

Granted, that was back in 2005, but it's still relevant today.

All the best,
Nonoise

Granted, that was back in 2005, but it's still relevant today.

All the best

Nonoise

Yep!

The fundamental and foundational findings are always relevant.

Charles

Man, I appreciate the deep dive of the analog vinyl aficionados. I'm lazy to this end and just love the Qobuz & Tidal feed to my Roon Rock Nuc>Optical Lan> PS audio Bridge>PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC MKII.  192Khz 24 bit is better than cd. The rabbit hole of digital is just as deep as analog but when it is right. It is oh so right. Peace

@stevewharton 

Why do you need upgraded clocks in a network stream when TCP/IP ensures reliable delivery to the streamer - I don't understand ?