2. digital
  3. 179039-96

Streamer creates a Wow experience

I started streaming by running USB from my iPad to my DAC using Qobuz, and I thought it sounded pretty good and was happy.  Then I compared this to playing CDs and much to my dismay I slightly preferred the CDs.  This was a depressing moment.  So I reached out to you guys and several of you assured me if I got a dedicated streamer it’d be much better, and while I always believed a streamer is important and can make a difference I still found myself a little skeptical how much improvement there would be. 

So I decided to heed the advice here and after some research got an iFi Zen Stream with their upgraded power supply.  After getting the Zen linked to my WiFi and using mconnectHD to be able to stream Qobuz through the iFi — Holy Crap!!!  I expected some improvement but I was not prepared for the huge leap in sound quality I was hearing.  Every aspect of sound improved markedly and my jaw was on the floor.

Anyway, you guys were so right in assuring me a streamer would make all the difference.  And this is through my HeadFi rig and can’t wait to hear what this sounds like on the big rig.  Thanks for your helpful advice and getting me through this.  I’m one shocked and very happy camper.

 

soix
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,238 posts
 

@jjss49 

Correct. I’d simply advise @soix to try a good quality LPS and make his own determination.

Charles 

p05129
483 posts
 

If you are using usb to your dac, your sq will always be flawed, it doesn’t matter how many tweaks/gimmicks you add to make usb sound better. 

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,929 posts
 

I have found good Ethernet cables around $1k x2 make a much bigger difference then cheaper $300 models ,especially at the end point side.

and a very good Ethernet switch ,the uptone Ethernet switch ,or far better still

the Synergistic research switch but is almost $1700  with discounts.

mahler123
3,103 posts
 

@soix 

 

so when you play CDs, what is the setup?  How do you get the music into your headphones?

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,116 posts
 

@soix 

Thank you for posting and congrats on taking the leap of faith. I hope your thread open eyes for many who still thinks streamer quality don’t matter or streaming is no where near the quality of CD’s. I will also add, everything matters in digital chain. Once you settle down with your setup, start experimenting with LAN cable and noise filters. Not sure what LAN cable you’re currently using but for starters, a high quality LAN cable like Supra CAT 8 and a noise filter like Acoustic Revive RLI-1GB-TripleC should further enhance your streaming experience. 

More to discover