2. pc-audio
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What is the added value of a streamer over a networked dedicated Computer

Hi

I see lots of sales pitches for streamers as digital sources, and plenty on this site advocating them. I get that they're a purpose-built user interface but, apart from that convenience, including a visual display on the device, (i) do they really deliver better hi-fi sound as a source over a well set up computer dedicated to hi-fibreoriduction (ii) if so, why?

Here's some background to my question(s). I currently use a dedicated Mac Mini with SSD (headlessly) and Audirvana Plus software through a USB DAC. I tend to listen to digital files on external drives (wired connections). Some are high Definition eg Flac, some are aiff ripped from my extensive CD collection. Currently I only tend to use Spotify etc to test if I like music and invest in actual downloads of the music I like.  In day to day use the Mac Mini/Audirvana Plus (virtual) player is controlled using its remote app on an iPad on the same Network. If I wanted I could add high quality online streaming from, eg, Tidal. Whilst that would expand the breadth of music I have immediate access to, it seems to me to add another potential source of interruption/corruption of data flow. The Audirvana software overrides/bypasses detrimental computer audio elements and processes keeping the data path simple and dedicated to hifi audio replay.

So what, sound quality-wise, would a standalone streamer device using NAS or other drive storage and/or online web connection bring to the party? It seems to me it's just a digital device containing effectively the components of a computer with a button (or remote) interface. I understand the old argument that it's dedicated and not doing other things simultaneously and that computers are traditionally electrically noisy environments but I'm currently sceptical that with a dedicated computer, not being used for other purposes, and running a virtual device like Audirvana Plus which effectively switches off internal functions which might compromise sound, this is a real problem. Also it seems that a "dedicated streamer" contains many elements which are effectively computing elements. Note that I have no industry connection or monetary interest from Audirvana or Apple.

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yage
399 posts
 

Timing is usually a non-issue with USB since the advent of asynchronous mode. For a reference, see this document by XMOS, maker of USB audio interfaces used by manufacturers.  The key takeaway is on p.4:

Asynchronous mode enables external clock sources to be used as the master, or a low-jitter clock in the device.

Interfaces such as SPDIF (coax or optical) might exhibit higher jitter since clock recovery is done using the incoming digital signal though a clever scheme called biphase mark coding. However, considerable jitter needs to be introduced before audible effects can be heard.

 

Given that your DAC has multiple digital inputs and if you like the sound, I don't see a compelling reason why you couldn't use one of the other inputs for a streamer.

12many
221 posts
 

This is a great thread with great info. I started streaming on a PC. I have a used Node 2i coming this week to try it out. Fun to try new things.

The exclusive mode/driver/format changes on a PC are a pain so I want to try the node. In defense of the computer, it is nice to have one connected because it allows access to other content. I can watch or listen to concerts or songs on YouTube, netflix, or amazon or other music access web sites. Good way to sample and buy high res songs too.  We were watching a Zepplin concert and it was great. Sound was not high res, but still to listen and watch was fun.  Lots of great content on YouTube with the video - again, not perfect audio, but still good music.  

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,456 posts
 

Just picked up an Aurender N200 and it is awesome.  So much better sounding than my PC to my DAC and also much better than the Vault 2i it is replacing 

I am loving this thing so far.   

Super quiet , good user interface,  super convenient,  sound quality is top notch.

ghdprentice
6,382 posts
 

Congratulations!
 

I remember the moment I heard my Aurender N100 for the first time… I couldn’t believe it. Finally, high end audio sound without a turntable. I quickly progressed to the N10 and finally Aurenders flagship, each more impressive than the last. Welcome to the club.

jssmith
295 posts
 

@yage 

"However, considerable jitter needs to be introduced before audible effects can be heard."

Bingo. And yet people still waste thousands of dollars on DACs when a $130 SMSL would more than suffice. It takes just 5 minutes to look up a measurement. Not a bad time investment to possibly save thousands.

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