2. digital
  3. 180620-4358

Do I need a streamer?

Streaming devices, with or without an internal DAC, seem to be very popular these days, so I am wondering if I am missing out on something.  I have Audirvana on my iMac that streams Tidal and music from my 8 TB external HD.  My iMac resides next to my audio rack and I connect my iMac via an optical cable (Fibbr) to my Aqua LaVoce DAC.  It seems to me that my iMac and external HD take the place of a streaming device.  Am I missing out on something other than convenience?  My external HD was a few hundred bucks and streamers a whole lot more.  The sound of my system is fantastic. 

whitestix
pprocter
26 posts
 

@soix Thanks for the suggestion! That was actually my next upgrade planned. I've been slogging around trying to choose the best option. I was looking at the pd Creative kit but they don't offer a USA 120v power supply and the shipping from Poland for just the circuit board is quite pricy! Do you have any options you've tried or considered?

soix
9,456 posts
 

Sorry, I’m far from an expert on power supplies, but I know Teddy Pardo products get nice reviews although there may be others at lower prices that will still get you significant improvements.  I just can’t remember their names.  Buy used if you can is my best advice as power supplies should last a long time and are very robust.  Best of luck. 

jssmith
311 posts
 

Nope. Bits are bits.

mendef
54 posts
 

I have an IFI Zen Stream to my DAC (Gustard X26 pro) 

Would a different dedicated streamer make a difference?

jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

I have an IFI Zen Stream to my DAC (Gustard X26 pro) 

Would a different dedicated streamer make a difference?

 

in zen stream is an excellent streamer for sonic quality... especially if it is powered by a nice linear power supply 

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