New DAC or New Streamer?

@fthompson251 

Just to be clear I haven't heard the Innuos or the Aurender yet but they're on the radar. I have been receiving from a few folks feedback that's been quite favorable toward Aurender units. I need to explore more.

Charles

@charles1dad

I own the Innuos Zenith 3 and can tell you that Sense sounds far better than Roon on an Innuos player. Roon sounds flat and dull compared to Sense. Sense is more open sounding with better inner detail retrieval and improved realism. Roon’s bass is thicker and has less articulation compared to Sense.

The Sense program is miles ahead of where it was when it was first introduced. I must say Roon is a slightly better interface in terms of available artist info, lyrics, navigation and such. It just is. Roon radio is a very nice feature not offered in Sense. It plays artists similar to the ones you know and love and is a great way to learn of artists you may come to really enjoy. As much as I like the Roon interface I simply can no longer listen to it after hearing Sense! This coming from a Roon lifetime member 😬  

I highly recommend getting the Network Acoustics Muon filter package with your streamer. It really improves the streaming experience by improving the realism and your connection to the music. It peels away noise that disrupts engagement. Wonderful piece with a trial period.

I have found that the better the dac the MORE important the server/streamer and other network tweaks become. You need a great server/streamer to hear all your dac has to offer. Upgrades like ethernet filters, ethernet cables, and linear power supplies on your modem/router and switch become more important with a better dac. That’s if you want to hear all your new and more expensive dac can deliver.

A less resolving dac with lower fidelity will not benefit as much from a high quality streamer/server and the various network upgrades.

Also, our playback systems are comprised of more than digital front ends so our amplification and speakers must also be up to the task. Oh my it never ends!

@grannyring

Hi Bill, I appreciate your insight and observations very much. I getting my feet wet with regard to audio streaming. Plenty for me to learn and process. I’m determined to get it right with this venture. My new DAC will be shipped from the Ukraine very soon as construction is completed.

I have a splendid CD transport waiting for its arrival. I’d like to also pair it with a high quality streamer/server. So I’ll take my time.😊

Charles

If it were me, I’d live with what I have until I saved up enough to upgrade both the streamer and the DAC at the same time.