2. amps-preamps
  3. 182613-14281

streaming and audiophile stereo

I have heard it said that an audio system is only as good as its weakest link. I want to complete a system that will give me access to lots of music by Tidal and Roon, and I want the music played through some true audiophile components.  I am used to tube preamps, and will probably go that way again, though ss remains a possibility.  The speakers I intend to use are very efficient - 20 watts of amplification would be ample.  Here's my question:  in such a system, how important, and how variable, are the audio qualities of the digital source component - the streamer - at the front end?  If it does MQA does that alone mean it is the highest quality audio possible at this end of the system?  Or do some that accommodate MQA provide better sound than others that also accommodate MQA?  I see lots of reviews of features of these components, but not much about their individual sonic qualities.  Leaving aside features and convenience, are some better sounding than others and would this depend entirely on the DAC used?

128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xtwilightround
ltmandella's avatar
ltmandella
122 posts
 

Any poorly performing link in the chain of reproduction can have detrimental effect on fidelity and listening enjoyment.

Having said that, there is no guarantee that more $$ spent on one component type over another will be worth the money.  

I think this is especially true when it comes to streaming audio quality.

Case in point:  some multi-thousand dollar streamers from very well known and reputable manufacturers use RASPBERRY PI as their processor.  

And I know from my own experience that the RPI sounds incredible with the right DAC hat.  And I bought my RPI 4 for about $60 and the hat for an additional $60.

 

 

 

 

tonywinga's avatar
tonywinga
844 posts
 

The 24 bit delusion paper is nothing new- except for being probably the most emotional technical paper that I have ever read.  But then it is not really a technical paper.  It is a sales pitch for the writer's own DACs.  

Some of what he says is true.  20 bit resolution is about the upper limit.  So why record 24 bit?  Because the master source should be better than the 2nd and 3rd generation copies.  The recording industry was built upon a high standard master recording in the analog world.  Interesting that the professionals in the industry stuck to that standard in the digital world.  Is is a paradigm issue or something more?  Perhaps one day in the future a true 24 bit resolution DAC will be available for the consumer.  

R2R DACs are becoming all the rage lately most likely due to manufacturing costs. DAC chips are getting scarcer thus more costly which makes R2R ladder DAC production more competitive.  R2R ladder DACs are not new and when done well can sound incredible.  Question always comes down to cost/dollar.  We consumers are fortunate to have a choice.

russbutton's avatar
russbutton
410 posts
 

Bits is bits.  That's the beauty of digital.  Your most cost effective streamer is a dedicated laptop PC.  Spend a pile on some streamer and it won't sound a bit different.

 

Bits is bits.

ghasley
2,439 posts
 

@russbutton 

Bits is bits.

To which dedicated streamers have you compared to which laptops to arrive at your conclusion? To which dac(s)? Thanks in advance.

gagecauchois
11 posts
 

I'm using a Lindemann Limetree Bridge II streaming Qobuz into my Denafrips Pontus II DAC and on to my Ayon Scorpio EL34 tube amp.  Tekton Perfect Set 2-10 speakers.

The sound is absolutely sublime!

More to discover