I’d keep them separate unless you’re severely space constrained. If you’re happy with the Aurender then I’d just add the best streamer you can that’s in your budget. A good bet is the new Innuos Pulse Mini that’s $1250 and includes their Sense app that gets very good reviews for both user interface and sound quality, which is very important and often an area where streamers can fall short. Innuos also offers excellent customer support if needed. Just one option to ponder FWIW.
Ethernet streaming
Many high end dac’s now have built in streaming capability via Ethernet. Is this a better way to go than adding a separate streamer to feed the dac? In my case, streaming Qobuz and using roon. Also have an Aurender dac/pre that wouldn’t be needed if dac only streaming was used. Wondering about the advantages and disadvantages of these two approaches. I’m sure this has been discussed before, but I can’t find it.
- ...
- 36 posts total
Op often a seperate streamer will ojuperform an ethernet direct con ection
We sell the Bricasti m3 and we get far better sound by using our 432Evo Aeon via usb into the dac the combo sounds amazing
You have an auredER allready so I would trade it in and upgrade to an even better streamer plus dac or a really good streaming dac
DAVE AND troy AUdio Intellect Nj STREAMING AUDIO SPECIALISTS |
I switched my music streaming to using Audirvana Studio software on my MAC Laptop Computer (14-inch MacBook Pro M2 12 Core/19CPU). I use Audirvana Studio remote on my iPad to find the albums, playlists, etc. My Bricasti 21 DAC connects to the Interent using an Ethernet cable to my MAC COMPUTER. This setup has resulted in my music being clearer and more open (replaced my sever). BTW, the Audirvana Studio interface is excellent. I have many sorting options including label name searching. Audirvana is easy to use (yes, there is a learning curve). Audirvana has many additional settings that I have to review. The removal of the music streamer, and having the Bricasti DAC connect directly to my MAC computer has removed a layer from the Music and made it more musical and clearer. I was not expecting this much improvement. I was not expecting the use of Audirvana Studio App to improve the sound quality this much. It is amazing. I was also concerned about the Audirvana Studio interface but I learned it very quickly. Yes, I am still learning but making good progress. See link to Audirvana Studio App: As noted above, everyone has a different opinion on using a streamer vs. using a DAC connection using an Ethernet connection. I suggest you do more research and, if possible, schedule a demo so you can decide for yourself. Obviously, the question is what sounds good to you.
|
In general separate function components are better. By separating the internal components further typically greater fidelity can be achieved. Additionally, you have more flexibility as you can only upgrade the streamer or upgrade the DAC. Unless you simply do not have the room, separates are the way to go if high sound quality is your objective. |
That is very much the same way Srajan does with his system. He's tried many servers and found that something like the Taiko Supreme was needed to better his setup but wasn't willing to drop $34K on it. I don't stream but find his reasoning and findings reasonable. All the best, |
- 36 posts total