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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.

joc3021
adasdad's avatar
adasdad
126 posts
 

In my opinion it’s best to go with a separate DAC and streamer simply because it can sound better if you take the time to put things together correctly. 

Post removed 
hgeifman
2,113 posts
 

+1, “In my opinion it’s best to go with a separate DAC and streamer simply because it can sound better if you take the time to put things together correctly”.

Separates also give you the option to upgrade them separately.

erik_squires
15,911 posts
 

I don’t think there’s a technical reason why separates would be better, in fact if we can remove one cable (say the USB) from the equation you have an easier time controlling all issues related to jitter.

Having said that, there are good reasons for keeping them separate. Being able to pick the sound quality of the DAC, and the software that is used to stream separately are really nice for me. For instance, I only use Android control devices, some famous streamers are Apple only. Next, what happens when a new streaming service comes along and you want to keep your DAC but the streaming software is no longer being updated? Replacing a relatively inexpensive streaming component down the road means I can keep my DAC investment.

In my case my streamer is a Raspberry Pi based device, around $200 with the fancy power supply and case. If my software is no longer adequate or I wish to use an unsupported service I can swap it out without issue.  The same for network features, such as Wifi 6, etc.  In these cases having a separate streamer makes your DAC future proof.

antigrunge2
1,366 posts
 

@erik_squires,

your argument is somewhat specious since the leading server manufacturers such as InnuOS, Aurender or Auralic are unlikely to stop updating their software. Conversely combining everything into one unit could have significant advantages:

- justifying inclusion of a superior power supply and clock

- obviating lossy USB or AES/EBU connections by using a common bus

- allowing for better components by saving on boxes.

 

As long as computer audio and Roon pursue their approach of separate streamer and renderer it will be a while before everything gets integrated.

 

 

 

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