Ethernet streaming

@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.

your argument is somewhat specious

@antigrunge2

Nothing like being called specious to end my day.

I make similar arguments you do to the benefits of a single unit but I guess you decided to ignore my post after you decided I was specious.

Look, I am sure those companies you named are fine organizations, but we’ve all seen organizations we thought would be around for a long time suddenly go poof or decide a particular market was no longer worth it, or, often, they decide that a previous device has reached end of life, or take too long to add a service we could find with a new streamer.

So, I take the word specious and throw it back in your face with prejudice.

My original post pointed out good and bad points of each approach.

I didn’t refer to you but to your argument as specious. That’s not the same thing. The demise of manufacturers of DACs and streamers seems about equally likely.

Nothing to add.

I was expecting and hoping to see more about the dCS Bartok.  I recently visited a dealer that was over the top of how amazing they are.  There seem to be a fair share on the used market so that could be good or bad as they have a few levels up from there.  If I remember correctly they developed a new design DAC, called ring.  I haven't read too much but have been very curious about having that combined DAC-Streamer.

Is this a better way to go than adding a separate streamer to feed the dac? 

It’s a trade off- cost vs performance

Cost savings: keeping multiple functions (streamer, DAC) within a single box saves on additional casework costs and extra cabling 

Performance: it’s usually better to separate functions to separate boxes minimize electrical noise.  Streamer quality also impacts sonics.  Also, upgrade path easier as you only have to replace one component’s function