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Help settle a streaming argument!

This is a SQ argument and is as follows-  I argue if you connect your streamer to an outboard DAC the streamer does not matter it’s just serving the music to the outboard DAC to do the work.  Therefore, buy a basic streamer.  The other is that you need to buy a top quality streamer and DAC to get great SQ. 
 

I liken it to cd players or the more pretentious cd transport argument- if the intent is to connect to outboard DAC the cd player doesn’t matter the outboard DAC DOES!
 

features and functionality aside!  Thoughts…..

polkalover
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,330 posts
 

@fastfreight ​​@ghdprentice

+1 ….Big Time

u wanna fast litmus test ? Toddle down to your local bricks and mortar dealer and do a simple bakeoff .
Superior Build quality, overall design, and power supplies matter. The entirely predictable stepped up audio performance results will be confirmed … full stop.

 

 

audiodwebe's avatar
audiodwebe
249 posts
 

At one time I was comparing three different streamers and three DACs.  I was rather surprised that I heard bigger differences in sound quality with the streamers than I did the DACs.

 

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
11,020 posts
 

Yes, the question was answered as the DAC remained the constant and going to a better streamer made all the difference. I think your premise about pretentious CDT arguments laid bare your bias.

All the best,
Nonoise

mike_in_nc
1,165 posts
 

It seems logical that the streamer (or CD transport) should not matter, but my experience has been (in both cases) that it does.

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
1,014 posts
 

Streamers make a difference in SQ in my experience

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