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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
soix
10,166 posts
 

Is there a 3,000 dollar streamer that's as easy to use as a Node?

@mbmi The Innuos Pulse is usually $3800 but Audio Advisor currently has it discounted to $2355 (not sure why).  Much better performance than the Node and comes with their Sense app that gets very high marks for both usability and sound.  Great customer support too.

 
https://www.audioadvisor.com/inpulse-sil

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
2,023 posts
 

Playing moderator here:  Nobody has said what an expensive streamer does differently than a budget streamer.

Are bits dropped?

Are the output files supposed to be identical or does a streamer have lattitude is translating a data file to a music file?

Jitter?  It can't be just jitter can it?

Other?

Jerry

cleeds
6,105 posts
 
carlsbad2

Playing moderator here: Nobody has said what an expensive streamer does differently than a budget streamer.

Yes they have. Perhaps you just don't care for the explanations.

baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,535 posts
 

Silly question. Everything matters at the audiophile level. Why would anyone go cheap on any part of an audiophile system. The way the OP is thinking makes me cringe about the cables he may be using or recommending to his friend.

polkalover OP
130 posts
 

@baylinor  - your condescending answer will be dismissed!  arrogance does not equate to knowledge or intelligence! 

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