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

Not true a cheap streamer creates a lot of noise ,it has a cheap $10 wall wart powersupply .  Plus junk for parts ,rule of thumb 25% at most goes into the cost including packaging ,   R&D over head and markup. Meaning a $1k streamer less then $225 that’s complete , pure rubbish .

a good LPS powersupply like $750 linear tube audio ,is a great buy  I have one on my Motorola 8702 modem- router , and makes a solid difference in not only wifi forthe tv  but much lower noise ,going to my SW8 Hub witha ocxo oven controlled clock, Talema LPS and low noise regulators, for$600 a excellent buy ,and added a good Hifi tuning fuse ,and Pangea sig mk2 awg14 power cord , all make it even betterstill.

Those of us who have actually done the experiment, switching from either a computer or low quality streamer to a high quality streamer, have heard an unmistakable improvement in sound quality. Even if we don't have the technical know-how to explain it. However, other, smarter people have said it boils down to jitter. Even the best DACs don't eliminate 100% of jitter. Feeding them a signal with less jitter helps DACs reduce jitter more than they could on their own. The very reputable hi-fi company Antipodes used to have a lengthy, very clearly written primer on the subject posted on their site. A cursory check indicates it's no longer there. But they do have a discussion forum that might cover the topic.