Help settle a streaming argument!

Everything matters and effects SQ, including a higher quality streamer, of course.

OP ,  I'm using Bluesound Node 22i for years as a streamer with an external DAC  (it's DAC is not good) . It is a good streamer, the software is nice, easy to use and works  reliable enough. Reading so much, in threads like this, on a "day and night" difference between the sound production of different streamers and also because I wanted to have a digital music library as well, just recently I bought a Melco N50 series music server. While the Node can work both, wireless and with Ethernet connections, Melco servers work only with Ethernet cable. Melco still needs burn in. I did a  careful a/b comparison using  ethernet connection of the Node and the N50. In general the myth about night and day differences is clearly an exaggeration. At the same time, despite the fact that I was pessimistic in finding any tangible differences in sound quality, there is some difference: the server gives a little more cleaner sound reproduction, with more open and wider soundstage. Just to say, my wife would not distinguish the two, but for me the difference is still  essential: the Melco gives a nice finish that makes the sound closer to perfect, for me. At the same time, I think the better is your system, in general, the less you will note the differences, although this may sound contradictory for some guys. 

I am shopping for a streamer. Does anyone have any links to article or reviews that show the differences in steamer output that results in these night and day differences? Numerous of reviews measure distortion numbers for amps, DACs, and plots/curves for speakers. Like in the reviews for amps, DACs, and speakers, it would be great to see the output variations between these different streamers (digital or after the DAC). I have seen test results for streamers with a DAC, but not for only the streamer. For people like me who are shopping, it might help in the process. It is not always possible to have 3 or 4 at home to compare them.

OP. I myself is new to streaming. I’m mostly and analog guy. Yes streamers do make a big difference when hooking up to an external dac. Rather than speculating and asking everyone here why not go and listen yourself and form your own conclusions? And Yes bits are bits and they “SHOULD” sound the same in an ideal situation but in reality the situation serving the data is never ideal hence there is a difference in sound. 

@niodari At the same time, I think the better is your system, in general, the less you will note the differences, although this may sound contradictory for some guys.

 

Yes this is contradictory to me.  The more resolving the system the easier it is to hear the effects of different components. I easily appreciated the upgrade path from Macbook > Node (great entry level streamer) > internal Bridges in PS Audio Direct Stream , Auralic Vega and MM Tambaqui > Auralic Aries G2 > now my Grimm MU1. (feeding MM Tambaqui DAC).