Does the streamer effect sound quality


I have a Bluesound streamer device and I have been wondering if I change to a Cambridge cxn v2 streamer will the sound quality improve. I am only using these devices as a streamer to play tidal. They will be streaming to my Cary cdp dac via rca input. 
 

 

 

dvdgreco

If you are using the DACs in the streamers, the sound will vary more between them than if you are using the digital outputs only.

Do streamers matter? Yes absolutely they matter.
But…in my opinion a move from the Bluesound to Cambridge is not much if an upgrade. Going from Bluesound to something like a Lumin U1 Mini or U2 Mini will be a bigger step up. You can find a used U1 Mini with an SBooster power supply upgrade. That would be nice. Don’t waste time and money on lateral moves like the bluesound to Cambridge.

Everything can make a difference.  Each case is different even with different protocols or inputs on each streamer.  Only way to know, in lieu of detailed technical reviews, is to try.  Many people report improvements moving off Bluesound.  I’ve been streaming for years and currently run Cambridge streamers which I think offer very good sound quality and  value.  

+2, @mgattmch

There are only two types of folks, those who actually took the leap and found that streamer quality matters. And, then there are those who chose to speculate without trying anything that change to a better streamer can’t make a difference.

Those arguing for a significant upgrade to see a difference in streamer are right on the money.

The thrust of my point is 

(a) too many people get the DAC mixed up in their evaluation of the streamer's sound quality. These two elements must first be separated in order of a real comparison to be made, and 

(b) people need to understand what is improving in the streamer setup. For those who don't want to spend many times what a Node costs can make a very sizable improvement by paying attention to one key element -- the power supply.

By improving that, they can up their game and then save money for what may be other, weaker links in their system.