Streamer between Roon Nucleus Plus and DAC


Currently using my Nucleus to output via USB into a proprietary fiber optic interface that then connects to the DAC. Anything to be gained by putting a streamer in between the Nucleus and the interface? Or replacing the Nucleus with another device altogether? I do like Roon. 

128x128tcutter

I wrote a longer answer but Audiogo gremlins killed it.

Since you use fibre just before the DAC you can add a streamer and get the benefit of moving your Nucleus away from your audio systems. Now I am not sure if that has any benefit since I assume your Nucleus is silent.

 

Everything matters, but if you're looking to improve sound quality of your digital playback, the DAC is where most of the magic happens, and that's where I suggest you consider investing.

I had a Nucleus and an Aqua La Voce S3 DAC.  I replaced the DAC with a Rockna Wavedream Signature DAC, which resulted in a significant improvement in everything - dynamics, clarity, detail, soundstage, etc. 

Many reviews and end user testimonials said that the DAC would perform its best with the matching Wavedream NET server and connecting them via i2s.  Replacing the server was honestly somewhat disappointing.  The difference in sound quality, if any, was negligible.  The biggest upside to the Wavedream NET is that it has a very good CD transport that is completely isolated from the server and provides excellent sound quality when fed to the Wavedream DAC.  

I believe my DAC is good enough. I am curious as to whether or not I can feed it a better signal than directly from the Nucleus Plus. Of note, the optical interface only accepts USB.