2. digital
  3. 192188-93199

Discerning a difference between streamers is difficult...only me or common for all?

I have struggled to appreciate the upgrade to the streamer in my system. A couple years ago I had an Audio Research DAC 8 being fed by a Bluesound Node 2i. I picked up an Aurender N10 and did not appreciate anything so sold the N10. I tried a couple all-in-one units. First was the Aurender A20 and I was happy but curious about dCS. I got a Bartok 2.0 and felt the music was more natural sounding from the Bartok and sold the A20. I have always wanted the Audio Research DAC 9 to match all my other AR gear so got one that showed up on eBay a couple weeks ago. Since I couldn’t use the Bartok to stream I ordered a new Bluesound Node Nano so I could utilize the DAC 9 immediately. The pair sounded wonderful but I did not compare it to the Bartok. I ended up getting a quick buyer and it was already gone. The following week I purchase an Aurender W20. I was prepared to have my mind blown....but no. Some albums I could not tell any difference in the sound and others I think the W20 sounded slightly better but again...nothing huge. For the money and the space the W20 took on my shelf, I sold it. Over the years I always appreciate upgrades for all other components. This makes me feel like I am losing my mind. Have any others experienced this regarding streamers? I want to try more. Auralic and Lumin are on my list.

Thanks,

Dana

dhite71
dhite71 OP
324 posts
 

I know my title is extreme and realize that many experience just as you.  I could tell more differences between the different DACs I had over the years with the Node 2i.  I went through Schiit Gumby and Yggy and then the AR DAC 8 and a 7.  I suppose it's a blessing as I am happy with a $300 streamer haha

abnerjack
207 posts
 

Apparently you are not drinking the koolaid.  My experience is the same as yours.  I would expect someone will comment that either your equipment or your ears are not up to snuff.

abnerjack
207 posts
 

Or maybe you don't have a good digital cable.

dhite71 OP
324 posts
 

The funny thing is that when I had the Node 2i, I got a few different coax cables and could distinguish a big difference between the 25yo Audioquest cable I had compared to the newer AQ Carbon I switched to.  

For this set up I got a new AQ Cinnamon coax.  I also tried a Carbon XLR cable with the W20 and did not appreciate anything between that and the Cinnamon.

I heard more between the A20 and the Bartok....guessing that was more comparing DACs than their respective streaming.

mitch2
3,985 posts
 

I use a separate server and streamer, and I noticed quite an improvement when I added the Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe (optical) to perform streamer-only duties (Roon endpoint) in my system. On the server side (used to store digital music files and handle Roon core), I could hear no meaningful difference between servers from Antipodes, Mojo Audio, and my current sonicTransporter i9 (Gen 4). That may be different for listeners who challenge their servers with higher level DSD material.

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