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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
abnerjack
207 posts
 

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

dhite71 OP
328 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
3,995 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.

dhite71 OP
328 posts
 

I never thought about the music format/quality

100% of my streaming is done from Qobuz

jimmy2615
440 posts
 

No, you’re not insane. Differences with digital equipment can be quite subtle. I find the recording used to hear differences can be important. A good solo piano recording often helps to reveal differences. And with a streamer, it may not be in the obvious parameters like tone or bass quantity, but in less obvious things like image solidity, stability, or noise floor. Sometimes these things can be heard in the space in between notes. If you have really busy music, they may not be apparent. If your room is not treated, they may not be apparent. Etc., etc…. For my needs, I decided a long time ago to look at features needed (e.g., inputs, outputs, storage, Roon ready, etc.) in these devices over alleged sonic advantages.

Right now I happen to have a $400 streamer I bought for other purposes.  Using its SPDIF output with a $10 cable into my DAC sounds about the same as the main streamer, which is optically isolated, uses much more expensive cables, an outboard power supply, and isolation devices.  There is a difference but it is very subtle.  

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