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
+1 ,,, big time. I too dumped by BRYSTON BDP1USB and BDA2 stablemates, because of BRYSTON’s Jurassic era utility and infuriating “Manic Mooss ’ digital interface, As @mahler123 has pointed out….its a must to avoid. I I upgraded to a MOON 280D MiND2 network player/ streamer/ DAC that is flawless at its pricepoint.and a step-up in audio performance from the BRYSTON pair that was not insignificant. |
@audphile1 I did create my virtual system and listed my components but did not see a way to upload a picture. The field is there but nothing to click I am now comparing coax cables from the Node Nano to the DAC 9. My initial purchase was for an Audioquest Cinnamon as it was inexpensive and allowed me to set up the Nano immediately. A friend that utilizes USB brought over his two coax that he had in storage Audioquest Carbon Clearer Audio Silver-Line Optimus Reference I am appreciating about the same level of improvement, possibly a bit more going all the way to the Clearer Audio. I am currently listening to Sting and at the 1 min mark on Seven Days the music picks up its pace and was bright with some ear fatigue with the Cinnamon. The Carbon calmed it down to be enjoyable but still a bit bright. The Clearer Audio completely smoothed out the sound to be more like vinyl. My friend has better ears than I and we compared together the other night and he had the same feelings about the differences. I am thinking now to pick up a few more cables that offer a trial period to extend the shootout. Audio Envy and Snake River are a couple contenders. Why would you even consider calling BS on someone’s experience. We are in such a subjective arena here and all any of us can do is trust our ears. What’s good for one may not be for another...happens all the time. |
@dhite71 when you’re on Audiogon home page click on the hamburger menu at top right, then click your username, click My Virtual Systems. When you get to next page couck the Action drop down and select edit. You should be able to see the option to add images. I said I won’t call BS but I will question your findings. Not the same as considering calling BS. There are too many factors that can impact the difference you perceive between streamers or DACs or any other components when compared. This includes what I mentioned in my original post as well as how you compare…meaning the actual method/strategy used to compare components. In example you have both streamers playing the same song from qobuz and they’re connected to different inputs on your DAC and you repeatedly and rapidly switch back and forth as opposed to taking your time with each unit to analyze the sound and other attributes and make notes on sonic characteristics of each. When you compare phono amps, you take your time to listen to each unit playing at least one full song before you flip to the other phono stage that involves disconnecting and reconnecting. Just few examples. If you hear different digital cables sound different but you can’t discern differences between streamers, it’s fine by me. I’m just questioning your approach. There’s not enough information in your OP to go by |
To add…I’m not familiar with DAC 9 but I did own CD3 MkII back in a day with LS-25 and Ref 1 preamps. Huge fan of Audio Research and loved the CD3. |
It is possible for a DAC to reclock, even when SPDIF is used. The DAC 9 manual indicates that it uses “reclocking for all outputs”. I think that may be why the streamer wouldn’t matter, even using SPDIF. In addition, the purpose of reclocking is to eliminate jitter from the incoming signal. If a source is a low jitter device to begin with, reclocking may have de minimus effect. |
