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
mdalton's avatar
mdalton
480 posts
 

At least conceptually, there is a pretty easy way to explain the OP’s experience of cable differences.  Coax is potentially susceptible to RFI and other non-jitter noise coming from the network.  And as with jitter, DACs vary with respect to how, and the extent to which, they filter out noise from a source.  So if the DAC9 is susceptible to this type of noise - in contrast to how it handles jitter - then one can imagine a difference in sound if a cable with better RF shielding is used.  This issue is the whole reason for the existence of the Sonore optical products.  Occam’s razor strikes again.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,183 posts
 

Coax is susceptible to RFI yes and that translates to jitter. But two different model cables from AQ…I’ve experienced pretty big difference in signal cables and USB but never with coax. Plus the DAC will reclock it anyway.

I’m letting it go but putting the DAC 9 on the list for when I get sick and tired of differences between streamers. Hehehe

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
480 posts
 

As explained previously, reclocking does nothing with respect to RF/EMI and other non-jitter sources of noise.  RFI/EMI are not the same as jitter.  The OP indicates that he can hear a difference between an $80 cable and a $230 cable from the same manufacturer.  The manufacturer describes the shielding of the $230 cable differently - I would hope so for a $150 difference!   And I’m sure the OP is deeply grateful that you’re “letting it go.”  

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,183 posts
 

Cool it mdalton. I’m letting it go for me not for OP. I was trying to understand the underlying reasons. That’s all. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,183 posts
 

Also…EMI on digital cables does impact timing (voltage fluctuations) and that’s jitter as far as clocking is concerned.

More to discover