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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
mclinnguy's avatar
mclinnguy
492 posts
 

@tkunau are you having issues functioning? Could you please delete all 8 of your duplicate posts above by clicking on the top right of each post?

@wsrrsw thanks, I’ll check that one out. By the way, I was browsing some older threads (which I frequently do), and have not yet thanked you for your recommendation for Cyrus Chestnut- fantastic tunes and exceptional recording quality! Others who like jazz and aren’t aware check out the vivacious track "Decisions, decisions" yes from album Earth Stories.

And more inline with this thread, if someone plugs in an "upgraded" server/streamer/renderer "properly", and still can’t perceive any sonic improvement in the resonance of the lower piano notes on "Grandma’s Blues", then I suggest save your money! And waste it somewhere else, like on Taylor Swift tickets.

tkunau
12 posts
 

@mclinnguy all but the original posts deleted.

mclinnguy's avatar
mclinnguy
492 posts
 

yes

asctim
492 posts
 

@dogearedaudio 

I think that all fits within my current understanding.

mtbiker29's avatar
mtbiker29
173 posts
 

Add me to the list of "wanting to upgrade but don't see the value".  Have done blind A/B tests with BS Node vs. Lumin and HiFi Rose (the latter on balanced inputs no less).  Using the Rose example, had a musician friend come over.  Did maybe 10 A/B tests with primarily Fleetwood Mac Rumors via Qobuz synched for volume with db meter.  Maybe 5 times he preferred Rose, 2 times the Node and 3 times a draw.  

If I was quantifying the difference I would say on the order of 1% better, but certainly not worth nearly $5K.   The search continues.  

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