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

@dogearedaudio 

I think that all fits within my current understanding.

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.  

@mtbiker29 
sounds like you were comparing these units as full featured using their DACs. And all three DACs sounded more or less the same with you quantifying about 1% difference between the three? Can you even hear a 1% difference? I know I can’t. You must have extremely sensitive hearing. But then again all these units sounded the same to you. I’m confused. Can anyone help me sort thru this 🐂 💩…someone should be buying Taylor Swift tickets…

Not too surprised by this streaming discussion. It’s apparent that if you have a well performing system, you will see bigger gains in other areas as the streaming factors have been advancing steadily over recent years.

The streamer vs. DAC chatter is an interesting one but amplification quality with speakers are big drivers and IMHO, the amplifier is the first place for investment then speakers. There’s a great level of improvement in the DAC and streamer world. Factoring in those gains is getting harder as the improvements in recent years with the tech have rapidly filled gaps.

I’d like to do more testing on the streamer side. I’ve made gains with fiber internet, then CISCO boxes and fiber running to a streamer. It sounds great in my system even compared against an M1 MacBook Air running Roon direct.

Roon seems to have made strong improvement to sound quality of late and running it direct through systems output versus a WiiM Pro with 5v external ps to an RME ADI-2 DAC is outstanding. I run unique tube amp mono blocks and recapped McIntosh LS340 floor standing speakers. 

Have never seen such a narrowing of sound quality differential with Roon direct streaming vs. RAAT streaming to date. That says a lot about the gap narrowing with the right choices along the way. Fiber is probably the biggest game changer (from fiber router) making these gains possible. YMMV

@romanesq 

I’ve made gains with fiber internet, then CISCO boxes and fiber running to a streamer......Fiber is probably the biggest game changer (from fiber router) making these gains possible. YMMV

I have read that a few times over the years, and saw some Youtube videos where some swore by it- cheapest tweak to improve your streaming sound. So I tried it-

I got a Cisco switch with sfp output, figured out how to configure it and entered the commands to get it to work, got a 50' fibre cable and the modules, and connected them after the router and before the EtherRegen. I believe I can hear the difference, but it is very slight, and I concluded that I prefer the generic cat7 copper ethernet cable over the fibre- less "glassy"  I get more of a difference in the sound by changing any other cable in my system. So for me it was a waste of $200, but you don't know until you try. 

I have read numerous posts from Lumin users who claim to get the huge "game changer" benefits you subscribe to. 

amplification quality with speakers are big drivers and IMHO, the amplifier is the first place for investment then speakers. 

It would be nice to get some ATC actives, or a Grimm system where one doesn't have to worry about this- I admit it does appeal to me.