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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
romanesq
93 posts
 

 

@lalitk

Can’t take any credit on the amplifier focus at onset as I heard it mentioned originally by Mike Moffat or Schiit Audio. He emphasized some years ago that the DAC craze was out of hand and the changes between varied ones was not that large and more significant gains would be found by focusing on amplification.

Think about it. A guy who at that time was in the DAC business pointing in another direction entirely: amplification. What a legend.

As for the copper ethernet vs. fiber discussion, I’ve made connections and seen how that goes with varied system iterations. Have seen copper beat fiber and vice versa. Think a router from a service like Verizon with fiber-optic internet is easily superior to other offerings and so if that’s available, an entire system review is warranted.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,320 posts
 

@lalitk for the price and with Music Direct return policy I might try it at some point. 

lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,593 posts
 

@audphile1 👍

mtbiker29's avatar
mtbiker29
174 posts
 

@audphile1 
"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 sure there was any ambiguity worthy of the snark....But since you can't hear the difference why even bother with a proper setup?  I'm sure Crosley has a product for you.  

yyzsantabarbara
4,925 posts
 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8Y4RWYS?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

I bought this to stream fibre to my main rig. It will connect to a Sonore OpticalRendu. It is still sitting in my mailbox, and I will test is out on Sat once I get my DAC back from a friend. I expect it to work perfectly, since I do the same thing with my other 2 DACs. Those DACs use different network switches that cost a lot more and a bit more.

 

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