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

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

@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.  

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.

 

“I expect it to work perfectly”

@yyzsantabarbara 

Sure it will, otherwise it wouldn’t have made it through the QC test. The bigger question is - IF this switch is going to bring any audible improvement to your connected gear?