My SACD Transport feeds so much better signal to my DAC compared with streaming end...


I mostly use Roon to stream my 2000+ album digital collection with Bluesound Node + Ideon 3R Master Time reclocker + Ideon Ayazi MKII DAC. Recently I got a used PS Audio PerfectWave SACD Transport to rediscover my CD collection from years ago that my parents brought back to me from their home, which I have not touched for a very long time. I thought the 3R reclocker would clean up much of the signal from the Bluesound to the extent that streaming will not sound much worse than CD -- Indeed, I have been satisfied with its performance. I was wrong. The CD playback experience totally blew me away. Much darker background, much better soundstage and depth, lots of details, and better dynamics with great authority... I guess you really need a good streamer to catch disc playback! At any rate, I plan to upgrade my front end to one that works with the SACD Transport's I2S output so that I can enjoy my SACDs as well...

joyceulysses

@sls883 Not yet -- I almost have to use Roon because of my large local  album collection in my NAS. Bluesound Node is terrible for still not yet support Qobuz Connect. Do you find Qobuz Connect superior to Roon? What is the difference?

@kennymacc Thanks for the recommendation! Do you find integrated streaming DAC more cost effective?

@sls883 

As previously stated, every audiophile's doing their own thing.  What works for one, may not be the best option for others.  It's all good.  Happy listening.  

@joyceulysses 

Before opting for a Streaming DAC configuration, I did do extensive research and listening tests, and I personally came to the conclusion that implementation was the key.  I found both the Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty Streaming DAC, and the DCS Bartok Streaming DAC's to be so incredibly impressive sounding, they made me ask myself, why is there a need to go with separates?  In either case, at their price points, I don't know how cost effective the Ayre or DCS would be to most audiophiles LOL!!!  Happy listening.   

@kennymacc I haven't listened to dCS Bartok but I listened to dCS Lina which I believe uses similar core technology (Ring DAC) and is also a integrated Streaming DAC. To me it sounds amazing; extremely revealing with superb clarity. It is not a physically huge device and I am impressed of what it can do within its size.