The law of diminshing returns?

@onhwy61 

"Typically going from a $1k system to a $10k system is a greater increase in fidelity than going from a $90k system to a $99k system."

I am unconvinced by this statement. What's your evidence in support of it? Has anyone ever attempted this comparison in practice? How could they objectively determine the increase in fidelity for each case? Surely, it would just be a matter of subjective opinion.

Well, I went from a Topping D70s to a Lampizator Poseidon.  The linked analysis comparing a Rolex to a Timex is unfair and inaccurate.  All one is seeking in a timepiece is the correct time keeping.  In DACs, it's sound quality and that varies significantly although not 50X or even 2X.  There is no reason to use a $25K DAC in a mid-fi system.  I chose this DAC after auditioning the speakers with the SOTA Horizon $50K DAC.  It also serves as an additional pre-amp with an RCA and full digital inputs.  I have a high resolution system, not for the detail but for the additional musical expression, the added subtleties that so many recordings have hidden on lesser resolving systems.  Yes, it is a costly, heavy and large DAC but worth it in my system with no bragging rights.  My back up Topping is a uniquely excellent DAC with reportedly many others in the sub $2.5K realm, even one Greg Weaver touts for $200?  My CD transport and cabling enable me to maximally etract more music from my CDs.  They are each $5K each.  The Shanling ET3 back-up is $729 and a bargain for it's high quality.  My Jay's Audio CDt3 Mk3 is also large and heavy but has superior damping build quality whereas the Shanling is a tiny lightweight device with a big glass top clamp.  

So, no, DACs are not similar and can vary in sonic ability to retrieve more music by price unlike watches whose primary job is to keep accurate time. 

@sns - may I ask if you hardwire your modem directly to your server/streamer or if you have a router in between? Also what linear power supply and DC cable you use for your modem? Do excuse my asking in this way, as it appears audiogon no longer allows  private messages between members : (

kevin

@kevn I wish it was possible to directly connect a streamer to modem, it's necessary to have router in order to assign IP  addresses and create a network. I use a Teradak LPS with Teradak dc cable, don't feel the need for one of the higher end LPS with modem, do use higher end LPS and DC cables with some of the more important streaming equipment. Regardless of quality of any individual LPS and equipment powering I always go with LPS capable of delivering greater amperage than equipment it connected to requires, this for less heat, greater reliability from LPS. Also all LPS on streamer equipment goes through my power conditioner and dedicated audio AC line.

@sns - thanks for your quick reply - I was under the impression that one could connect a modem directly to a single device if nothing else was connected, for less possible signal loss, and wondered if you had taken that route. 
Which router are you using? Is the teradak the dc30 and do you use it for the router as well?

thanks much : ) - kevin