Weakest digital link: DAC - Streamer - Server?


I am curious WHICH of the three is MOST important in digital playback? DAC, Streamer, or Server? I assume DAC is #1, but what about server/streamer?

 

Specifically, I have a Synology NAS which I can host ALL my music on, then using a good streamer play off it via Roon/Upnp, PLUS my streaming services.  Does it make sense to use a SEPARATE server JUST for my music? 

Like is there going to be MUCH difference between these setups?!

1. NAS (music server) --> Good Streamer (ethernet, Roon) --> DAC

2. Dedicated Music Server --> Same streamer (ethernet, Roon) --> DAC

3. Dedicated Music Server with streamer (digital out) --> DAC

 

I understand for SURE, if one connects a NAS USB out to streamer/DAC it will sound WORSE than dedicated music server with low noise components, BUT if I am sending the music over ethernet to a good streamer, WHY would a music server make ANY difference? The streamer would essentially take the same files off my NAS, as if would from Tidal and play in the same fashion... no?! 

WHAT am I missing?!

 

PS. I can also upgrade the NAS with linear PSU to lower noise, but once again, sending audio through ethernet shouldn't matter.

alexb76

Showing 3 responses by djones51

I worry about the speakers and the room, not the digital components.

Those are the two that will affect what your hear more than digital cables and such. As long as we are talking about competent design I think what a lot don’t seem to grasp is DAC’s, cables and to a great extent amplifiers are commoditites and they do very little if nothing to affect what you hear in your room. Get the features you like at the price you're comfortable with. 

How can any review of a piece of audio equipment not comment on the "sound" of the component at all?

The reviews do have a subjective listening session on speakers. It's not to everyone's liking but it should be taken as any other subjective opinion. 

I'll stick to answering your question.

guess my next question is, WHICH streamer/DAC, under $2K, would do the job best playing files off my NAS PLUS having Tidal/Spotify Connect?

Cambridge Audio CXN v2,  there are others more expensive.