What determines a streamers sound quality.


I want to purchase a streamer. I have a $4000.00
Audio Note DAC that I want to run it through. So I see no reason to purchase one that has an onboard DAC. 

Other than a streamers DAC what determines the quality of the sound. I am not getting it. How do DACless streamers differ from one another? I have been searching but have not found the answer to this particular question.  A have mosty found questions and answers to recommended streamers.

Thanks for any help
128x128pkvintage

Showing 1 response by markwd

The streamer should be chosen based on software support. PCM digital streams contain error correcting codes that reduce or eliminate any transmission errors; what arrives at your DAC is likely exactly what the original file contained. Other opinions on this matter should be demonstrated by empirical results.

I make choices in this space by ease-of-use, coverage of streaming services (Qobuz vs. Tidal, etc.), other features like Roon support, etc.

While there can be network delivery problems related to your setup, they are typically irrelevant unless you have pre-existing conditions.

So, no, steamers don’t impact sound quality.