Here is the thing about streamers, they are digital networked devices and software driven. So just like your computer/phone/ipad getting updates from Microsoft/Apple etc your streaming hardware company does the same. Or should do the same. I have a 5 year old Auralic Aries Mini, a model they no longer make and got an firmware update a few weeks ago. My device is now completely current some changes were noticeable others "under the hood". So don't think of your streamer as a static piece of gear it's not.
Check in: How quickly are streamers and servers evolving?
This is a question for those who have been trying streamers and servers recently, watching reviews and product launches, or who just know their stuff and keep up with the technology. I am trying to separate market hype and churn from what is happening, technologically.
Many have said that DAC technology development has slowed down enough for people to feel comfortable spending real coin on a good DAC. Good to know.
So my question is: How quickly do you think streamer and server technology is evolving? Is it still a moving target -- in other words still worth being somewhat cautious about perhaps waiting before dropping serious coin as the technology is soon to change again? Or are we slowing down?
(For those who think these technologies can be accomplished in economical ways (Raspberry Pi, etc.), I'm still curious about your opinion about the speed of change, regardless of whether high dollar expenditures are unnecessary.)
Of course the other yet integral issue is how fast music catalogs are keeping up with the hardware changes to supply the new hardware with files that it can play. I just watched Darko discuss the Spotify move to CD quality (which he celebrates and for which explains the rationale), and it seems most of the music out there continues to exist at CD quality only, not higher resolution.
(Oh, and before someone chimes in with how analog beats digital so why bother...please don’t. I know you think that.)
Many have said that DAC technology development has slowed down enough for people to feel comfortable spending real coin on a good DAC. Good to know.
So my question is: How quickly do you think streamer and server technology is evolving? Is it still a moving target -- in other words still worth being somewhat cautious about perhaps waiting before dropping serious coin as the technology is soon to change again? Or are we slowing down?
(For those who think these technologies can be accomplished in economical ways (Raspberry Pi, etc.), I'm still curious about your opinion about the speed of change, regardless of whether high dollar expenditures are unnecessary.)
Of course the other yet integral issue is how fast music catalogs are keeping up with the hardware changes to supply the new hardware with files that it can play. I just watched Darko discuss the Spotify move to CD quality (which he celebrates and for which explains the rationale), and it seems most of the music out there continues to exist at CD quality only, not higher resolution.
(Oh, and before someone chimes in with how analog beats digital so why bother...please don’t. I know you think that.)
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Completely missing the point. But whatever. There's a lot to be said for, "Get off my lawn." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NelBNtNm8l0 |
The hardware is fairly stable but it’s the software that’s rapidly changing. Tidal connect is still fairly new, Spotify HiFi is coming soon, who knows what else. Find a streamer where you trust the manufacturer is going to continue supporting firmware updates for years to come or you’ll be upgrading regularly. |
I agree that a high quality DAC is essential. I don't agree that you need a purpose-built streamer at all. I run Roon (and Tidal) on a fifteen year old MacBook Air. The resulting sound quality is terrific. I find the sound to be indistinguishable from what I would hear were I to use a dedicated streamer. |
@millercarbon No, it's you who are missing the point. The OP explicitly asked for the analog snobs to keep their yaps closed if they couldn't contribute. But no, you have to chime in with how analog is so superior. Why are you even in the "digital" category? Trolling. Go see what's on TV. Go to another thread. But give a hoot -- don't pollute. Begone. |
- 78 posts total