I have the same question as my streaming is a weak point in my system. I have used a Sonos Connect with an external DAC (Gumby) for years, probably considered an average streamer. As a cheap means to explore how a streamer might affect the sound I put together a Pi 4 with the Allo DigiOne (not Signature) running Moode. I noticed an immediate difference and prefer the Pi. Knowing the Pi is not the ultimate streaming solution I feel there are better choices out there and will be exploring them while I digest the cost of the new amp I just purchased.
How much difference in Sound quality can be expected from different streamers?
I would appreciate very much in obtaining advice on the SQ from different Streamers. I am currently using a good quality vintage DAC (Altis Reference) connecting to Roku 4 (using its Tosslink out to a simple coaxial converter which connects to the coaxial “in” of the DAC). When comparing the SQ of the exact same artist/music through first CD setup( CECTL0 connecting to the DAC) or second setup (Oppo 105 to DAC) vs ROKU 4 accessing Tidal Master level at 48KHz, both CD systems provided better SQ with CECTLO the best. I was reading with interest on the forum (4/2/2021) on DAC and found out that the SQ from different decent DAC does not appear to vary too much; the new DAC may offer connection convenience, but not necessarily SQ. More likely, different CD player or Transport can provide a more obvious difference in SQ than different DAC, like what I had experienced. Thus I am very interested to seek advice from those who had experience in comparing different streamers. Can high end streamers when accessing Tidal Master level produce much better SQ than Roku 4 if connected to my DAC(at sampling rate of 48KHz)? If so, which ones would you recommend?
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@zlone the sonos connect units used as streamer are known to be jittery and add a hash to the sound that is why the wyred4sound mods to the sonos streamer has been so successful over the years, and led to the mod becoming 'productized' in the form of the w4s reclocker... https://wyred4sound.com/products/upgrades-and-mods/sonos-connect-modified https://wyred4sound.com/products/digital-converters/remedy-reclocker transformative of sound coming out of the sonos unit feeding downstream dacs... |
jjss49
The sonos connect units used as streamer are known to be jittery and add a hash to the sound Thanks. I did have the W4S Reclocker in my system for awhile and could never quite get used to it. I don't recall what I did not like, but eventually I pulled it out. |
+1 to what @worldwidewholesales said. I have only started to scratch the surface with streamers and have found that various forms of electromagnetic noise affect sound quality of digital. Benefits that I heard from a cleaner sound are: - More presence to voices and instruments which sound more forward and distinct in presentation - Richer tonality - Less grain to the sound - Better resolution due to a lower noise floor (This is audible when comparing a cleaner signal to one that is less clean) - Easier to follow bass lines - Pace seems faster due to more clarity and better definition to the leading edge of notes. When experimenting with my Pro-ject Stream Box streamer, these changes made a clearly noticeable difference to my ears at least. (NOTE: Your perceptions may likely vary as with anything audio):
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- 36 posts total