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?


moses189
My Node 2i runs into a Schiit Bifrost 2 which sounds much better than the Node's DAC. Much better. I also use an older Dacmagic with a bespoke Pangea power supply/filter device for my CD player and a Squeezebox Touch (background music...still sounds fine). All using balanced cables into my preamp, and all working amazingly well. 
Yea, there are big differences between streamers.  Quality of components, EMI/RFI shielding, linear power supplies, etc...all contribute to the sound of the streamer.  That being said I heard an improvement when I switched from my Node 2i to an Aurender server/streamer.  Is it a night and day difference ? No.  But there is a difference that can be heard.