Weakest digital link: DAC - Streamer - Server?

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

Because some components, when designed that way, really don’t have a sound compared to their similarly designed peers. That people won’t accept that does not make it untrue. For components that do have a sound, the sound is dependent potentially on what comes before it, what comes after it, the speakers, the room, the person, their mood, to the point that listening impressions, for anything but speakers become nothing but a good story and about as useful as a marketing sheet.

ASR's reviews are a tool, and measurements, if you understand what they mean are essentially irrefutable evidence taking in the context of how the test was administered.

A Bluesound Node does it all: Streamer, DAC, PreAmp, Component hub… add a tube amp/ amp… get a Schitt equalizer… have the best. 

@tony1954 

Anyone that quotes Audio Science Review as Gospel, really does not actually listen to the equipment they pass judgement on. To them, measurements are everything.

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

How do you review a car without driving it?

Measurements are a filter. For instance, I don't test drive all cars. I use measurements to filter down to the group of cars that fit my needs. Some car components DO make a difference. But whether the taillight is square or oval makes no difference in how the car performs. Likewise in audio. If bits are passed perfectly and the noise level is below the threshold of human hearing then by definition I'm not going to hear any difference. And with digital components, those two things can be easily measured.

It all matters..  I think many overlook the output section of the DAC. This is critical just like a preamp or an amplifier..  going overboard on routers, Ethernet cables  will not be as effective as having a quality D to A section with a good PS. 

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.