Streamer vs renderer vs music server...help

@crandell25 Your not alone, streaming is easily the most complex system within our audio systems. I have vinyl setup, and even taking into account every little nuance of this pales in comparison to streaming.

 

While we all have our experiences to offer, there is no objective evidence that any particular setup is superior. I happen to prefer a two computer solution,ie, separate server and streamer and optical conversion for networks, my experience with other solutions led me to this conclusion. Still, there are so many variations that I can't say with absolute authority this is best for every setup. This also goes for every one of us here.

 

As to your particulars, I used to run Auralic Vega, I wanted to upgrade to the G2, but the Lightning Link threw me off. Proprietary solutions bother me, especially if using them is required for best sound quality. Once I started using Roon I became addicted to it's ease and completeness so proprietary software no longer interested me. Having said that, based on reviews and my experience with original Vega  that should be very nice streamer/dac. The negative thing about it is running Roon on it doesn't allow for full potential of G2.

 

If I were in your situation, I'd be torn between keeping Vega and adding the Aires G2.  Be happy with running Lightning Link and/or be happy running Roon knowing your not extracting full potential of that combo. This exactly why I chose not to purchase G2 as I knew I wouldn't be happy running Roon at less than full potentials of the Auralic devices. You could also go to the Holo May, or I'd agree with LordMelton tor the Musetec 005 (biased as I own this wonderful dac), or some other dac. So then you need to purchase streamer or run usb out of server, most servers run usb directly off motherboards, not good, so then you need usb renderer/streamer/Roon Endpoint (its really all the same thing, just different names). If you go streamer route you'll need to get switch if you don't have one already or run ethernet out of router. I could further add many more complications for you!

 

So, my take is if you're happy with Vega  with above limitations keep what you have, add the Aires G2 and you're pretty much set. Network improvements can be set aside for now. Or you go to another dac with all it's attendant complications. While I believe you can do slightly better with setups other than your Auralic, it will be big hassle relative to keeping Vega and adding Aires. Auralic makes nice digital solutions, running Roon vs Link in reviews I'm aware of do state Link sound quality superior to Roon, by how much I can't say. If its substantial enough you don't like running Roon  and don't like Link software I'm afraid you may be stuck with changing out dacs.

Lets see if this will help.

 

Streamers are dedicated devices designed to play files sourced from internet repositories ie tidal ouobuz. Spotify deezer or internet radio

 

If the device is roon certified then it can act as an endpoint a receiver of roon and compatible with their protocols.

 

If the streamer contains a hard drive and can store files it can be called a server.

 

A streamerdepending on model some run wifi. Naims ndx 2 runs well via wifi.

 

However the best sounding does require ethernet.

 

As per sound quality yes these devices matter

We were auralic dealers the Innous sounded far better

 

Then we discovered 432evo servers from Belgium which sounded even better and were more s ular and upgradable

 

To date we have tested many different devices for streaming

The better the source the better the sound from the Dac

 

Digital noise can alter the data so you want a pure data stream.

Our 432evo servers are a huge technological improvement over most digital devices because of the incredibile level of data isolation provided

 

Cou is seperate so is the clock and usb soundcard all run by individual sbooster linear power supplies.

Andrew quint from the absolute sound heard one and bought the review sample

Come to axponna krell alta audio room and you can hear the432Aeon server for yourself.

 

Dave and Troy

AUDIOINTELLECT NJ

432Evo importer USA

 

 

 

 

@sns I don't have a vinyl setup but I am starting to question that decision with all the streaming complexities to get it right.  :)

The G2 is a great unit and you're right, the easiest path is to just add the Aries G2.1 and move on.  I am going to see if I can find one to demo.  Maybe the Aries will remove the itch to try a new DAC and all the unknowns that change will bring!  I definitely like Roon better than the Auralic controller.  That said, it is not a bad user experience so I could lean toward it if I get the sound quality right.

@audiotroy thanks for the info and the recommendation, I will take a look!

op

good advice given already

if you are just streaming tidal and you already know auralic’s stuff, then just get an auralic streamer (aries) and then use it to feed your future dac of choice

your vega does all that but it’s dac is integral, no digital output is offered iirc to drive other dacs, so if you are wanting to play with other dacs (holo may etc etc) and explore their sound quality, the vega needs to go

then you can also retire your outboard i-mac too, it becomes unnecessary unless you want to run roon (once again - not necessary if using tidal connect on the aries) - the aries will do what is needed and it will be less noisy (electrically) than the imac

@jjss49 agreed, some great advice and knowledge shared on the thread.  It has really helped me get a better understanding of how the digital pieces fit together and what would work best for my situation.  I do think a good dedicated streamer, regardless of my dac choice is currently a missing link. The comments have also helped get a better understanding of how Roon works and how others have implemented a dedicated core...to get the best out of that solution.  Lots of good stuff for me to digest!