Sound quality differences in streamers

streamer discussion

see link above to a prior discussion that touches on same topic.  I am a strong proponent that, putting aside processing differences (e.g., reclocking, up sampling/oversampling, dsp), the only differences across streamers - sonically - is differences in noise, including power supply-related, RFi/EMI, and jitter (and the science is really clear on this, btw).  Some DACs do a much better job than others at eliminating any or certain types of noise from sources (streamers).  But regardless of your DAC, there are a number of relatively inexpensive (less than $2k) streamers that do a great job of minimizing noise.  Bottom line:  there’s a lot of hype out there re streamers in part because this is the leading edge of the industry for a lot of consumers still, so there’s a lot of opportunity for high margin products for producers, and misinformation.  Good luck.

Lumin U2 mini with the Sbooster power supply » Allo Shanti supply on the WiiM Mini

This equal tipping of the scale really surprises me—a lot—given Lumin's reputation and the significant price difference. I previously tried the WiiM Mini (without an LPS) and found its lightweight low-end notes unacceptable. Some people told me a clean power supply would make a significant improvement, but I didn’t pursue it due to the Mini’s limited connectivity options.  The Pro+ and Ultra, which I tried later, performed much better in that regard, so I’ve kept them since.

Later on, I came across at least two not-so-impressive tests of the Lumin U2 Mini. One of them is this.  I don’t wish to jump to any conclusions about the performance of this particular Lumin model, but I suppose there’s a valuable lesson to be learned.

@verdantaudio I too have found Roon best with core and endpoint/renderer segregated, in my case two streamers run in bridged mode.

@paqua123 

About logging in. I have a desktop, laptop and three iPads. I use Audiogon daily. I end up logging on to one of the devices maybe once a month while using them all constantly. Sounds like you are doing something that makes it difficult. Are you closing down your browser completely between uses?

@verdantaudio - As with @sns, I too prefer the Roon server operating core to be separate from the endpoint/renderer.  My first server/streamer (after moving away from my customized Mac mini) was the Antipodes DX a one-box server/streamer, similar to the current K50.  Based on my successful time with the DX, I am sure the K50 is a great sounding unit.  However, I have found that separating the server and streamer offers potential benefits that work well for me, including,

• Locate the server in a separate room near the network equipment and not in the main music system room,
• separate potentially noiser, higher powered processing duties performed by the server from the final processing/reclocking duties performed by the Roon endpoint unit,  
• position the streamer/endpoint in the main system room so the cable from endpoint to DAC can be short,
• separate units allow allocating a greater proportion of the available funding into the steamer/endpoint, which some believe has a greater impact on the sound than the unit performing the file storage/server/Roon core duties,
• separate units make it easier to maintain and upgrade one or the other, without needing to upgrade a more expensive combination server/streamer.  

Of course, there is more than one way to get good sound and many prefer to simply purchase a single, high-performing, one-box solution like the Antipodes DX or Oladra, Grimm MU1 or MU2, Aeon 432 EVO, or similar.