Sound quality differences in streamers


Can there be sonic differences between moderate and high priced streamers when used for streaming only. I will not use or engage an onboard DAC or any other feature, just stream from Tidal or Amazon to DAC. If the unit is just transferring zeros and ones to a DAC can there be differences in say a $300 WiiM and a $3000 dSC streamer? Thanks

kckrs

@steakster 

So, I make you laugh; and you liken me to a prominent American intellectual who was renowned for his sharp wit and intelligence. We are going to get along great! 😃

@mdalton 

I think we should invite steakster and teach him a thing or two about digital audio 😁

@devinplombier 

ok, but if you’re playing WFB Jr. I get to play Christopher Hitchens.  Deal?

Yes, bits are perfect but the timing of their arrival at the DAC isn't.  It's mostly about being in the right place at the right time as our ears are very sensitive to the timing.

if the ones and zeros go through a buffer that makes them the same size, shape, and jitter removal, then, it is reasonable to expect this corrected digital input to give the same sound as from a high-priced streamer to a premium DAC.