bits is bits

@grunge1000 The question should be, why don't identical files sound the same?  What you're saying is technically correct, but not in practical application.  The files alone don't produce/make or project actual music that is audible to your ears through your audio system.  It's just a file that's just sitting there.  It's the implementation of the file that makes it sound different sourced through various different sources, Streaming services, etc., who do not use identical equipment, engineering to covert the file into audible music.   Consider a CD a music file.  Play the same CD through 10 different CD players, or sources, and you'll get a different sound from the same CD just about every time.  Happy listening.        

@parkergetdean 

I admit, this is what I thought: the streamer sends "data" to the DAC. Its job is to receive data and pass it to the DAC. It's not changing stuff, validating stuff other than 01101 is 01101. Are you saying it varies? 

If we ignore using a DAC internal to the streamer, and focus on just passing the data stream to an external DAC, on the surface you would think it doesn't matter.  However in reality that is not true.  If you break down the path of the data from the network connection through the streamer:

1. Data is received by the streamer (TCPIP),
2. The data packets then have to be assembled back into proper order by the streamers digital interface using processors/software/firmware/buffer RAM, etc.
3. The data is then "restreamed" out to what we could call the "digital output buffer".
4. In the output buffer, the data is then processed into whatever transmission format selected... to optical light pulses (TOSLINK), SPIDIF connection, HDMI, etc.  (I'm leaving I2S out of this because it is a bit different.)

Steps 2 through 5 all require passing through different circuitry, integrated circuits, software, and possibly even DC amplifiers to boost the signal strength if needed.  While the data 1s and 0s remain intact, jitter and clock timing errors are ALWAYS introduced into the data stream. 

And thus the design of the streamer, components used, etc. can effect sound quality regardless if the 1s and 0s are the same.

@kennymacc ​​@ghdprentice 

What I am talking about is two music files that are identical. I am assuming Tidal, Qobuz, Amazon, etc. uses the same files (Ie. Moving Pictures from Rush). How could one sound different when using the same electronics? Let's say they are going through @ghdprentice 17k DAC/ 22k Streamer. Each of these files are bit by bit exactly alike and are going through the same streamer/DAC/Preamp/Amp/Speakers. They will sound identical--If they don't then somethings amiss. 

@grunge1000 

Two music files that are identical can sound different coming from Tidal, Qobuz and all other streaming services simply due to factors like different audio compression methods (codecs), bit rates, digital signal processing (DSP), and volume normalization, all of which can alter the original sound.  Different services use different formats and processing techniques to balance sound quality with bandwidth and storage efficiency.  Other factors include; Device and app settings, Network and buffering and Mastering and loudness.  So, it doesn’t matter if it’s two music files that are identical, or a 1000 music files that are identical.  As previously stated, it’s how the original, identical music files are implemented that makes them sound different.  I understand that you’re perhaps attempting to convey some kind of profound concept.  However, the answer to your question is really quite elementary.  Whether you accept the facts is entirely up to you.  Happy listening.         

Beats me, but they do. Not a OMG moment… but noticeable.