bits is bits

cool. So it can't be fixed with more buffering?

While better buffering can help, better control on the stages after the initial connection to the streamer to reduce or filter out the jitter and superior timing/clocking circuitry has the biggest effect.  (at least in my opinion)

ok so a bad streamer would be bad at sending data consistently to the DAC?

I am starting to understand it. I can especially see it with video streaming. I am still puzzled that this should be a basic function of any streamer and not cost 20K to do it well. But again, I am learning....

@jeffbij 

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

+1   Excellent explanation.  Eg:  My first generation streamer.

My Auralic Aries was introduced in 2014. It came with its own stock 16 vdc LPS.  It sounded terrible when compared to playing the same song via Tidal vs on my CD transport - using the same DAC. 

Being a tweaker, my 1st mod was to swap out the flimsy cheap stock DC umbilical cord (to the stock LPS) with a DIY version of 20 awg pure copper OCC solid core wire.  The improvement in SQ was a substantial - and I mean substantial.  My 2nd mod was to replace the stock Auralic 16vdc LPS with a better quality one.  Again, another big jump in SQ.  My 3rd mod was to add a USBe Perfect signal regenerator to the output of the Auralic streamer.  Another big jump in SQ.  The music was even more refined - with a blacker background.  The 4th mod was to add a DDC between the streamer and DAC.    With these 4 minor mods, the same streamer now outperformed my CD transport - by far - using the same DAC.  The other components in the system remained the same.

A high-quality streamer will have all of these improvements built-in - plus much, much more.  Better design, better firmware, better parts, quieter circuitry, better power supply, better EMI protection, etc.   In other words, a high-quality streamer will address all of the factors that @jeffbij addressed in his post.  

- - - 

Over the years, my entire digital streaming chain has been substantially upgraded.  I stream only.  I don’t miss my CD’s.  A 96 piece orchestra sounds magnificent.

@parkergetdean 

ok so a bad streamer would be bad at sending data consistently to the DAC?

... Yes... although I would use the words "bad streamer". Typically you get what you pay for.  A $90 WiiM Mini is a quality product if you are judging it based on what it costs.  Just like a $2000 streamer typically will meet expectations in that price category.  It is all relative.