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Improving on the stream of a combined streamer dac

I recently (foolishly) compared the streamed sound of my Electrocompanient

ECM 1 Mk II to internally stored digital downloads on the same ( ie not stored in my Small Green Computer server).  I was surprised how much better the downloaded files sounded.  Perhaps, I was naive to think otherwise.  So, I started looking at old audiogon threads to see if I could figure a quick and easy fix to up the sound of the streamer but found little that made sense or was affordable.  My question is whether I should continue to search, or if I should take it for what its worth and just listen to the music.  The rest of my digital front end:  Small Green computer server,  a Trendnet unmanaged switch and the ECM.  I use a Luna Orange ethernet cable from switch to ECM and a Purist Audio cable to the SGC.  Thanks for your advice and happy holidays to all.

rivinyl
yyzsantabarbara
5,556 posts
 

Instead of searching Audiogon, Search via ChatGPT and it will search A'gon and other site and give you better results. Actually, it does not search, you will be using a pre-searched (or trained) version of ChatGPT.

nubiann
95 posts
 

I would try and move as far away from cable ethernet as possible. Your equippment doesn't allow for end to end Optical fiber but try a media converter it will isolate your system from EM and RF noise you can use high quality Fiber like corrning and a very short cat 7/8 to your streamer. I use end Fiber via SFP modules and found it transformational.

Remember not all streamed music sounds good. When its at its best, its a match for any format, when its ordinary you really notice but that is the same for CD's they can and often do sound terrible and so it is with vinyl. 

Often, its just the consequence of enjoying a highly resolving system and I try to enjoy the music and not going down rabbit holes and scrutinizing every recording frailty.

Tidal is my chosen streaming platform, but I'm not saying its the best or worst. Its just my choice for now. I see little point in subscribing to them all.

I would advise you to keep it simple, minimize the interfaces and look after the connections to your equippment, maximize its opportunities to perform at its best. Electrocompanient is decent gear.

I wish you a merry Christmas, a happy 2026 and success with your Hi Fi goals

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,615 posts
 

A good schmann generator with good LPS power supply

On eBay $399 , much better then cheaply made 888 audio revive

2 even better, not snake oil  I borrowed 1 for a week 

Before purchasing  they lessen all the noice , magnetic fields 

This one by far the best one I have found and excellent 

Linear power supply which is essential !!

rivinyl OP
213 posts
 

What is a Schmann generator?

soix
11,233 posts
 

You might try a DDC as I and many here have found it can provide very significant improvements in streaming performance.  I bought a used Denafrips Iris for $400 and it made a big difference so this may be something you can try that won’t break the bank.  Best of luck. 

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