SQ Comparison of 3 streamers

 

 

lanx0003 OP

1,704 posts

02-18-2026 at 08:43am 

it isn’t unusual for higher priced, higher end components to sound less musical if the design focus was on resolution. You’d get a more resolving, but more analytical presentation. 

@audphile1 I understand your point. Since you’ve experienced many high-priced components, could you mention a few that you feel are technically impressive in resolution but less musical?
 

@lanx0003 

Chord Hugo TT2 DAC, Simaudio Moon amps, Benchmark DAC3. Cables - Synergistic Research, some Nordost, Shunyata Alpha. i’ve heard high end Linn digital gear that hurt my ears. Uber details is not my game. 

@machine7 thanks for this info!  When I upgrade my components, this is super helpful

@mike4597 have you tried the wiim ultra in the main system and compared to the Stream 1?

It makes intuitive sense. I concur that inefficient code could cause more memory access, use more CPU power, and therefore generate more electrical noise. Whether that is actually the case, I don’t know.  Practically speaking, between the operational quality of QC and Volumio, I feel QC is more mature, managing file access more effectively. So far, I have not experienced any glitches with QC, at least none that I can recall, compared to Volumio.

After I put in Veritas Magnus xlr IC, the system sounds more smooth, liquid than before and the difference bet. players seems diminishing unless with poor recordings.  Don't worry.  It is what it is and, more importantly, it sounds really good now to my ears.  Thank you for all the inputs.

From AI:

Higher CPU Overhead: "Connect" technologies (like Qobuz, Tidal, or Spotify Connect) are generally more resource-heavy than a streamer's native integrated app. Some reports suggest Connect protocols can consume up to 25% of CPU resources, whereas a well-optimized native app keeps the CPU in a state closer to 95-99% idle. A busy CPU generates more EMI/RFI (electromagnetic/radio frequency interference), which can leak into the Rivo’s sensitive digital output stages.

Last thought:  Arguably, Roon solves all these issues as its UI is superb, and it’s well supported from a software development perspective going forward.  On the CPU noise issue, since Roon separates the heavy processing from the streamer CPU thru the use of a Roon Core, it probably rivals or exceeds native apps in minimizing CPU noise (at least conceptually).  Of course, it is an additional expense, but I’m a big fan.  Regardless, thanks for starting and curating this thread, as it has further enhanced my understanding of some additional nuances associated with streamers.