SQ Comparison of 3 streamers

@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.

@lanx0003 I have an Innuos Zen MKIII.  Prior to it, I had a Bluesound Node.  I'm very happy with the Innos, but I haven't made any comparisons to other high end streamers.  It was definitely a step up from the Node.

I would describe the Innuos as neutral and detailed, but the overall sound is a result of everything else in my system.  I seek out a neutral, detailed sound.

My streamer feeds my Gustard U18 ddc via USB.  I connect the U18 to my X-30 dac via i2S.  After reading various posts, I decided to try connecting from the U18 ddc to my dac via coax.  Initially, I used my Acoustic Zen MC2 cable.  I believe it's 110 ohm, not 75 ohm.  I felt that i2S sounded better.  Before giving up, I tried my Black Cat Silverstar 75 coax cable.  I spent a lot of time switching between i2S and coax from my remote and any difference is negligible.

I'm using a LHY ock-2 clock which is connected to both the U18 ddc and my dac. 

Both i2S and coax via the method described above sound better than going directly from the streamer to the dac via USB.