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What determines a streamers sound quality.

I want to purchase a streamer. I have a $4000.00
Audio Note DAC that I want to run it through. So I see no reason to purchase one that has an onboard DAC. 

Other than a streamers DAC what determines the quality of the sound. I am not getting it. How do DACless streamers differ from one another? I have been searching but have not found the answer to this particular question.  A have mosty found questions and answers to recommended streamers.

Thanks for any help
pkvintage
markwd
133 posts
 
The streamer should be chosen based on software support. PCM digital streams contain error correcting codes that reduce or eliminate any transmission errors; what arrives at your DAC is likely exactly what the original file contained. Other opinions on this matter should be demonstrated by empirical results.

I make choices in this space by ease-of-use, coverage of streaming services (Qobuz vs. Tidal, etc.), other features like Roon support, etc.

While there can be network delivery problems related to your setup, they are typically irrelevant unless you have pre-existing conditions.

So, no, steamers don’t impact sound quality.
mgrif104
548 posts
 
Have to politely disagree with markwd.  In my experience, the difference in sound quality coming from streamers is significant and pretty easy to hear when doing an A/B comparison (same DAC, same input, same cable).  Better streamers over more resolution and particularly more spatial information. Lower quality streamers sound “flat” (2 dimensional) in comparison.  

But, don’t take the word of anyone here on audiogon for it or against it. Audition some and determine for yourself.  You might find it’s not enough of a difference to justify the price.  But, I expect you’ll conclude that there is a difference.  I found it to be significant enough to justify the substantial increase in price.

My $.02
dasign's avatar
dasign
205 posts
 

Also disagree with markwd. If you have a reasonable sounding audio system, you will hear differences between Streamers.

 

I had the U2 Mini with a SBooster PS (about $4K CAD). I then tried the Denafrips Arcas, ($2.7K CAD) which was clearly better than the U2 Mini. I had some reliability issues with the Arcas and switched to the Rivo Plus (1.9K CAD). The Rivo Plus/HDPlex PS sounded slightly better than the Arcas. More details and easy to the ears on long listening sessions. Great for the money, compared to the big guns company.

kerrybh
668 posts
 

Any difference will likely have more to do with noise isolation, and the electrical interaction with your DAC than any difference in how the 1s and 0s are handled. The YouTube site Analogholic posted a really instructive video on this topic 3-4 weeks ago. He explains his view of when and how streamers sound differently. He gives a good primer on the science involved-might challenge some audiophile dogma and, of course, there is room for disagreement but this video would at least give you a good foundation for understanding the issues-then you can decide for yourself.

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,969 posts
 

Kerry+1 

Streamers only make significant differences when the DAC they are connected too have issues. If your DAC can isolate the noise sent down the line / shielding etc., has a buffer (almost all modern DAC’s do), and has a good clock you won’t find significant differences in Streamers. I’ve had 5 streamers now ranging from $500-$6000 and after my DAC and cables (cables that can transfer the digital signal unaffected by outside sources etc.) were sorted I found little difference. For me it’s spend the money on the DAC and then the streamers are less a critical item. I do not know if the AudioNote DAC’s have the required isolation, buffers etc. they are a little on the old school side of the house.

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