Do streamers make a difference?

hilde45

I would like to try one of the better streamers but ... I cannot understand how they would make things more than marginally better.

I've seen plenty of explanations, usually claiming a difference in noise that can't be measured and that can only be heard once it's gone. I've never found that reasoning persuasive.

As for the value of any "marginally better" improvement - that's purely subjective.

If I could get, say, an Aurender, and have someone blind test me, that would be interesting.

Aurender has tons of dealers. Why not visit one and do some listening?

I certainly heard differences between the two streamers (and a reclocker) I recently compared in my system, as discussed in this thread (link).  Related to the expensive vs. inexpensive discussion, I also own a (relatively inexpensive) Metrum Ambre streamer, which is a raspberry pi based streamer with Femto clocking and a linear power supply.  While the Ambre is quiet and sounds pretty good, the two more expensive streamers both provide improved body, tone, and dimensionality, which IMO make the sound of a home audio system more natural and real.

@hilde45 

....to an extremely well-built custom streamer based around the Intel NUC. (Intel NUC Kit model NUC8i7BEH with Core i5 U-series chip, a 256GB Intel NVMe M.2 SSD, and 16GB of DDR4 memory.
Roon rock OS, customized Linux build. Fanless case.) The builder is quite expert.

That is just a list of computer parts, specs mean nothing here-we don’t need speed for music streaming. Typically the higher the power of the streamer the worse it sounds. It is not a start from scratch computer designed for the sole purpose to do music streaming. The most important part, the power supply is not described here. What about electromagnetic interference shielding? Vibration control? 

If someone out there feels that we are being hosed by big-name streaming companies, as it is "just a computer", and why pay for the fancy case and name, check out Lucas’ products: direct from a computer builder but with the primary focus of music streaming. I have not heard one, but have read good things. Every unit is custom built to the customer’s specifications and needs: 

A high-end music source unlike any other.

What makes the LDMS the source of choice for some of the world’s most discerning audiophiles? First and foremost, the sound: Lucas Domansky’s expertise as a software and server engineer in the corporate world and his passion as an audiophile have enabled him to design servers that outperform competitors costing three times the price.

Painstakingly optimised hardware and software deliver virtually jitter-free playback, supported by:

⦁ Bespoke linear power supplies to minimise electrical noise.
⦁ Choice of USB and S/PDIF output for maximum flexibility.
⦁ State-of-the-art thermal optimisation.
⦁ Cutting-edge EMI/RF shielding.
⦁ True galvanic isolation and chassis dampening for ultimate vibration control.
⦁ Easy integration with streaming services including Qobuz, Tidal, Bandcamp, Dezzer, Spotify and YouTube.
⦁ Option of using custom LDMS software or Roon.
⦁ Robust SSD storage to house the largest collections.

Finally, stunning casework, including the option of luxury woods for the front panel, means your LDMS will look as good as it sounds and perfectly complement both vintage and modern analogue components.

From FAQ: 

• Q: but isn’t it all ones and zeros and parity checked? So how can it sound any different to my (insert XYZ or any DIY or budget digital source here)?
• A: of course if you have the skill you should build and program your own, but by looking solely at the narrow spectrum of protocol design and limited transport mechanics, assuming It’s all the same from start to finish is the biggest misconception of digital audio, there are a lot of factors influencing and affecting the sound differently, reach out for a dialogue or demonstration. We can easily and confidently demonstrate that the same software will sound different on desktop, laptop and dedicated machines of varying quality and design, in fact even if you mimic our hardware you won’t come anywhere near the final sonic effect.

https://www.lucasaudiolab.com/

I love my streamers.  So easy and convenient.  They remind and introduce to new artist and tunes.  I have had 3 streamer, Cambridge Audio, Rose, and latest Wiim Ultra.  Really not that much different.  All great.  I do hook them up through ethernet cable to Eero routers.    

I started with a BS Node N130. I anded an LPS. I Added a Denafrips DAC. Now I’m using an Aurender N200 with the Denafrips DAC.   Every step made a noticeable improvement in the sound.