Improving sound quality of streaming setup

What Steve (Audioengr) suggests is certainly a valid route. Then he also manufactures the product he's recommending. Just be aware of that.

Another option that would be very simple too is getting a laptop to be used for music only, and a DAC with asynchronous USB input. You would have a USB cable between laptop and DAC, and analog IC between DAC and pre, and that's it. The laptop does not need to be powerful. You could use iTunes since you are familiar with it. Then, choose a DAC within your budget, and with the output connectors that match your pre.

Later, if you feel like it, you can get an iPad or iPod to use as a remote. You would probably love this!

This should be rather simple to implement and not expensive, and will get your toe in the water.

My two cents.

Appreciate the input. Currently using an iPod Touch for my remote. I understand that the Zardoz already has a reclocker but will confirm with manufacturer.

One issue with Lewinskih01's suggestions. I like his ideas a lot, but as a Squeezebox Touch user, I am always thinking about what I will do when it dies (Logitech has discontinued the Squeezebox platform, and replacements for failed units are no longer available). So, I thought I might use my laptop, which is already dedicated to ripping CDs onto my server (a Vortexbox appliance) and controlling the server via the web-based GUI for functions other than playback. I could just use the Logitech Media Server program, already installed on my laptop, for playback. Last night, however, I realized that, during quiet passages, the fan in the laptop is indeed audible, too much for critical listening. I am trying to avoid buying a tablet, which I guess could be fanless, but I guess I may have no choice. So consider the laptop self-noise before you have that whizzing in your ear while trying to enjoy your music.

Zardoz only does what the AE does, but with a better clock. Still not god enough IMO. I used to have a product similar to Zardoz. I discontinued it.

As for USB , be prepared to do some work. Upgrading the computer (DRAM and SSD), computer power supply, playback software and other OS tweaks. All of this is needed to match the performance of a Sonos or SB with reclocker and good power supply for the reclocker. A lot more expense and time consuming. The advantage of USB is native up to 192 playback.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

SB without re-clocker + external DAC to tweak the sound as needed ain't too shabby even IMHO. I listen to this setup all the time and am hard pressed to say I am missing anything. AEs reclocker is probably better technically regarding jitter, but better enough to hear a difference in practice? Dunno. AE thinks so but then again he is the designer and seller. Does one need one to start? I doubt it. Looks easy to add one later if one feels the need or desire.

Can't vouch for SOnos but many like those as well. A wireless network connection between server and streamer is a good thing! It helps isolate the parts that make music from the commercial computer, which can be a huge source of noise in many cases.