Another post about a streamer upgrade

“There are a lot of variables. The unfortunate truth in this hobby is that everything matters and as you go up the ladder it matters even more. Synergy is key though, so trying and listening for yourself to see what works in your system the best approach.”

@audphile1 Well said!

Assuming high quality analog components and DAC already in place and optimized, how digital bits delivered to your DAC plays a significant role. A well designed streamer elevates and recreates more intimacy with music.

Unless one had an opportunity to try a better streamer, you honestly don’t know what you’ve been missing all along!

“Many people tout expensive streamers but what is really driving that?”

@hilde45
Perhaps a pursuit for no-comprising performance at source. What you should be asking in IMHO, Is your rest of the system is up to snuff to reveal improvements by a well designed streamer or DAC.

The argument “Is it the streamer or the DAC that makes the greatest sound quality difference” is getting quite old. You won’t insert a mediocre preamp ahead of high performance amp and vice versa, right?

The quality of recordings issue is not unique to streaming services. We have endured and experienced these inconsistencies with physical media all along. There are plenty of great sounding recordings available to enjoy streaming at very highest level. One can easily put to rest anxieties such as won’t or can’t possibly make a difference by auditioning a high quality streamer or DAC in your system. Is your rest of the system up to snuff…..only you can answer this question.

Both Innuos Pulse and Aurender N150 would complement well with your BP DAC. They both offers well designed streamers with robust app interface, make sure you use wired Ethernet connection from router or modem. 

“I think the purpose built environment of Innuos or Aurender is a better move ”

@j_andrews 

Unequivocally, Yes! 

“I suspect that doing the hard work of really testing things and eliminating variable is time consuming and onerous. And not as fun.”

@hilde45 

Agreed on process being time consuming and requiring considerable efforts but that’s what makes this hobby so much fun. My current system is the culmination of lot of trials and tribulations over last 7 plus years. 

Good luck with your journey! 

@j_andrews 

Thanks for posting your impressions. The streamer quality does matters and most folks here would be open to exploring better sound experience just like you did! 

I agree with you on JPLAY app, it’s a really nice app, well laid out and offers seamless Qobuz integration. Your assessment of Innuous is also spot on, while I enjoyed Innuos well rounded sound, I found it to be bit on darker side for my preferences.