Best way to A/B two different streamers


I just purchased a new dedicated streamer after streaming tidal from my computer. I'm using USB to stream from both. Has anyone ever tried using a USB A/B box to switch between streamers to evaluate the differences? I know it would possibly degrade the signal but I'm only looking to hear the differences. My other problem is I only have one high quality USB cable but could use 2 cheaper cables just to hear differences. My DAC and streamer are both in a rack where the cable is hard to reach.

willywonka

Showing 1 response by dougthebiker

Willy,

You’re getting some non-optimal advice here.  People are right that you should NOT use a cheap switch.  Nor should you use an optical on one and USB on the other.  Neither will provide a valid comparison.

Pick 5 to 10 tracks that you feel are very well recorded and that you really enjoy.  Be sure to include some acoustic instruments and vocals that you’ll recognize as sounding “real” or not.  Some complex rock is fine too.  Be sure to include some cymbals and kick drum or bass drum.

Listen to the entire group and listen for specific things on specific tracks such as cymbal strikes, sibilant voices, deep bass, transients, handling of complex passages, clarity, soundstage depth, width, specificity, etc.  Take notes on how “real” each track sounded and of course, whether you found it emotionally involving.  Did it make you want to keep listening a lot longer or did you find yourself wanting to do something else?

Then go through the same group with the other streamer, hooked up EXACTLY the same way.  Go through the whole process 2 or 3 times.

Quickly switching back and forth between pieces of equipment within the same track seldom tells you whether you want to live with a new piece of equipment or not.