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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 2 responses by mapman

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,884 posts
 

It’s not that complicated. Compare two ways and decide. Then compare to other options as needed. Yes, do play a variety of music of interest to you. Resolution of source material matters. The one that sounds best sounds best. A sound meter in addition to your ears to help shed light and assure similar SPLs is always worth it. Massed strings is a useful check to help sort out the champ. In many cases a quick a/b compare will immediately shed light on the differences.

mapman's avatar
mapman
21,884 posts
 

I just did a shootout like this a few days ago.

1) Connect each to whatever inputs available that both support the source resolution for testing.

2) Stream the same source material with both concurrently

3) Compare. I’d use a sound meter or similar app to make sure both are same volume.

4) Pick the winner and on to round 2 repeating same test but with different input configuration as the challenger if available.

5) Repeat as needed until a winner can be determined from among all the available streaming options at your disposal. 

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