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Digital/Optical out from Streaming Devices (Bluesound, Heos, etc) to Preamp- difference?

I am integrating a streaming device in to the system strictly for Tidal streaming purposes, and possibly 44.K music files on a hard disk that will be plugged in to the streaming unit.

I will not be using the DAC in the streaming units, rather take the digital out (optical or coax) in to my preamp and let it do the DA conversion.

Am I correct in thinking that it will make no difference in sound quality which player I use as I'm just using its digital out (digital is digital?)  I understand there would be differences if I were to use their analog outputs.

Using Proceed 

Thanks for your feedback.
johnziomas

Showing 1 response by sbank

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
It all depends on how high a resolution system you connect it to. There are audible differences between the digital streamers. IMHO, most of Mapman's comments are spot on; dac differences will be bigger. However, once you settle on a dac, improvements in streaming device will be audible on a good rig. If you never plan on moving beyond an entry level system, it may not matter too much, but in this hobby, the devil is in the details, and they all matter.
I'd suggest trying to demo the devices on a higher end system in addition to your own to get an idea of the how those devices compare. If it doesn't sound like much difference to you, save your money. 
BTW, suggest adding Sonore SonicOrbiter SE and Aurelic Aries Mini to your consideration list. Cheers,
Spencer
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