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Discerning a difference between streamers is difficult...only me or common for all?

I have struggled to appreciate the upgrade to the streamer in my system. A couple years ago I had an Audio Research DAC 8 being fed by a Bluesound Node 2i. I picked up an Aurender N10 and did not appreciate anything so sold the N10. I tried a couple all-in-one units. First was the Aurender A20 and I was happy but curious about dCS. I got a Bartok 2.0 and felt the music was more natural sounding from the Bartok and sold the A20. I have always wanted the Audio Research DAC 9 to match all my other AR gear so got one that showed up on eBay a couple weeks ago. Since I couldn’t use the Bartok to stream I ordered a new Bluesound Node Nano so I could utilize the DAC 9 immediately. The pair sounded wonderful but I did not compare it to the Bartok. I ended up getting a quick buyer and it was already gone. The following week I purchase an Aurender W20. I was prepared to have my mind blown....but no. Some albums I could not tell any difference in the sound and others I think the W20 sounded slightly better but again...nothing huge. For the money and the space the W20 took on my shelf, I sold it. Over the years I always appreciate upgrades for all other components. This makes me feel like I am losing my mind. Have any others experienced this regarding streamers? I want to try more. Auralic and Lumin are on my list.

Thanks,

Dana

dhite71

Showing 1 response by audio-b-dog

audio-b-dog's avatar
audio-b-dog
80 posts
 

I purchased a Moon 280 D streamer with DAC, at $4K is Moon's least inexpensive streamer. I tested it against what I was currently running. A laptop computer running Tidal software through a Chord Qutest DAC. The Moon 280D immediately sounded more nimble and lively than my computer and the Qutest, even though I think the Qutest is a very good DAC for the money.

The store owner knew I was in his store to buy Sonus Faber Olympica Nova V speakers, not a streamer. But with the test against the Qutest, he'd reeled me in to buying a streamer. He then compared the inexpensive Moon 280 D with a $9K Linn streamer. Maybe I could have heard the difference if I'd spent an hour in the store listening carefully.

Bottom line, I'm very  happy with the moon. Also, if you are streaming from a computer through a DAC, and have the money, I would suggest comparing it to a one-box DAC streamer. I do believe something is lost--in jitter or the quality of the cable connection, or whatever--using a computer DAC combo.

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