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

@dogearedaudio add to everything you mentioned the differences in clocks between different streamers.

In the OP’s example an ARC DAC 8 was used with 2 streamers - BS Node and Aurender N10. To the best of my knowledge the DAC 8 isn’t compatible with the Linux based Aurender N10 so that takes using USB out.

We’re now comparing N10 vs BS Node driving DAC8 via SPDIF coax cable. In this case, the Aurender’s superior OCXO clock is being leveraged. BS Node clock is nowhere nearly as good. This alone would make a pretty big difference. But the OP doesn’t hear enough to appreciate the change. Add to this the Aurender signal processing that caches the data onto the internal drive. This results in much cleaner data feed to the DAC. Compared to BS Node that uses small buffer area.
Another key difference between the two streamers.

Same applies to using DAC 9 now when comparing the next level up BS to Aurender W20

And the outcome is the cached digital files clocked by the super precise OCXO in the Aurender didn’t sound any different than the buffered data stream out of BS Node? Or the difference was so subtle that it wasn’t enough to appreciate?

I’m not going to call 🐂 💩 but I will question this.

The best streamer I ever had for SQ was the Bryston BDP-3.  Unfortunately the software management system was unusable.

  My current streamers are Melco N100 and CA CXN 100.  The difference between them and the BDP3 is very slight.   All three sound worlds better than the Bluesound Node

@mahler123

+1 ,,, big time.

I too dumped by BRYSTON BDP1USB and BDA2 stablemates, because of BRYSTON’s Jurassic era utility and infuriating “Manic Mooss ’ digital interface, As @mahler123 has pointed out….its a must to avoid.

I I upgraded to a MOON 280D MiND2 network player/ streamer/ DAC that is flawless at its pricepoint.and a step-up in audio performance from the BRYSTON pair that was not insignificant.

@audphile1 I did create my virtual system and listed my components but did not see a way to upload a picture. The field is there but nothing to click

I am now comparing coax cables from the Node Nano to the DAC 9. My initial purchase was for an Audioquest Cinnamon as it was inexpensive and allowed me to set up the Nano immediately.

A friend that utilizes USB brought over his two coax that he had in storage

Audioquest Carbon

Clearer Audio Silver-Line Optimus Reference

I am appreciating about the same level of improvement, possibly a bit more going all the way to the Clearer Audio.

I am currently listening to Sting and at the 1 min mark on Seven Days the music picks up its pace and was bright with some ear fatigue with the Cinnamon. The Carbon calmed it down to be enjoyable but still a bit bright. The Clearer Audio completely smoothed out the sound to be more like vinyl. My friend has better ears than I and we compared together the other night and he had the same feelings about the differences. I am thinking now to pick up a few more cables that offer a trial period to extend the shootout. Audio Envy and Snake River are a couple contenders.

Why would you even consider calling BS on someone’s experience. We are in such a subjective arena here and all any of us can do is trust our ears. What’s good for one may not be for another...happens all the time.

@dhite71 when you’re on Audiogon home page click on the hamburger menu at top right, then click your username, click My Virtual Systems. When you get to next page couck the Action drop down and select edit. You should be able to see the option to add images.

I said I won’t call BS but I will question your findings. Not the same as considering calling BS.

There are too many factors that can impact the difference you perceive between streamers or DACs or any other components when compared. This includes what I mentioned in my original post as well as how you compare…meaning the actual method/strategy used to compare components. In example you have both streamers playing the same song from qobuz and they’re connected to different inputs on your DAC and you repeatedly and rapidly switch back and forth as opposed to taking your time with each unit to analyze the sound and other attributes and make notes on sonic characteristics of each. When you compare phono amps, you take your time to listen to each unit playing at least one full song before you flip to the other phono stage that involves disconnecting and reconnecting. Just few examples.
There is an approach to everything.

If you hear different digital cables sound different but you can’t discern differences between streamers, it’s fine by me. I’m just questioning your approach. There’s not enough information in your OP to go by