I’m not a software engineer so I can’t satisfy your need for an explanation. But I think if you actually look into different playback and operating systems, you will find that there are differences both in the way the operating systems control the clocks and CPUs, but also in the way the digital information is handled and moved about. Audirvana, for example, converts the file into PCM and preloads it into ram before playback. HQPlayer employs a complex variety of filters. Any serious digital audiophile will tell you that Roon sounds very different from Minimserver, even sans any direct DSP intervention. Even the more basic players, like Gmediarenderer, APlayer, Squeezelite, MPD--they all present different signatures, at least in my system. Buffers, caches, protocols--I couldn’t technically say what mechanisms are at work. But the differences are deliberate in that the designers of these various players are seeking to deliver digital music in the most convincing way. You say "working to spec." But what does that mean? Honestly, in terms of digital playback we’re waaaay past the "bits are bits" stage and well into how the subtleties of microprocesses contribute to converting bits into music.
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
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@glennewdick +1 I recently upgraded my streamer from Zenith Mk 3 to Zenith NG. Big delta in price. I heard very little to no difference. I think this is a function of the quality of your DAC and its USB implementation. I use the MSB Reference DAC with their USB Pro. It's galvanically isolated through optical cables. My advice is to buy the best possible DAC you can. For me the streamer is much lower on the priority list. |
I have a Bluesound Node 2i and a Innuos Zen 3, the Innuos sound is much better than the Bluesound for me, however, I am surprised at how well the node sounds when looking at the price comparison, I think the Node benefits greatly from me running it through my Denafrips Terminator 2 12 edition. The node was 600.00 the innuos 3,600. 6 times, is the Zen 6 times better, no , but it is noticeably better on many levels. When comparing the Node using its own Dac sound to Node/Denafrips, it’s clear to hear how much benefit the Denafrips provides to the Node. |
When I purchased my Rockna Wavedream Signature DAC, I saw many owners recommending pairing it with the Rockna Wavedream NET for best results, that the Rockna server took things to another level and that using the i2s connection was critical. Prior to the Wavedream NET, I had a Roon Nucleus. If there was any difference in sound quality, I couldn't detect it. The Wavedream NET is a nice server and provides functionality the Nucleus doesn't, most notably, an excellent CD transport is included. On another note, I initially used a DH Labs i2s cable, but "they" said you need to get a Tubulus or RAL i2s cable (or something even more expensive) to get the best sound quality. I purchased a Revelation Audio Labs Prophecy CryoSilver Reference I2S Cable and was able to A/B, as the Rockna Server and DAC both have two i2s connections and thought the RAL sounded better than the DH Labs cable, but I recently did that again and couldn't detect any noticeable difference. I'm not sure if that was confirmation bias initially, or that my ears are getting worse, or something else. I have been told by other audiophile friends that I have a "good ear" and my system is pretty revealing, so I'm leaning towards confirmation bias. The DAC is where almost all the magic happens. Focus on getting that as good as you possibly can and then tweak away. |
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