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

OP,

I know we have discussed this off line. Sounds like you have a great opportunity to get the sound you are looking for at a very low cost. I wish that was true for me. So, just exploring until you find what really pleases you sounds like a sound strategy for you.  

@dhite71 

By no means, I expect or suggesting otherwise for you to start over. I was just sharing my perspective and experience with two iconic brands. Personally, I like to diversify and appreciate the nuances each component brings to the game so I sold off entire ARC system (Ref 6, DAC9 and GS150).

Coming back to your post, I recently sold off a $25K streamer in favor of a built-in Roon endpoint + Core + DAC. I couldn’t justify its existence in a direct shoot-out. Instead, I decided to focus on improving the signal quality ahead of streamer that has netted much bigger delta. There are few threads here that outlines improving wired signal to your streamer which is much likely to improve overall SQ of your existing streamer. If I were you, that’s where I should focus on instead of chasing down uber-expensive streamers. Cheers! 

@lalitk 

I would not have ever thought that a single mfg system would be less revealing for the source components.  Since I got serious about my system about 6 years ago I have had an all ARC system.  I do appreciate major differences with phono cartridges...it is almost as big of a change as speakers.  I have a local audio friend with an Auralic streamer that has agreed to bring over to compare.  I like buying used gear at a reasonable price and living with it for a while and then selling if not impressed.  I need to get more familiar with what else is out there in the streamer world and try another.  It's fun and maddening at times...but mostly fun :)

To your strategy of abandoning the house sound of certain mfg, I cannot fathom the idea of starting over with everything.  Overall I love the sound my system generates but am always looking for that bump upward

@dhite71

I can relate to your experience with ARC components. Your observations aligns with the design philosophy of brands like Audio Research (ARC) and McIntosh. Both have a “house sound” that tends to smooth over external influences, ensuring system synergy and a cohesive listening experience.

The ARC DAC9, for instance is praised for its refined, slightly warm, and musical sound, but it doesn’t let the personality of upstream components—like streamers—dominate the overall presentation. This can indeed feel like a blessing if you’re aiming for consistency, as it prevents potential mismatches or overly analytical sources from disrupting ARC’s characteristic musicality. On the flip side, it might feel limiting or frustrating at times if you’re trying to extract the unique tonal nuances of a particularly expressive streamer.

Similarly, McIntosh gear is known for its “house sound,” which is often described as lush, smooth, and forgiving. This sonic signature can veil or homogenize certain upstream subtleties, but it contributes to the brand’s famous ease of listening and fatigue-free performance.

In both cases, it’s a testament to these brands’ commitment to their sonic identity, ensuring that the listener always gets an experience that aligns with their philosophy, regardless of what sits in the signal chain before them.

Would you say this neutrality has been a benefit in your system, or do you miss the opportunity to experiment with a more “colorful” front end?

I experimented with both brands for extended period of time and gave them up for the reasons outlined above :-)

Speaking in generalities, the differences between most audiophile components are subtle.  Listeners can a make a big deal about those differences, but they are still subtle.  Good sound doesn't have to be very expensive.  Great sound is a different story.

No, you’re not insane. Differences with digital equipment can be quite subtle. I find the recording used to hear differences can be important. A good solo piano recording often helps to reveal differences. And with a streamer, it may not be in the obvious parameters like tone or bass quantity, but in less obvious things like image solidity, stability, or noise floor. Sometimes these things can be heard in the space in between notes. If you have really busy music, they may not be apparent. If your room is not treated, they may not be apparent. Etc., etc…. For my needs, I decided a long time ago to look at features needed (e.g., inputs, outputs, storage, Roon ready, etc.) in these devices over alleged sonic advantages.

Right now I happen to have a $400 streamer I bought for other purposes.  Using its SPDIF output with a $10 cable into my DAC sounds about the same as the main streamer, which is optically isolated, uses much more expensive cables, an outboard power supply, and isolation devices.  There is a difference but it is very subtle.  

I never thought about the music format/quality

100% of my streaming is done from Qobuz

I use a separate server and streamer, and I noticed quite an improvement when I added the Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe (optical) to perform streamer-only duties (Roon endpoint) in my system. On the server side (used to store digital music files and handle Roon core), I could hear no meaningful difference between servers from Antipodes, Mojo Audio, and my current sonicTransporter i9 (Gen 4). That may be different for listeners who challenge their servers with higher level DSD material.

The funny thing is that when I had the Node 2i, I got a few different coax cables and could distinguish a big difference between the 25yo Audioquest cable I had compared to the newer AQ Carbon I switched to.  

For this set up I got a new AQ Cinnamon coax.  I also tried a Carbon XLR cable with the W20 and did not appreciate anything between that and the Cinnamon.

I heard more between the A20 and the Bartok....guessing that was more comparing DACs than their respective streaming.

Or maybe you don't have a good digital cable.

Apparently you are not drinking the koolaid.  My experience is the same as yours.  I would expect someone will comment that either your equipment or your ears are not up to snuff.

I know my title is extreme and realize that many experience just as you.  I could tell more differences between the different DACs I had over the years with the Node 2i.  I went through Schiit Gumby and Yggy and then the AR DAC 8 and a 7.  I suppose it's a blessing as I am happy with a $300 streamer haha

Sorry to hear, for me it’s like going from Ground chuck to a big fat ribeye. Have been very lucky with the Innuos brand.