If I was using USB to the dac, then the pc/Mac/streamer could make a difference because some vendors try to make USB sound better. Since I don't use USB, then no. All a streamer server is is a proprietary computer, most of the time running linux, and a proprietary version of linux at that. Most streamers have more processing power than what's needed but probably makes it easier for some to charge the higher prices. Its pretty hard to justify a $13k streamer with hardware that's over the top to a 8 year old Mac mini that runs Roon with 6 end points that takes 15% of the mini's resources, again, not using USB
Do different streamers really sound different when using an external DAC
Maybe this has been posted before but it seems that often when a post is made where someone has gotten better sound it’s because it was the streamer with included DAC that was changed, not just the streamer. No doubt a better internal DAC, better file resolution, a better music service, will make a difference.
But I just want to see comparison of streamer to streamer with the same DAC implementation. I am currently using a Bluesound Node2i outputting via Coax into a high quality tube DAC
So here’s the million dollar question.
What have been your experiences in upgrading streamers, keeping everything else the same ie, DAC, cables, output type (Coax)? No doubt better control apps and having a display will elevate your experience but how about just sound quality. Anyone?
Thanks
But I just want to see comparison of streamer to streamer with the same DAC implementation. I am currently using a Bluesound Node2i outputting via Coax into a high quality tube DAC
So here’s the million dollar question.
What have been your experiences in upgrading streamers, keeping everything else the same ie, DAC, cables, output type (Coax)? No doubt better control apps and having a display will elevate your experience but how about just sound quality. Anyone?
Thanks