That’s spot on. I totally agree. I think of the digital chain as ONE body comprised of four elements:
1) Server
2) Streamer
3) DAC
4) Peripherals (power supplies, Internet transmission, cables)
Often times, two or more of these combined in one unit (I.e. DAC with a network bridge built in).
IMHO, the most important decision is on the DAC, then building around it for best synergy, and without ignoring the other three elements in the chain.
BTW @david_ten ... I was able to get an Innuos Statement for myself a month or so ago |
Thanks @david_ten ! I very much enjoy the Statement.
It’s a little of long story: I had preordered the Innuos PhoenixUSB for months. When I finally received it, I was shocked how much it improved my. ZENith MK3. Then an opportunity presented itself for a used Statement 2TB in great condition at a good price, so I took it.
Perhaps this is a bit of oversimplification, but going from ZENith alone to ZENith + PhoenixUSB combo, is a bigger improvement than from that same combo to the Statement. Needless to say, this is my impression only, with my ears in my system, and considering using USB for streaming. Results may be different for those with no USB in the chain.
For me, Statement is end-game, and I am pretty sure I will not be looking for other servers AND streamers in the near future |
I am constantly optimizing @david_ten 😂😂
I am currently using a Triode Wire Labs Split Data & Power USB cable with surprisingly very good results. It beats some more expensive USB cables I have and have had. Eventually I will get a Shunyata Sigma USB. Also, a nice Audiogon member here recommended the Kimber Select HB cable that I would also like to try.
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Innuos is a great piece of hardware for sure. And PhoenixUSB does help with USB connection. A lot
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What you are describing @ag3 is exactly what people experience when switching from a general purpose computer (i.e. work or home laptop) to a dedicated, audio purpose built streamer. It's indeed eye popping! I was there a few years ago, and never looked back.
Unfortunately, there are still many people streaming from their laptop, simply because they refuse to try anything else. After all, zeroes and ones....if there is sounds, it works.... either it works, or it doesn't .... |
Bit are bits! (Just kidding 😂)
From my experience, all three matter. DAC, Server, Streamer. Having said this, I have currently spent more on my DAC, vs. the server / streamer combo (Innuos ZENith MK3). If I had the money, I would have bought the Innuos Statement, and called it a day.
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Perhaps more on DAC. Without neglecting the source of course. I hope I make sense
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Because the DAC is the link between the digital and analog portions of my system. IMHO the analog output stage of the DAC is crucial.
This is just my general, intuitive understanding of things. I have no scientific proof, or ABX tests to back it up 😂😉
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Yes indeed, Ed Meitner makes great DACs. The EMM Labs DACs should definitely be up there, as a SOTA DAC |
david_ten OP3,358 posts11-22-2019 9:36am@atdavid
- Reasons for "the streamer should not matter at all"?
- Which DACs fit these criteria, according to you? Which streamers would you pair with them?
Thanks.
I can answer that on behalf of @atdavid - simply by knowing ASR thought process and "proof": In terms of DAC: anything from China measures good enough. Example: Topping at $50 a piece Streamer: does not really matter. A Chromecast Audio at $35 will do |
Hey @david_ten : is your DAC still Denafrips Terminator? Assuming you like it? If so... we have talked about it: MSB and look no further.
Your server is still SGC i7 sonicTransporter? If so, you can do much better. I am very familiar.
What is your streamer? |
@emtrey: I used to own Ayre QX-5 Twenty. Excellent DAC.
I agree with you. It’s USB input using a decent streamer was audibly better than its built in network bridge |
@david_ten : Is your sonicTransporter also your streamer?
Here is my current breakdown in MSRP prices (obviously, getting a nice deal or used helps 😉):
DAC: $13,500 (MSB Discrete with ProISL USB module and second optional discrete power supply)
Server / Streamer (USB out to DAC): $4,250 (Innuos ZENith MK3)
Then of course you have the USB cable, the power cords, the Ethernet cable, etc. |
Not sure if it is a good ratio to target. I definitely like how my system sounds.
You no longer have the ZENith MK3? Why? I used to own the sonicTransporter i5 a while back, as Roon Core, and while it was more powerful in processing power compared to Innuos line, the ZENith sounded noticeably better to my ears, plus extra features, etc. I don’t do any heavy DSP, and my library is relatively small at slightly over 1,000 albums, so processing power not an issue for me
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Innuos Statement would definitely be end-game for me on the server / streamer front. I just wish I had that much cash. Maybe one day. Probably at the next Statement MK2 😉
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