Help settle a streaming argument!


This is a SQ argument and is as follows-  I argue if you connect your streamer to an outboard DAC the streamer does not matter it’s just serving the music to the outboard DAC to do the work.  Therefore, buy a basic streamer.  The other is that you need to buy a top quality streamer and DAC to get great SQ. 
 

I liken it to cd players or the more pretentious cd transport argument- if the intent is to connect to outboard DAC the cd player doesn’t matter the outboard DAC DOES!
 

features and functionality aside!  Thoughts…..

polkalover

Showing 3 responses by yesiam_a_pirate

My experience so far:  I bought a PS Audio Direct Stream DAC/ Streamer with the the Bridge !! ethernet adapter about a month ago. In short the DAC is great but the Bridge II card left a lot to be desired. The music was dull and flat. All but the really well engineered recordings were a drag to listen to. Just disappointing. Plus it kept dropping the internet signal. 

In my frustration I called PS Audio for tech support and was persuaded to try the AirLens Streamer. It arrived yesterday (10/23)  Night and day. I was amazed. It was money well spent. The card is pretty simple vs. the AirLens which is a good bit bigger, heavier, and has multiple connections. 

Conclusion:  Buy an expensive streamer. You won't remember the price after a while and the joy of all that music out there at your fingertips is exhilarating. 

https://imgur.com/a/WAjzRtA

Here is my experience as of yesterday 10/23:  

I bought a PS Audio Direct Stream DAC with the above bridge card in it. I love the DAC- way better than my other DAC experiences. The Bridge II was a disappointing experience. The music was flat and lifeless. It also dropped internet syncing which caused me to seek tech support which caused me to upgrade to an AirLens streamer. What a difference!  Night and day. 

My conclusion is this: Buy the best source you can afford- be it a streamer or any other source because...garbage in garbage out.