@kofibaffour has it ...
It's ridiculous but it is that good ...
Hlep chosing a streamer/server for my DAC
Greetings Audiogoners, I took the dive into digital last year. I bought a Gustard A26 and loved the sound it produced. Close enough for me to analog—I currently have an Audio Research VSi75, a Herron Audio pre-amp and a VPI table.
I have been streaming through my MAC laptop. I know, not optimal. I want to make the next move to a dedicated streamer where I can sit in my chair with my tablet and drift off into sonic bliss. My problem: I'm unclear as to which streamer to pursue. Can you guys demystify things for me; dumb it down for this vinyl guy to understand? I just want to ensure that I'm able to stream the highest possible audio resolution between my DAC (32BIT/768kHz PCM, DOP 256, Native DSD512) and my streamer. I also want to avoid compatibility issues with whatever connection I choose to use between the streamer and DAC.
For example I have read that some streamers will only stream at a certain resolutions despite the streamer and the DAC being capable of much higher. Is this really a problem to be concerned about? Also, which connection should I favor
AES, SPDIF coaxial, TOSLINK, I2S or USB. I have been using USB but I find that I can only stream at 24/96 even though higher bitrate files are possible (probably the limitations of my MAC). I currently use CAT 6 Ethernet to my MAC and USB to my DAC.
My budget is around $3700 tops. Can you help make make the right decision? Some of the streaming choices I have considered are the Lumin U2 (used) or U2mini with an S Booster, Innuos Pulse (used) or Pulse mini with power supply, Roon clone with a linear power supply or an Eversolo DMP-A10.
I freely admit I know next to nothing about digital audio. I need just the basics to make a wise purchase. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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@diminishedchord A flat for me was optical into a Lumin x1. It sounded sterile compared to copper. As always YMMV. Please tell us about your router/switch and how signal get’s to the streamer and what other connects are in the digital chain. |
Nothing wrong with that, you will be happy.
Option number 2.
Aurender users don't think so. Option number 3.
Roon is wonderful, it sounds incredible and they continually make improvements which changes the sound, usually for the better. Is Squeeze (Innuos sense is based on Squeeze and therefore almost equivalent) on my streamer (option number 4) better? On many tracks yes, but that doesn't make Roon inferior, just different. I still use Roon 90% of the time as the user interface is world class. I have discovered many new artists and wonderful music I never knew existed. Once you get a streamer that is Roon capable there is a trial period. Oh, and don't go to the Roon forum and ask the question regarding sound quality as the "bits are bits" flat-earthers will shoot you down and ask for "evidence".
You are looking for absolutes, there usually are none in audio. Each manufacturer has their own ideas and implement their own philosophies and therefore each unit will have its own optimal connection method, which then varies on the receiving unit connected to it. Same goes for the software on each player.
We know. |
- 34 posts total