2. digital
  3. 174515-2325

How critical is streamer hardware to SQ when it feeds a good DAC?

Hi all,

I currently have a Node2 connected digitally to either a Bricasti M3 or a Chord Dave. I am still evaluating which of those DACs improve the sound quality more. Suffice to say that both are a considerable upgrade. I am also thinking about replacing the Node2 with perhaps an Aurender or Auralic streamer, which I would also connect to the DAC. Once you bypass the internal DAC in the streamer, would the SQ be impacted by other elements in the streamer which would warrant such a purchase? I know a retail dealer who uses the following architecture to create an excellent sound: Roon NUC, Node, Chord mScaler, Chord Hugo, VTL Pre, VTL Amp, Fyne 704. 

Thanks

Chuck

128x128cmjones

Showing 1 response by mahler123

mahler123
3,447 posts
 

 Troy is ok.  He puts his personal interest out there in each post.  
DACs are 80% of the sound. Streamers the other 20%.  So streamers matter but get the DAC part of the equation right first.

  I really enjoy my CA CXN 60, which into the same DAC beats the Node2 and Chromecast and AirPlay to boot.  It’s worth twice the price of the Node2, but the Node2 is a great value

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