How much difference in Sound quality can be expected from different streamers?


 

I would appreciate very much in obtaining advice on the SQ from different Streamers. I am currently using a good quality vintage DAC (Altis Reference) connecting to Roku 4 (using its Tosslink out to a simple coaxial converter which connects to the coaxial “in” of the DAC). When comparing the SQ of the exact same artist/music through first  CD setup( CECTL0 connecting to the DAC) or second setup (Oppo 105 to DAC) vs ROKU 4 accessing Tidal Master level  at 48KHz, both CD systems provided better SQ with CECTLO the best. I was reading with interest on the forum (4/2/2021)  on DAC and found out that the SQ from different decent DAC does not appear to vary too much; the new DAC may offer connection convenience, but not necessarily SQ. More likely, different CD player or Transport can provide a more obvious difference in SQ than different DAC, like what I had experienced.  Thus I am very interested to seek advice from those who had experience in comparing different streamers. Can high end streamers when accessing Tidal Master level produce much better SQ than Roku 4 if connected to my DAC(at sampling rate of 48KHz)? If so, which ones would you recommend?


moses189

Showing 1 response by ianrmack

Lots of threads on this already.

just like with CDTs, you will see the same variances with streamers - the new transport.  Same say yes, some say no, some say YMMV, etc.

i think streaming with Tidal works and produces very fine SQ. Plus, the access to millions of songs has provided hours upon hours of joy and exposure to countless artists I may never have heard.

start with a Bluesound node 2i and a good external DAC. You’ll be fine. Lots of people have co,pared to Lumin and others. 
In my rig with a Node 2i, chord qutest, belles Aria SIG amp and Dyn S40s, I just LOVE the sound so it works for me.