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 richtruss

I’ve had an Auralic Aries Mini, a Squeezebox, Allo USBridge, Allo Usbridge Signature, Lyngdorf TDAI 1120 and 3400 streaming amps and now use a Bricasti M5. They all sound different. I have no idea why Audioguy85 can’t hear any differences with different streamers.
The thing that has lifted streaming into a new level of performance for me, better than CD, is getting the Ethernet delivery stream sorted out right.
 Industry disclaimer: I make products that do this.