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Importance of a DAC's elements

Over the past week, I have devoted to myself to becoming knowledgeable about DACs -- and, having read literally hundreds of postings and articles, I am incredibly confused about the relative importance of the various elements of a DAC. Let me describe them as

   1. Network streaming/rendering (i.e., providing, say, the stream from Tidal and delivering it to the DAC);

   2. the DAC function itself (i.e., converting the digital data to an analog signal); and

   3. the analog output (i.e., providing the analog signal to the preamp or power amplifier).

I have a decent handle on the relative merits of various engines (e.g., single-chip ESS devices, FPGAs, R2R ladders, ring, etc.) so I don't need feed back on that topic. However, let's take the "streamer/renderer". Is there any benefit from that function being a separate component versus being a board inside? What are the most important considerations in evaluating them? Currently, standalone streamer/renderers cost from under $2,000 to nearly $15,000. What do the higher priced units offer that the lower priced ones do not?

Also, I can appreciate that the analog output function of a DAC is extremely important in determining the quality of the outgoing analog signal. What makes one analog output better than another? What should I be looking for to ensure that this output doesn't undercut the quality of the conversion done by the DAC itself?

All insights will be appreciated.

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Showing 1 response by danager

danager's avatar
danager
878 posts
 

From my perspective streamers are simply purpose built computers that provide a digital signal to your dac.  That can be as simple a single board computer like the Raspberry PI to some of the ultra expensive highly modified computers that go as far as to supply three separate power supplies for the the voltages required to process your signal.  They refine the internals and isolate the output to unimaginable levels. 

Allo who makes streamer hats (and power supplies) for the Rasberry PI emphasize  how less than clean power can degrade the sound.

From Allo website: "The Digione Signature needs 2 PSUs to run.
We strongly recommend you purchase the battery pack or use a very good power supply for the clean side."

The other difference, the software interface.  It's ease of use and whether it supports your streaming service or the OS you are going to use to control your music. For instance the Lumin control software doesn't have Windows PC version.

I've not stepped up to an expensive streamer.  The major issue for me (besides the money) is that the support for Amazon Music.  I also haven't completely explored getting the most out of the streamers I'm currently using.  I do think that both the streamer and dac are important and providing the best source will pay dividends on your systems performance.

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