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Music streamers

My question is About music streamers in general. My current setup is a Laptop connected to my integrated job amp through usb. I was wondering if I should replace my laptop with a dedicated streamer without a Dac cuz my int already had one. So purely speaking about the difference between a dedicated streamer and a laptop. Does a streamer have a tangible improvement than a laptop? Just on the audio quality is there a tangible improvement. If yes plz suggest me some good ones below 1000usd. I’m currently eyeing the lindenmann limetree bridge. Thank you 
parvatham
dougthebiker
210 posts
 
I’ve got about a $50k system but used to stream  an iPad into my Yggy DAC.  Going to a dedicated Innuos server/streamer was the biggest improvement I’ve heard in 25 years.  That’s not the point, it’s outside your budget.

For my tv room stereo I got an Orchard Pecan Pi streamer $500 including DAC.  It’s got better reviews by guys who only review digital than the Allo, which they used to love at the price.

 I tried it in my good system and no it’s not in the same class, but it’s VERY good for the price.  Reviews are on YouTube.
russbutton's avatar
russbutton
429 posts
 
There is NO difference between a streamer and a laptop.  That's the beauty of digital audio.  Bits is bits.  There is so very much stupid BS out there.  Money spent on USB cables and the like is money wasted.  Transfer of digital information either works or it doesn't.  Keep in mind that digital gear has transfer protocols that insures data accuracy.  

You trust that your bank keeps accurate digital records.  Why can't you trust your digital gear to accurately transfer digital data?

Save your money.
stewbombs
5 posts
 
Has anyone compared a streamer/DAC combo to the Audioengine B1 Bluetooth receiver? I’ve been using the B1 for a few years, sending iTunes music to my 2-channel stereo, and the sound is outstanding. I’ve been interested in exploring a streamer/DAC combo but don’t know how the sound can be much better than this. My primary reason for looking to move away from the B1 are recent Bluetooth connectivity issues with the iPhone.
ddafoe
243 posts
 
After using a Raspberry Pi with a  HIFIBERRY DIGI+ PRO SPDIF board and iFi power supply (running Roon) for years to feed decently expensive DACs (e.g. Berkeley, SimAudio, Bricasti, Mojo Audio) I finally tried a streamer upgrade after spending less on my latest DAC than originally planned.   

I purchased a Bricasti M5 and using the same Shunyata SPDIF cable heard a much bigger difference in sound quality than I was expecting.
Hind sight I should have upgraded my digital streamer years ago if I had known I would hear that much difference.   

The Pi is amazing for the price and a Pi with the Allo Signature (requiring dual power supplies) is likely a step up from what I was using and is still super cheap compared to the M5 which is cheap compared to some other streamers...  But, in the context of my system (Sim 740P+Pass 250.8+Spendor D9) and my ears the amount of improvement I heard with the M5 was up there with DAC, preamp, and amp changes I've made over the years.   I hear a darker soundstage with much better detail retrieval.  It is like I just washed a window between me and the music.

After this experience, I suggest you at least do what I didn't and compare some in your system to see what differences you hear (if any).   My initial goal was to find one under $1K but since I want to use SPDIF that was a little trickier than USB only.   The Project Stream Box S2 and Sonore UltraRendu were two cheaper units I was considering if switching to USB.

Good Luck...

krell_fan1's avatar
krell_fan1
100 posts
 
Consider one of the Sonore Rendu models. And Roon. A match made in heaven. You’ll wonder how you lived without Roon. As you read about the Rendu, you’ll understand why music sounds considerably better on a Rendu, as it uses fiberglass Ethernet, not copper. No noise. Just make sure you’ve got plenty of RAM for Roon - at least 16 GB. 
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