2. digital
  3. 195454-206052

My SACD Transport feeds so much better signal to my DAC compared with streaming end...

I mostly use Roon to stream my 2000+ album digital collection with Bluesound Node + Ideon 3R Master Time reclocker + Ideon Ayazi MKII DAC. Recently I got a used PS Audio PerfectWave SACD Transport to rediscover my CD collection from years ago that my parents brought back to me from their home, which I have not touched for a very long time. I thought the 3R reclocker would clean up much of the signal from the Bluesound to the extent that streaming will not sound much worse than CD -- Indeed, I have been satisfied with its performance. I was wrong. The CD playback experience totally blew me away. Much darker background, much better soundstage and depth, lots of details, and better dynamics with great authority... I guess you really need a good streamer to catch disc playback! At any rate, I plan to upgrade my front end to one that works with the SACD Transport's I2S output so that I can enjoy my SACDs as well...

joyceulysses

Showing 3 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
8,183 posts
 

I use an Aurrender N100H with an Ayre QB-9 20 DAC for my headphone system. My virtual systems are posted under my UserID.

I use an Arrender W20SE and Audio Research REF CD9se for my main system. I have also tried other streamers and DACS like dCS, Grimm, Berkeley. 

I recommend Aurrender, even if used. Outstanding sound. I have tried others in lower tiers and have not found them as good. The DAC is no less important and I have found tends to have a greater impact on tonal balance, the streamer on detail.  fullness and noise. 

There are lots of good DACs available. I assume you are in the market for a less expensive ones than I have. Just be careful to make sure it is musical. Comparing sonic characteristics using AI is a great way to help you zero in on one. You’ll are unlikely to  be captivated by the sound if the components are over detailed and analytical sounding... it is the midrange warmth that conveys to emotional content. 

ghdprentice
8,183 posts
 

@kennymacc 

 

+1

I have found the key is streaming done right. I used to channel surf when the sound quality wasn't there. Then, when I achieved great sound... each album was captivating... and my desire to change completely disappeared. 

ghdprentice
8,183 posts
 

Or you can get a good streamer and DAC and have millions of albums at your finger tips that sound the same or better than the physical media. Bluesound is very good sounding for the money but is in the bottom tier of the budget streamers. I own one. 

CD Players and SACDs are physical transports, streaming the signal to an internal DAC. The quality of the output of the box is dependent on the performance of its internal components.

Good quality streamers cashe the bits coming in from the network, isolate from noise and pass on to a DAC.

Which ever of these are of better quality will sound better. My CD, stored files, and vinyl all sound the same (outstanding), and I have access to millions of albums. So, it is worth the effort to put together a streamer and DAC that sounds as good or better than a physical media player. Saves money and storage space. I got rid of all my CDs. 

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