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Rebadging of Streaming Platforms

So I was reading some Q&A from an audio reviewer last night in which he mentioned that most audio streamers are just rebadged platforms from one or two vendors (I'm talking just the streaming portion of any unit, not the DAC).  I have had more than one dealer tell me the same thing.  So my question for anyone who knows is who actually makes these one or two platforms?  Or conversely, who actually makes their own streamers?  I going out on a limb and am guessing that Sonore may be one who "makes their own" but was hoping some one else had the actual answers.

badgerdms

Showing 3 responses by soix

soix
8,940 posts
 

Even if true, as with all things in audio implementation has a huge impact on the ultimate results.  

soix
8,940 posts
 

I do think I would be much more likely to spend money on a DAC (up to a point) than the streamer. 

If you listen to people who’ve built streaming systems it’s pretty clear that everything matters, and matters a lot.  Cheap out on the streamer if you want because you think they all use the same modules, but the overwhelming evidence is that the devil is in the details.  If you look at reviews of streamers like Wolf, Aurender, Grimm, etc. you’ll see there is another level of performance no matter what common base electronics are used.  That’s the bottom line.  Your point is noted, but largely irrelevant. 

soix
8,940 posts
 

Nothing says lack of character like a battery-powered car. Think, golf cart. Sorry, I know it’s the future but nothing from a battery will replace the thrill of hearing a Ferrari 8-cylinder or a Porsche 6 singing behind my ears. Or even a Ford or Chevy V8 from the front.  Never ever. God help us whenever we can no longer fuel these wonderful machines. Just sayin’.

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