I recently acquired a custom built server by Pareto Audio. As alluded to above, the design goal with the Linux core is to remove all non-audio related processes, reduce the number of interrupts, speed up processing, eliminate non-essential network interfaces, and isolate with fiber optics throughout the entire network. This has been a big step up and sounds about as good as can be done with a Sonore Signature Rendu Deluxe endpoint with USB output. As good as this sounds, it is further improved with a SOtM USBultra USB conditioner. To test the assumption that I've reached the limits of a USB DAC input, the next move is to find a FO-to-I2S endpoint into an good I2S DAC TBD--perhaps the top Audio GD or PS Audio's forthcoming top model.
Sound quality differences in streamers
Can there be sonic differences between moderate and high priced streamers when used for streaming only. I will not use or engage an onboard DAC or any other feature, just stream from Tidal or Amazon to DAC. If the unit is just transferring zeros and ones to a DAC can there be differences in say a $300 WiiM and a $3000 dSC streamer? Thanks