Sound quality differences in streamers

@mdalton 

If I recall correctly, we’ve been down this path with you before. You post an incredibly rude comment and then pretend to apologize for it in the guise of being “helpful”.

Additionally - if I recall correctly - you’re a vinyl person with no actual direct experience with better streamers. You are voicing an opinion based on what you believe to be true, and/or what cannot possibly be true.

I understand and respect differing opinions about the merits of particular gear and different budget priorities. Share away and I will hope to learn something from you. 

However, throwing out insulting comments based on an ill-informed opinions doesn’t do anything to advance our community - or bring any joy (the reason we listen to music). It just creates angst in this community. An opinion is ill-informed when it is based on a lack of experience, and/or lacks an adequate technical basis of support.

Interestingly, the possibility exists for you to be correct. But as you’ve only an opinion based on belief - not direct, thoughtful experience - that value is completely lost. Only the harm remains. Equally sad is that you have rejected the possibility that you could be mistaken. Your dogma is preventing you from the exploration of “how, why, and what if”. 

If you have any curiosity, you might go to the Positive Feedback site and look for a review of the Switch X. I can’t seem to post the link here. The reviewer has the technical knowledge to understand and explain why it makes a difference and the discussion is also highly related to why streamers sound different, too.

And if you’re not curious - fair enough. But perhaps you’d be kind enough to dial it down on digital discussions. 

Peace.

Interesting. I have never purchased a single piece of audio gear after having looked at the specs (other than making sure a power amp has enough for the task). And, I’ve never rejected a piece of gear based on specs. I listen. And I purchase if it makes a noticeable difference and I reject if it does not. I’ve rejected far more than I’ve purchased including some rather expensive digital accessories and cables, etc. 

Reading through your post, it appears you’ve actually never listened to any of this gear. There is certainly plenty of eye candy in our hobby and I’m sure there is plenty of gear that does not perform to its promise or price. Indeed, I’ve heard some of it. But not only are you dismissive of those consumers who are looking to improve their digital chain, you are accusing every manufacturer who markets such gear as predatory, even though most of them have invested years and millions in capital pursuing better performance. Perhaps they understand something you do not. Perhaps they aren’t just following the money. Perhaps they remain curious as to “what if” and “why”. I, like many others, am grateful that there are those crazy innovators who explore, tinker and learn new things to improve understanding which then fosters new approaches. And I, like many others, are enjoying the fruits of those labors.

Keep reading your spec sheets. I’ll listen first, then read up and try to understand what I heard (or didn’t.). 

@gnaudio 

I didn’t take it personally because it wasn’t in response to me or directed at me. I was calling out less than good behavior in this forum on behalf of this community.  

More measured and rational dialogue helps us all instead of diminishing the value of dialogue - and discouraging some from engaging, participating, or even being a part of this community.

@fleschler 

Yes, you can get enjoyable sound from a streamer in the price range you suggest. A pre-owned Aurender, Auralic, Innuos would fit the bill.

But you have a beautiful, well thought out system and room. And, while you have a great collection of music, streaming via Qobuz or Tidal gives you access to an even greater library. With a streamer of similar quality to the rest of your system, you can explore that world library at the same quality as you enjoy via your CDs when played through your Poseidon. And, you’d have access to a large library of hi-res streaming content as well. Not all of it is good, but some of it is noticeably better than CD quality. With a good quality streamer, you might find you rarely spin a silver disk. 

Dipping your toe in is a good start, but for your system, I’d jump in. 

My two cents. 

Best,