Sound quality differences in streamers

In my experience, which is primarily related to using Roon, the answer to your question requires separating the server from the streamer since they perform two separate functions.  In the case of using Roon, the server runs Roon server, or Roon Core, which manages music files, streaming services, and the audio devices on your network.  The streamer operates as a Roon endpoint, which clocks, processes, and transports the digital signal to a DAC where it is converted into an analog signal.  In some cases, the server and streamer exist in a single chassis, like with the Antipodes K50, the Grimm MU1, and others.

I have not heard noticeable sonic differences in the servers that I have owned.  However, I have heard meaningful sonic differences in streamers, with the best sounding streamer I have owned being the Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe, which is currently in my main system.  If I didn't already have the Sonore streamer, the other one I would try is the Innuos Pulsar.

@lanx0003 

“The real question is: where does the point of diminishing returns begin?”

At what price point? Also, “diminishing returns” is subjectively defined by each owner/listener, for their own system. IOW, not a stationary target.

That said, in my system, the $6,000 Sonore Signature Rendu SE Deluxe (streamer only) provides significantly more engaging results than the $1250 Metrum Acoustics Ambre, $7,500 Antipodes DX Gen 3, or $7,000 Mojo Audio Deja Vu that came before it.  Keep in mind, the Deja Vu and Antipodes DX are server/streamers.  Of those, the Deja Vu came sonically closer than the others to the sound of the Sig. Rendu SE but, even then, the Sig. Rendu SE Deluxe clearly sounds better to me. A good comparison would be against the $8,000 Innuos Pulsar (streamer only).

@verdantaudio - As with @sns, I too prefer the Roon server operating core to be separate from the endpoint/renderer.  My first server/streamer (after moving away from my customized Mac mini) was the Antipodes DX a one-box server/streamer, similar to the current K50.  Based on my successful time with the DX, I am sure the K50 is a great sounding unit.  However, I have found that separating the server and streamer offers potential benefits that work well for me, including,

• Locate the server in a separate room near the network equipment and not in the main music system room,
• separate potentially noiser, higher powered processing duties performed by the server from the final processing/reclocking duties performed by the Roon endpoint unit,  
• position the streamer/endpoint in the main system room so the cable from endpoint to DAC can be short,
• separate units allow allocating a greater proportion of the available funding into the steamer/endpoint, which some believe has a greater impact on the sound than the unit performing the file storage/server/Roon core duties,
• separate units make it easier to maintain and upgrade one or the other, without needing to upgrade a more expensive combination server/streamer.  

Of course, there is more than one way to get good sound and many prefer to simply purchase a single, high-performing, one-box solution like the Antipodes DX or Oladra, Grimm MU1 or MU2, Aeon 432 EVO, or similar.

@sns @mgrif104 - I read the Positive Feedback review of the Dejitter Switch X (link) and it sounds interesting enough that I will look into it further.  I like the idea of a separate network path for audio but with three audio zones at my residence, and all three having their own Roon endpoint, I need to understand how that would work.  My main system endpoint/streamer is hardwired (fiber) but of course the iPad I use to control Roon is running off of the network wi-fi.  I will try and learn more about the Switch X.

@mdalton - Consider the price issue all relative.  Paying $100-200K for a vehicle may seem dumb when $50 is more than enough to buy one that will reliably move you from points A to B.  However, some people can afford paying more and value the extra features/performance that a higher priced vehicle can provide.  Same with audio.  I recently purchased a more expensive DAC than I had owned before and found noticable improvements in sonic performance over the others I previously owned.  I do somewhat understand your point about servers since they are basically a computer and tend to be upgraded to newer models frequently, but some people want the best and the Oladra is arguably in the running (for being the best at this time).

"You should at least try something like a Wi-Fi extender or Mesh system so you can run an Ethernet cable from that to your streamer."

 That is exactly what I do with my second and third systems, by running Ethernet cables from mesh system satellites into Roon endpoints/streamers.  Works great for background and/or party music.  Never tried it for my main system but, based on the sound I get from the other systems, it may work fine in my main system too.

Within the context of using Roon, I have clearly heard sonic differences between different streamers, but not between competent servers.  

Some of the devices discussed in these threads are actually server/streamers as they perform both functions.  When using Roon, it is convenient to network your server, which allows you to operate multiple music systems through different streamers located in different zones throughout your home. 

@sns - I am curious how I might configure a clean/dirty side network.  My music server is hard-wired to the mesh router base unit and runs Roon Server (core) for three systems.  The streamer (Roon endpoint) in the main music system is hard wired from the same switch as the server but two other systems have streamer/endpoints that are wired to mesh satellite units on the same wi-fi as we use for television and computers.  Do you have any suggestions of how I could set up a clean/dirty side network?  If no, would the Switch X be beneficial for my set-up? Thanks

@sns - I don’t have any noise issues I am aware of and the fiber to the streamer in my main system probably helps mitigate any noise but your post gave me an idea.  Since the two auxillary systems source 99% streaming, and I do not need my stored music files for those systems, I could indeed set up another Roon core on the network for those two systems but, unfortunately, that would require me to purchase another Roon license, which is currently about the only thing I have that is free since I signed up as a lifer early on.  Based on all that, I am going to consider the issue not broke, and therefore not in need of fixing. However, thank you for the ideas.