Sound quality differences in streamers

Oh and +1 for the Audiophilestyle forum

@mdalton     In your attempt to support your position, you stated that you were  guessing at an imaginary % based on a discussion thread that was in no way a credible statistical model for evaluation.  That’s a non-sequitur to say the least.

The elements for a good statistical poll include:

• A set of questions to ask (a questionnaire)¹.
• A sample of people to interview¹.
• A method of connecting the questions and respondents¹.
• Survey error reduction and positive social exchange².
• Short and clear questions, avoiding leading questions³.
• A mix of closed-ended and open-ended questions to gather diverse data³.

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I was trying edit my previous post when I business call came in.  I deleted it to give full attention to my client.

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.        

@steakster

You’re joking, right?  I responded to the following assertion:  

“Anyone who’s compared a $400 streamer to a $2k+ streamer will tell you there’s a very significant difference between the two.”

Congrats on your google skills, but I don’t need to do a survey to prove this wrong.  I merely have to produce one example.  I’ve produced many, including my own experience.  And I don’t really care how many people believe one way or another.  The only person who seems to believe that majority rules on this issue is the person who made the statement.  Nice try though.  You should go back to your day job.

And I don’t really care how many people believe one way or another.  The only person who seems to believe that majority rules on this issue is the person who made the statement. 

@mdalton Yeah, the fact that the vast majority of people here agree streamers make a difference versus the relatively few examples you’re able to dig up with the opposite view doesn’t indicate anything whatsoever.  🙄🤪  Deny, deny, deny.  You’re in the vast minority here for a reason whether you wanna accept that or not.  If you’re right then there a thousands of us kidding ourselves that we hear differences, or maybe — just maybe — it’s you who can’t hear a difference.  Which one of those sounds more logical and likely?  I care not whether someone hears a difference in streamers or not, but for you to tell people there is no difference because you can’t hear it and that that may stop someone from just trying for themselves because they might actually believe you is the bigger problem.  And yeah, when the vast majority feels more one way than the other I tend to believe them more than the minority.  Silly me.