I do believe that some well thought out/designed grounding boxes are effective and sonically impactful. I purchased a used Tripoint Troy II about 10 or 11 years ago. It’s a permanent fixture in my audio system.
Charles
Streamer upgrade? follow up.
I posted the first part of this earlier in the week. There are a few other threads running concurrently here about this same subject.This is my personal experience with this situation.Ive been using a Aurender A100 streamer/dac which is they’re entry level unit, the SQ wasn’t horrible but I was pretty sure I could get it better.In a attempt to do that I purchased a Denafrips Pontus two and a DhLabs Mirage Usb cable to use with the A100 utilizing its Usb out.The two local hi fi dealers here in SO Cal both told me this would not produce much of an result and in my opinion after trying it they were both correct. So… as I stated in the first post I was coming from a “bit is bits” perspective which was I was convinced adding a better Dac would accomplish my goals, I just couldn’t believe that the zeros and ones could possibly effect the quality of sound. But not being one to give up I decided in for penny in for a pound Id see for myself if there was anything to the other side of this conversation, I wanted a new toy for Xmas anyway.So I traded my A100 plus some cash to TMR ( nice people btw) for a shiny new Aurender N200 which arrived yesterday. Last night the moment of truth, I hooked up the new unit with the exact same everything as before in my system nothing different but the streamer.I let the tubes and everything else warm up for a few hours,picked a song I knew inside and out sat down and pressed play. Immediately within the first few notes of the Stones “ Wild Horses “ I knew I had made the right choice and that I was wrong believing bits are bits “. I really don’t have adequate language to describe the difference in sound quality other than to say I feel like Im in someone else’s home listening to they’re far superior system, its that drastic.I can with complete confidence say this has got to be one of if not the most significant upgrades Ive made in my system, scouts honor! PS. Grinin ear to ear here.
Showing 13 responses by charles1dad
I believe many will agree with this comment if you honestly can’t hear a difference. It would make no sense to buy the more expensive component if no sonic improvement is heard. There are many listeners however who do clearly hear unequivocally better sound quality. Lots of people got into streaming initially with the lower cost, entry level type of audio streamer. They subsequently have found much better sound quality with higher level dedicated audio servers/streamers. The audible difference is as clear as can be based on their listening experience. @malibu457 , what are some of the higher price music servers/network players you’ve compared with Node and found no improvement in sound quality? Again, if you have done this and there’s no improvement to be had, you are wise to stick with your current Node streamer. Charles |
Exactly! There are people who’d chastise you for foolishly spending 500.00 when you could purchase an audio streaming component for less than 100.00. Why would you spend five times as much just to stream? This is why it is wise not to worry how other adults handle/spend their disposable income. It’s no one else’s business. Every individual has their own chosen range for spending, whatever the reason/factors may be. People are better off if they manage their own lives and not worry what others are doing. Charles |
This is true if you compared them directly in your audio system and heard no sound quality improvement. Then of course you would buy the less expensive Node 2i and be happy. If on the other hand an Aurender N200 is significantly better sounding then you have a decision to make. Am I willing to pay more to get unquestionably better sound performance streaming my music. I suspect that most listeners/music lovers will opt for the improvement they clearly hear. Charles |
I disagree, the vast majority of posters providing their listening experiences are not “dealers” but rather regular folks who are happy to share positive outcomes with audio products. What is wrong about that ? For those who believe that dedicated music servers/streamers are overpriced and overrated then avoid them. Why question the motives snd listening impressions of others? This makes absolutely no sense. Charles |
Good points. There are numerous testimonials from posters on this and other audio forums citing improvement when moving from entry level to higher quality servers/streamers. It isn’t a new revelation. Confirmation bias works in two directions. People can convince themselves that something can’t possibly work or make a positive difference, mind completely made up in that regard. When listeners report hearing improved sound quality why the skepticism and suspicion? Why do their claims require “objective “ tests for verification and legitimacy? Where is the logic? Charles |
I can believe this is a nice sounding and cost effective choice. I’d find it hard to imagine that it approaches the sound quality of an Aurender N200 model.Two different tiers of performance it seems. Charles |
I join others here in congratulating you and your very satisfying outcome with the acquisition of a higher tier digital source component. In my opinion the entire “bits are bits “ and it’s just “ones and zeros “ is misguided and ill conceived. The front end components in a digital (Analog as well) audio system are vitally important. When I read posts on audio forums advising that “any cheap/budget level source is fine, just focus (Over emphasis) on the DAC.” This represents bad counsel and more often than not leads to unsatisfactory results. It can’t be stressed enough that both source and DAC matter significantly. I am glad you decided to improve the quality of your streaming/music server digital source. Your outcome speaks unequivocally loud and clear. The Aurender N200 is very appealing and is definitely under my consideration. Charles |