2. digital
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Streamer vs renderer vs music server...help

I have been reading a lot of the forum posts to try understand my best path forward for my digital frontend.  Within the posts on streaming all these terms seem to come up with recommended brands but I am now somewhat confused as to what I need to get the best source sound quality to my DAC.  I don't know if I need a streamer, a dedicated music server, a renderer, a bridge, a roon endpoint, a combination of, or something else.  Looking for some education so I can then zero in on some options.  

I mostly stream tidal so I don't necessarily need to pay extra for CD ripping or file storage capabilities, however I won't discount these options if they come with the component that has great sound quality. Basically, how best do I get the Tidal stream to my DAC, preferably using Roon as the controller (open to other options if SQ is improved with different components).

I have a Leben CS600x, Devore 0/96s, and currently an Auralic Vega G2 but I am looking to change to the Holo Audio May KTE or a TotalDac.  The Vega has the built in streamer and lighting controller but I also use the Vega as a Roon endpoint with the Roon controller (I think that's how it works?)  The Roon core is currently on my iMAC.

Sorry for starting another post!  I tried to piece it together from other posts but there were too many types of components mentioned in the chain before the DAC that I didn't fully understand.

crandell25

Showing 1 response by spenav

spenav
416 posts
 

@crandell25 

 

I mostly stream tidal so I don't necessarily need to pay extra for CD ripping or file storage capabilities

Thus no need for a server. The addition of a server will have no positive effect on sound quality. Swapping THIS server for THAT server might. 
 

@carlsbad 

Here is something that many won't agree with.  But digital is a bunch of 1's and 0s.  There is no real sound quality to be gained with digital beyond making sure you don't drop any bits and you don't have speed and timing issues.  (Flame suit on).

This fallacy has been factually debunked longtime ago. If you choose to believe it, this is fine and will save you money but just repeating it is not going to make it true. There is also a lot hiding behind that sentence: “…beyond making sure you don’t drop any bits and you don’t have speed and timing issues”.  Sounds like if one hears any difference then there must have been some timing issues or bits dropping. So you are always right.  It’s like saying you are alive unless you are dead. 

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