Streaming vs Physical Media

@jji666

In the name of adding balance and credibility to your beliefs, would you please care to tell us your streaming setup and what have you tried so far? BTW, here is the my original post.

“Every streamer or server out there regardless of price simply benefits from noise filters placed in between server or streamer and your router. To what degree, that comes down to your components and overall system transparency.”

@jji666

After carefully reading your post, I am standing by my statement in its entirety. This is a open discussion forum and you are certainly entitled to your opinion and beliefs like anyone else. And I do appreciate your participation.

“Every streamer or server out there regardless of price simply benefits from noise filters placed in between server or streamer and your router. To what degree, that comes down to your components and overall system transparency.”

“Some manufacturers are further along this path than are others.”

@charles1dad

No doubt! Taiko remains the standard bearer in this category. I came so close to head to head comparison between Taiko and Aurender N30SA but end up going in a different direction. No regrets :-)

@mdonda

As many above reported, streaming sound quality is now on par with CD playback and CD rips. Instead of investing into a CD player, I would explore ways to improve your streaming experience (if you haven’t already done so). One of the ways to improve streaming sound is inserted a noise filter like ‘Network Acoustics ENO’ between U1 mini and your router. The ENO is offered with no questions asked 30 days return policy. There are other ‘cheap’ thrills to isolate noise but I found none to be as good and effective as ENO.

I have gone 100% streaming but still likes to selectively buy high quality CD’s. Instead of maintaining separate CD and streaming playbacks, I invested into a solution that allows me to rip, store and playback of my modest 400+ yet precious CD collection. All of the above tasks are painlessly accomplished by Aurender ACS100. Again, there are cheap alternatives to rip, store, stream your CD collection and cloud based streaming but none are as elegant and superlative as ACS100.

@mdonda

I can’t say how U1 mini compares to ACS100 because I have not compared the two in my system. Both Lumin and Aurender makes great sounding streamers. Are you going to prefer one over the other, hard to say. The only way to know is try Aurender in your system. If you re-read my post, I wasn’t trying to steer you away from Lumin but simply offering an alternative. The ACS100 makes sense for aforementioned reasons which are integral part of my holistic system approach and listening preferences.

If you like to hear Aurender, you’re welcome to stop by next time you’re in Houston.

As far ENO goes, I suggest you read up on following thread.

@idigmusic64

The ENO filter is designed to be placed between your Ethernet router/switch and streaming device. So yes, ENO needs to be hard wired to your streaming device. The idea behind this passive filter is to eliminate ‘noise’ on the Ethernet line thus leading to clear refinement as end result.

Your setup may not allow hard-wired connection but Wi-Fi is not the best way to take advantage of high quality streaming.

@soix

Sorry for late reply. When I tried TP Link Fiber Media Converters in my previous setup between my router and Aurender N20, adding fiber yielded to a dry and thin presentation. I used standard fiber optic cable between the converter boxes and a pair of Supra CAT 8 LAN before and after Fiber converter boxes. In comparison, ENO streaming system with their high-purity UP-OCC LAN Ag cables on both ends yielded to a much natural and engaging presentation. With ENO, the music flows effortlessly and there is this sense of righteousness across the spectrum.

IMO, until we get devices that are optimized for Optical Network on both ends i.e. routers and more streaming devices like Lumin, we won’t probably realize the true potential of fiber optic in our homes. I also believe most of these mass produced cheap converter and Ethernet switch boxes are not designed or optimized for audio :-) 

@retiredfarmer

I appreciate your post and sentiments on importance of CD playback in your system.

As far as streaming goes, a decent streaming setup is far from plug n play. The biggest nemesis of any streaming playback system is the ‘noise’ emitted by your router. As you’ve probably read here, many here have gone above and beyond to reduce or eliminate the noise. I am going to go out on a limb to say that a good streaming setup is close second to a Vinyl setup in terms of complexity. Once you address the noise, streaming can be as satisfying as any other playback medium. And then there is this whole endless debate on “CD is better than Streaming” without much consideration given to provenance of a recording you are listening to on a CD and Streaming services which BTW, is the single most important differentiator as to why a CD may sound better than its Streaming counterpart and vice versa. Then there is level of commitment to electronics between CD and Streaming setups :-)

In my system (featured here in virtual systems) streaming has transcended both CD and Vinyl. I still buy CD’s and Vinyl but with clear emphasis on finding ultimate recordings. For me, it’s no longer about which medium is superior sounding.

@retiredfarmer 

Thanks for taking the time to post your multiple systems components. Would love to see the pics whenever you get around to posting your system in 'virtual systems'.  

@retiredfarmer

Once you’re logged in, go system.Audiogon.com and then click on ‘create system’ on menu bar.

@tomcy6 @charles1dad

No server or streamer is ‘completely’ immune to noise being transmitted through your mass produced routers. A server like Taiko at $30K may do a better job than others at rejecting incoming noise but nonetheless still susceptible to incoming noise. Every streamer or server out there regardless of price simply benefits from noise filters placed in between server or streamer and your router. To what degree, that comes down to your components and overall system transparency. Read up on updated review of Taiko with JCAT network card, upgraded Router and Etherregen Ethernet switch. Interesting feedback indeed as how each of these components impacts the overall sound of Taiko Server.

“ I believe the manufacturers should be able to do this better if it’s part of the design of their server/streamer”

@tomcy6

I couldn’t agree with you anymore. I have a long ‘wishlist’ of things that manufacturers should be addressing with their components. I’m not expecting components built with price considerations to have all the bells and whistles but like anyone else, have high expectations from components that command top dollars. I guess that’s what makes this hobby so much fun that we get to try and tweak the sound of our systems to one’s own likings.

I don’t think there is a ‘audio’ purposed router available yet (wouldn’t that be something) but market is now flooded with Ethernet switches and USB re-clockers designed for streaming audio.

@steakster

Thank you for sharing the info on router and picture of your setup. I must handed to you on your dedication and diligence in ensuring what appears to be a sublime streaming system.

@steakster

I agree with you wholeheartedly on clean power and synergy. That’s what I set out to accomplish four years ago when I started putting together my current system. And yes, Sablon Ethernet cables are well designed and highly sought after. I did reach out to Mark Coles to make me a set of Ethernet cable with M12 connectors but to my disappointment, he stopped working with M12 plugs. I end up going with JCAT Signature LAN GOLD M12 X, amazing cable and I couldn’t be any happier with end results.

Thank you again for your recommendation on Fidelizer router, definitely going to audition one in very near future.

@steakster

Thanks for your solid advise!