Great answers from knowledgeable people. I know the IT/computer end of this discussion because of some of my research. Most computer and cell phone hardware are not optimized for high-resolution audio. These clients will introduce a significant amount of noise and degrade the signal-to-noise ratio.
Technical Network Streamer Question
Do the internal electronics that receive and process the network signal from your computer and/or phone have any effect on the audio quality?
Or in other words; If I am using a separate stand alone DAC, does my choice in network streamer not matter?
Obviously each streamer supports different apps such as Sonos, Tidal and Apple Airplay, BUT for arguments sake if they all supported my app of choosing and I was using a separate DAC would they all produce the same end result audio quality, or do the electronics that process the incoming signal from the CAT5 LAN connection and/or wifi antenna play a part in the audio quality as well?
Or in other words; If I am using a separate stand alone DAC, does my choice in network streamer not matter?
Obviously each streamer supports different apps such as Sonos, Tidal and Apple Airplay, BUT for arguments sake if they all supported my app of choosing and I was using a separate DAC would they all produce the same end result audio quality, or do the electronics that process the incoming signal from the CAT5 LAN connection and/or wifi antenna play a part in the audio quality as well?