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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?
10000_hz_legend

Showing 1 response by sbank

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
Oh, it matters. It’s a bigger topic than you might imagine. I suggest reading the archives here and at computeraudiophile.
Rather than focus on one or to the other of those mentioned, consider a few things :
Files stored on a NAS in another room connected by ethernet cable will reduce noise vs. local hard drive. Consider a network player.
Your files of CD quality or high rez will sound better than streamed files from the subscription services.
Computers will add tons more noise unless you go to great lengths to ameliorate. (You have that one covered).
That's enough to get you going. Cheers,
Spencer 
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