We Need To Talk About Ones And Zeroes

I keep reading the same old stance from folks that either don’t stream or streaming for fun with their fancy analog or CD players. You know who you are :-)

It’s not about the data but about the context (emotional, physical, psychological) in which it’s delivered. Think about it before you eager to call out the cult-like belief in well designed streamers with premium parts without understanding why something works and works well over mass produced streamers. 

I have compared streamers ranging from $500 to $25K. You don’t have to spend $25K to get a great sound, but pick a streamer that is well engineered to deliver bit-perfect digital output by implementing low-noise design, stable clocking, robust power supply and isolation (ethernet noise or power rail interference). 

So why some of the streamers sound different? Because they prioritize  aforementioned underlined elements that ultimately impacts how bitstream is distributed to your DAC. 

The message should be; don’t fall for over-priced pseudo tech without due diligence be it a DAC, Streamer or Switches. 

“Router, switches, Ethernet cabling and the like should have zero effect on sound quality“
@devinplombier 

You’re absolutely right from a purely technical and engineering standpoint. However, many experienced listeners here reported audible differences when they tinkered with Ethernet cables, Routers/switches, Network isolators and filters ahead of a well designed streamer’s. 

The proof is in the pudding and in audio, your ears are the spoon.

Theories, specs, and measurements are critical, but what you actually hear is the final word. If swapping a switch or cable makes music more alive, relaxed, or emotionally gripping in your system, then it’s real for you regardless of what measurements suggests. 

The best systems aren’t built by following rules, they’re shaped by listening, experimenting and trusting your own instincts. 

@devinplombier 

I appreciate your kind words on my system. NADAC stack is indeed a very ‘special’ product. It’s a shame that they didn’t gain much traction in US market.  

Thank you for your thoughtful response. Agreed, our ears are limited to perceiving what is presented, not what might be absent or subtly compromised. We all are capable of listening but do we all perceive the information in same manner? Are we listening for bass or treble, detail or dynamics or do we strive for coherence, timing, tone, presence and emotions. I believe, we are also listening for what our audio system is not communicating or producing, right? 

I also agree that most claims of “transformational” improvements from passive digital components are almost certainly exaggerated, given bit-perfect nature of digital streaming. 

I’m all for exploration, but I’m also deeply skeptical of hyperbolic claims, especially when they come without context or proper a/b comparison. To me, It’s all about striking a delicate balance. 

As far as measurements, while they remain critical for getting the basics right, they don’t always reflect emotional or perceptual experiences. At the end of the day, everyone is free to chase what brings them joy. But I do firmly believe that our pursuit for a good sounding system benefits most when curiosity is anchored in reason and when we leave enough room for both exploration and skepticism to coexist.

“I am gonna have to disagree on this one”
@mdalton 

I get where you’re coming from and comparison to Ptolemy’s geocentric model is a good analogy.

I’m all for theory-based approaches, and I think skepticism is healthy, especially when people start making hyperbolic claims. But I don’t think it’s a matter of “going backward” as you so eloquently stated, it’s about finding a balance between the science we know, the theories we develop and the subjective experience we can’t fully define yet. 

You do know, I admire your system and respect your opinion but we been through this before….we may not agree on how much certain upstream changes matter, but I think we both care deeply about getting the most out of our audio systems and staying grounded in what actually delivers musical joy.

So here’s to agreeing to disagree, respectfully and with ears wide open :-) 

@mdalton 

Congratulations on your fine purchase. I did look into MJ Acoustics before buying REL’s. I do like their high quality build and bespoke veneer finishes. 

My experience with Tannoy’s super tweeters is nothing but positive. They have added a refined sense of air and spaciousness to my Canterbury’s. Are you likely to hear more decay, space around instruments and top-end shimmer on things like cymbals or strings….I guess, it would come down to your listening position and room acoustics. My listening position is 9.5 feet away, and the super tweeters are positioned roughly at ear level when I’m seated. 

With careful positioning of super tweeters, the benefits are obvious especially with acoustic, ambient and jazz recordings. 

I did watch Kevin’s YT video, I must admit, FYNE Audio super tweeters adjustability and omnidirectional design is quite impressive. I’d expect it to deliver a similar or better enhancement due to its omnidirectional design. If your speakers sounds bit rolled off or closed-in up top, they might be the right fit. Are they absolutely essential, only you can decide after careful integration with your speakers. I do know, my super tweeters are inseparable from my Canterbury’s. 

Let us know if you end up trying it—I’d love to hear what you think!

@sns 

Well said! I agree that galvanic isolation is essential and should be intrinsically baked into any serious DAC or streamer these days. Ground contamination and timing errors have a way of creeping in subtly, and you’re spot on; the higher the system’s resolution, the more these small tweaks and upstream changes can reveal themselves.

I also like your point about comparing streaming to physical media — it’s a great benchmark. If the chain is dialed in, high-quality streaming can absolutely go toe-to-toe with local files or even well-done vinyl. I’ve experienced and achieved that in my setup. 

As for Dejitter switch and any other audiophile dubbed switches, I share your curiosity. My personal experience says otherwise. After experimenting with a very high end switch (Telegartner M12 Gold switch) and few sub $1K switches, I am now of opinion, less is more.

I found audiophile switches redundant or have very minimal impact as long as we have addressed galvanic isolation between network devices, effectively breaking ground loops and blocking electrical noise from traveling through Ethernet cables. 

@mclinnguy 

Love your sense of humor, hope you’re doing well! Did you switched to Horning Eufrodites? Those are amazing speakers, clearly underrated and don’t get enough recognition in North America. 

@devinplombier 

Since you choose to highlight my comment about an M12 Gold switch redundancy….I would like to provide bit more context to my previous post. On its own, M12 in my system, contributed to a smoother and more refined sound. And further improved tonal density and micro-dynamics. No other filtering device were used with M12 Switch. 

When Telegartner released the Optical Isolator Bridge, I decided to take the plunge. My prior experience with fibre optic / Ethernet converters didn’t yield favorable outcome. I never cared for the dry (clinical) sound through fiber optic cables. 

One of the prime reason for me to consider the Telegartner Optical Bridge is its ability to keep the transmission over Ethernet cables. IME, Ethernet cables sounds much more organic over any fibre optic cables. 

In a/b comparison, i.e. Optical Bridge vs M12 Switch, Optical Bridge went few steps further in terms of increased dynamics, presence and resolution during both streaming and local playback. Keeping M12 in signal chain with Optical Bridge brought no audible enhancements hence my assessment of a Ethernet switch redundancy in a system that has already addressed galvanic isolation effectively. 

Hope this clears any confusion! 

@mclinnguy 

Glad to hear you’re doing well. If I may say so, you’ve got quite the setup rotation going. Looking forward to hearing how those speakers perform in the high-ceiling room……you can count on those “1’s and 0’s” breathe little deeper in your amazing space :-)