Weakest digital link: DAC - Streamer - Server?
I am curious WHICH of the three is MOST important in digital playback? DAC, Streamer, or Server? I assume DAC is #1, but what about server/streamer?
Specifically, I have a Synology NAS which I can host ALL my music on, then using a good streamer play off it via Roon/Upnp, PLUS my streaming services. Does it make sense to use a SEPARATE server JUST for my music?
Like is there going to be MUCH difference between these setups?!
1. NAS (music server) --> Good Streamer (ethernet, Roon) --> DAC
2. Dedicated Music Server --> Same streamer (ethernet, Roon) --> DAC
3. Dedicated Music Server with streamer (digital out) --> DAC
I understand for SURE, if one connects a NAS USB out to streamer/DAC it will sound WORSE than dedicated music server with low noise components, BUT if I am sending the music over ethernet to a good streamer, WHY would a music server make ANY difference? The streamer would essentially take the same files off my NAS, as if would from Tidal and play in the same fashion... no?!
WHAT am I missing?!
PS. I can also upgrade the NAS with linear PSU to lower noise, but once again, sending audio through ethernet shouldn't matter.
@soix +1 couldn’t agree more with his take. First I got an Innous Zenith MK3, then got a decent DAC (Musetec MH-DA005), now finishing it up with the Innuos Phoenix USB reclocker. So start strong, then finish strong and lastly work the in-between to shore up any weakness in your sound chain. |
@arafiq Will do! I hadn't looked into the network switcher yet, but will absolutely report back on the Phoenix. As for the 005, I was shocked at how good it is. Holographic sound and microdynamics galore! The Zenith MK3 is my only venture into a streamer/server, but upgraded from an X26 Pro DAC and definitely worth it! The Musetec 005 and my SU-R1000 MC phono stage with DSP have me in disbelief most days at what I'm hearing and how things sound.
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