I stream TIDAL hard wired CAT6 from my 5G modem to my 16 bit capable Apple TV connected via Audioquest Coffee HDMI cable and I still think my system sounds great. However, I have recently decided to purchase a Bluesound so I can take advantage of TIDAL's hi res subscription. I just hope I can hear the difference between 16 and 24 bit.
The retailer suggests I connect the Bluesound to my ARCAM AVR550 using Audioquest DC powered Coffee digital coax at a cost of $429 for just a 1 meter cable. Since the Bluesound costs $499, this digital cable will cost about the same as the Bluesound. I got cold feet over the weekend and told the retailer to order the Audioquest Carbon digital Coax at a price of $192. I'd be curious how many feel I am making a big mistake or is my assumption downgrading the cable from Coffee to Carbon is not to make any difference in sound quality?
Also, I have looked at music streamers ranging in price from $499 to $1,600 to include Bluesound, Roon and Bel Canto music streamers. Is there a significant difference in sound difference between them? From what I can determine the DAC inside my ARCAM is better than the DAC's inside all three music streamers. I think the real difference will be to add a DAC that is capable of unfolding MQA completely. Unless, these players can either unfold 10x from the MQA data, they can really only unfold 1x, which then plays down to 16/44, the same as a 16 bit CD. Also, why we are at it, can you really hear a difference between MQA played through an MQA certified DAC VS 24/192? If not, they I am questioning whether I should switch from TIDA to Qobuz which streams at 24/192. Seems to me like 24/192 sounds better than MQA anyways.
The retailer suggests I connect the Bluesound to my ARCAM AVR550 using Audioquest DC powered Coffee digital coax at a cost of $429 for just a 1 meter cable. Since the Bluesound costs $499, this digital cable will cost about the same as the Bluesound. I got cold feet over the weekend and told the retailer to order the Audioquest Carbon digital Coax at a price of $192. I'd be curious how many feel I am making a big mistake or is my assumption downgrading the cable from Coffee to Carbon is not to make any difference in sound quality?
Also, I have looked at music streamers ranging in price from $499 to $1,600 to include Bluesound, Roon and Bel Canto music streamers. Is there a significant difference in sound difference between them? From what I can determine the DAC inside my ARCAM is better than the DAC's inside all three music streamers. I think the real difference will be to add a DAC that is capable of unfolding MQA completely. Unless, these players can either unfold 10x from the MQA data, they can really only unfold 1x, which then plays down to 16/44, the same as a 16 bit CD. Also, why we are at it, can you really hear a difference between MQA played through an MQA certified DAC VS 24/192? If not, they I am questioning whether I should switch from TIDA to Qobuz which streams at 24/192. Seems to me like 24/192 sounds better than MQA anyways.