Thanks for your thoughtful response Eric. You are correct to point out that numerous cores do not necessarily correlate to total processing power. Nearly all the CPU-intensive activities you cite (except for equalization) are the responsibility of the DAC. I’d also like to point out that the latency issue you raised does not affect sound quality but the time it takes after pressing Play until the music starts. So the question still stands, why so much processor for a streamer?
I think @misstl may have identified the real reason: “That'll impress some buyers whether the power is needed or not.“ it’s not needed except to justify a high price, and to differentiate your product from the competition.
I think @misstl may have identified the real reason: “That'll impress some buyers whether the power is needed or not.“ it’s not needed except to justify a high price, and to differentiate your product from the competition.