I don't know why one streamer subjectively sounds better than another. From the reading & internet research I've done they should all transport the signal the same way. Bits are bits as "they" say. From personal experience, & that doesn't include $10k plus streamers, there definitely is a perception that certain ones sound better/worse/different than others. As ridiculous as this will sound I almost feel like nothing about digital streaming is just cut n dry, all the same, or an exact science.
I've tried to tell myself it's just some sort of bias, or psycho acoustic tricks my brain is playing with me..but normally if that is the case one can just give it a little time & reality will eventually settle in. Certain switches, digital cables, power supply's, isolation, all seem to have an effect on digital signals.
I understand science says differently with some of those things. And as much as I want to believe or tell myself that all transports should sound the same..my perceptions are too strong & obvious to overlook. I wholeheartedly feel that their are levels to these streamers & how the sound or perform. Now are these differences worth the premium cost of some streamers? That is for the buyer to decide.