why expensive streamers

@siox
//Audio (even hi-res) has so little information content relative to the mega and giga bit communication and processing speeds (bandwidth, BW)//

Doesn’t that mean the audio signal is simple comparatively? The audio signal is simple the frequencies are nice and long and the timing is easy. I’m not drinkin’, I thought you had an engineering or physics background based on your OP

@donavabdear I’m not the OP and didn’t say that if you go back and read the original thread more carefully The rest of your post is an unintelligible run-on sentence about microphones with an absurd conclusion about audiophiles so I’m not even wasting my time responding to it. Maybe take up drinking — it might help.

You are right to understand that audio is a simple signal for electronics. Look at even simple video is a much more complex signal, a few dozen years ago some manufactures [sic] put video parts into audio equipment and the specs went up exponentially

@donavabdear Of course!!! Video parts for better audio! Why doesn’t everyone else know this breakthrough info?!?  First, what does this have to do with the price of tea in China?  Second, I never said audio was a “simple signal” so don’t know if you’re day drinkin’ or whatever.  Third, what are these prized and superior video “parts” that magically sound better than those designed specifically for audio cause I’d love to know as probably would the audio designers out there who’ve obviously missed the boat here. What’s wrong with them??? It’s so obvious! 🤭🤪🙄

You know, it strikes me that those here saying streamers make little/no difference don’t seem to have tried better streamers in their systems and instead just hang their hat on theory/digital properties that streamers can’t possibly make a difference.  On the flip side, those who’ve significantly upgraded to pricier streamers mostly cite substantial — not just marginal — sonic improvements.  My experience was that I somewhat skeptically tried a better streamer with the full intent of returning it and happily saving the $$$ if it didn’t make a substantial improvement, but it was immediately obvious from note one that there was no way that streamer was leaving my system.  Minimize the importance of a good streamer at your own risk — just my thoughts/experience FWIW.

As mentioned, lower noise, better clocks, better parts, etc. all can make a very significant difference in streaming and streamers.  Sometimes in audio it’s better to think less and just use your ears — this is one of those times.  Several online retailers offer trial periods these days so there’s very little reason not to try in your own system with your own ears.