Wired vs. Wireless


Let's say you have a streamer/DAC device which can run on Wi-Fi or Ethernet. Considering sound quality alone, is there a difference between controlling the streamer from a phone/tablet vs. using an outboard music player via USB, AES, or coax? In either setup you are using the same DAC and its output, so the question is to what extent, if any, does the front end matter.
hickamore

Showing 1 response by lalitk

A wired connection will always sound more dynamic and fuller vs wireless, IMHO. A wired connection pretty much immune to RFI/EMI and other noises as long as you’re using cables with proper shielding. In high quality audio systems, front end along with everything else matters.

Others here may disagree but WiFi is prone to transmit ‘noise’ present in your environment along with audio signal. Now if you’re using a subpar streamer /DAC then should you really care? In those systems convenience is more of a preference over audio purity.