Streamer opinion.. Pease comment on validity.

big_greg

There aren't that many streamer only devices with no DAC, so it's not easy to compare different streamers into the same DAC ...

Most streamers have digital outs, so comparing isn't difficult at all.

Well then, this question has been asked in a few threads.  Why isn't someone comparing then if it's so easy?  So far, I think Ozzy is the only one I've seen that's actually done it.

Has everyone who compared the different level streamers done so in a way that was randomized and blind? It’s hard not to hear an expensive unit as “better” if one knows that’s the one playing. 

Here is a post from a very experienced and knowledgeable DIY hobbyist who has built many servers and streamers

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/taiko-audio-sgm-extreme-the-cr%C3%A8me-de-la-cr%C3%A8me.27433/page-138#post-626261

I have been heavily involved in the development of streamers / music servers for the last 5 years

Here are my takeaways
 - all streamers get the 0's and 1's right

- nearly every USB DAC gets the timing of arrival of the 0's and 1's done well

- in all digital devices the numerous clocks are significant sources of RF emissions

- the effect of RF emissions is very difficult to attenuate to levels where their effects are no longer audible

- RF emissions are sensitive to vibration and power supply

- software activity in a streamer has an immediate effect on power supply current draw and which carries a RF emission imprint

The evidence to support this chain of effects
 - streamers running different operating systems sound different
 - put any streamer on a vibration control / damping platform you will hear a difference
 - every new roon release sounds significantly better even when delivering bit perfect to the DAC
- USB cables sound different

hilde45

Has everyone who compared the different level streamers done so in a way that was randomized and blind?

Not likely. I've noted many times that most audiophiles have no use for such tests.

Perhaps you're different.
Did you use blind testing to choose your streamer? If so, please tell us about the test and the result.