Uptone EtherRegen

Beats me, you addressed me first sugar plum.

Networks and USB carry only the electric signal needed to represent the bits. Computer protocols used assure each bit is transmitted and received 100% accurately. Otherwise no application that relies on them could work at all. There is no audio signal. Just the parts needed to construct an audio signal downstream (by the DAC).

The DAC is where the bits are assembled and used to create an analog signal that represents the music. To do that the right bits must be converted at exactly the right time. Some DACs do this much better than others but the technology to do it well is readily available for modest cost in many but not all cases these days.

Noise in the signal used directly by the D2A process can have a negative effect in the resulting sound. Less noise in the electric circuit is always a good thing. With a wireless connection, the streaming device and associated DAC , the devices actually involed in producing the " music signal" are isolated from any noise in the wired portion of the network out to the internet, etc.

I have had since early January. I would say that is the best bang for the buck upgrade that you will ever make. This was confirmed by 2 other experienced audiophiles.  Both have purchased an ER. If you haven’t heard it and make negative comments, then I would say that is the definition of ignorance. They offer a money back guarantee, but I’ll bet 90% would keep it. I had to listen to my music collection again and it was much more engaging. That’s how much of a difference this switch made. 

It would be interesting to know if anyone uses this device with a Benchmark DAC and if so how much difference there is in that case. 

@lancelock

One of these days (post social distancing now?) I will make it down finally to hear your stuff.

It looks like you have nothing but some of the best gear I have heard running down there these days and a lot of solid thought and research went into it. 

Frankly, I fear if I hear your setup, upgrade fever could set in. That can be expensive! 😳