If I had to pick one, it'd be the DAC as the weakest link. But in fact it's hard to generalize. It really comes down to how these functions are implemented, integrated, and set up within the context of a complete sound system.
Weakest digital link: DAC - Streamer - Server?
I am curious WHICH of the three is MOST important in digital playback? DAC, Streamer, or Server? I assume DAC is #1, but what about server/streamer?
Specifically, I have a Synology NAS which I can host ALL my music on, then using a good streamer play off it via Roon/Upnp, PLUS my streaming services. Does it make sense to use a SEPARATE server JUST for my music?
Like is there going to be MUCH difference between these setups?!
1. NAS (music server) --> Good Streamer (ethernet, Roon) --> DAC
2. Dedicated Music Server --> Same streamer (ethernet, Roon) --> DAC
3. Dedicated Music Server with streamer (digital out) --> DAC
I understand for SURE, if one connects a NAS USB out to streamer/DAC it will sound WORSE than dedicated music server with low noise components, BUT if I am sending the music over ethernet to a good streamer, WHY would a music server make ANY difference? The streamer would essentially take the same files off my NAS, as if would from Tidal and play in the same fashion... no?!
WHAT am I missing?!
PS. I can also upgrade the NAS with linear PSU to lower noise, but once again, sending audio through ethernet shouldn't matter.
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Basic computer technology allows you to transmit bit-perfect data from an Internet source to a buffer in the computer to a buffer in a device over USB. If that was not true, the world would shut down immediately. Perhaps there is noise that can leak into audio, but the bits are fine.....indeed, they're perfect. Yes, there may be pauses in the feed, but the bits remain perfect. There can be a mental disconnect in projecting audiophile nervosa onto basic computer technology.. I do it, even knowing how extraordinarily robust the transmission technology is. I buy the better and best cables and add some tweaks because that's what audiophiles do. |
I agree with @electroslacker, except about buying the best cables. Especially a digital cable. As long as the cable passes bits it doesn’t matter. Goodness, my $8 HDMI video cable passes a whole lot more information flawlessly than my USB audio cable does. In the past, some unscrupulous manufacturers have manipulated the standardized analog conversion formulas for their DACs. Basically adding internal EQ to them to make them stand out. That’s not what a DAC is supposed to do. I used to be a programmer and have written other types of conversion formulas. There’s no big mystery to them. Once they’re figured out, they’re figured out ... and standardized. Theoretically, all DACs should output the same, with noise, including jitter, being below audible thresholds. And I think ASR’s measurements continually prove that. I worry about the speakers and the room, not the digital components. |
No. Just...no. If you can’t hear the difference between digital cables I truly feel sorry for you. Jitter being below audible thresholds? I guess timing then just doesn’t matter. People who can’t hear well or don’t trust their own ears fall back on measurements to support the fact that they can’t hear differences. How awful that must be as an “audiophile,” and I weep for you. |
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