New DAC or New Streamer?

When I started done this path I was also thinking of the solution as streamer and DAC.  As I learned more I added in a separate music server (hardware).  I think it is important if you have a large music library (> 2TB+) and use Roon. In the end I moved from a Mac book PS Audio direct stream DAC w/ bridge (streamer) to a Small Green Computer i5 w/ 4TB SSD (music server), Bricasti M3 (DAC), w/ network card (streamer).  Integration with my library and Qobuz is seamless, system response time is near realtime and most important sound quality is great at least with my setup in my room.  Any streaming issues experienced before went away(ie - interruptions, search delays, etc.  Bottom line don't underestimate the value of a physical music server if using Roon.

@lollipopguild 

My point is that everything between the ethernet port of your router/switch and the input of your DAC matters a hell of a lot.  To state it's only 1s and 0s is to frame it in too binary a statement.  You need to understand the digital signal is actually an analogue representation of a digital signal, along with noise and jitter issues.

Well stated .

You own the Zenith music server and I’m contemplating buying an Innuos Pulse network player. What is your opinion of Innuos “Sense “ sound quality and user interface compared with the Roon alternative? I’m just seeking online streaming usage (Internet radio/Tidal/Qobuz). I’d appreciate any feedback.

Charles

Hi @charles1dad 

Good questions.  I bought the Zenith Mk3 a few months ago, but effectively don't use the internal hard drive.  99% of my listening is new stuff, so I stream Qobuz.  It's also the case that many of my CDs have since been remastered and rereleased to Qobuz, so sound better streamed than ripped.  So, if I had to buy again now the Pulse series would be my preference.  

I also added a 2nd hand PhoenixUSB (with great success), so I would look seriously at the Pulsar, which reportedly bundles a USB reclocker.  You'll need a good USB cable though.

I recently trialled Roon.  Basically, Sense 2.x sounds better than Roon - many would agree with this.  The only thing I miss about Roon is their rich DSP feature.  We all need a form of tone control occasionally.

Interestingly, one of the biggest gains I made was only a couple of weeks ago. I replaced my 25 year-old entry-level mains conditioner with an Isotek Gemini to feed my Innuos boxes.  Was only £300, but brought about huge gains.  Innuos put huge emphasis on the quality of their internal PSUs, but it seems to me that they're still very sensitive to mains noise.  A decent-ish shielded mains cable will also help.  Belden 83803 is very affordable.

@lollipopguild 

Thanks for your reply. I like things that are straightforward and simple. Does this apply to the Innuos Sense app/OS or is there a considerable learning curve involved? They do seem to seriously address power supply quality and that’s important to me. I use a very high quality AC balanced isolation transformer that has served my audio system well.

Charles

@charles1dad . Roon is more fully featured, but Sense is simpler and more than enough for me. At least Sense is free, and enabling the Roon trial is also easy. Give it a few months for it all to settle before trying it though.