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Help settle a streaming argument!

This is a SQ argument and is as follows-  I argue if you connect your streamer to an outboard DAC the streamer does not matter it’s just serving the music to the outboard DAC to do the work.  Therefore, buy a basic streamer.  The other is that you need to buy a top quality streamer and DAC to get great SQ. 
 

I liken it to cd players or the more pretentious cd transport argument- if the intent is to connect to outboard DAC the cd player doesn’t matter the outboard DAC DOES!
 

features and functionality aside!  Thoughts…..

polkalover
audiodwebe's avatar
audiodwebe
212 posts
 

At one time I was comparing three different streamers and three DACs.  I was rather surprised that I heard bigger differences in sound quality with the streamers than I did the DACs.

 

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,579 posts
 

Yes, the question was answered as the DAC remained the constant and going to a better streamer made all the difference. I think your premise about pretentious CDT arguments laid bare your bias.

All the best,
Nonoise

mike_in_nc
1,124 posts
 

It seems logical that the streamer (or CD transport) should not matter, but my experience has been (in both cases) that it does.

jbuhl's avatar
jbuhl
901 posts
 

Streamers make a difference in SQ in my experience

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,468 posts
 

Absolutely!   I went from a Vault 2i which was my first streamer and a great way to get into streaming and stored audio.  I replaced it with an Aurender N200 and the difference is not subtle.  It was a worthwhile purchase for sure. 

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