2. digital
  3. 186790-78103

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
markprice's avatar
markprice
34 posts
 

You could just buy something like a Dcs Bartok which is what I did. This has a high quality streamer, Dac and Preamp. It is an impressive bit of kit. No more messing about with separates.

Mark

dave777tx's avatar
dave777tx
28 posts
 

@polkalover I really like the Innuos Mk3 too, great streamer I had it and even gets better with a good power cable, audio grade switch and good Ethernet cable. In my case the Shunyata Omega, Phoenix Net and AudioQuest Diamond. 
later I upgraded to the Statement and the Mk3 did not land far away even with the price difference 

 

good luck 

dinov's avatar
dinov
798 posts
 

Liken a streamer to a cd transport…the DAC is the component that make the difference in sound. So buy a basic streamer if you like your DAC. The only other variable with a streamer is noise, a better streamer should be a less noisy one.  

ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
2,852 posts
 

Streamers matter. I had an Allo Pi player and replaced it with a Node 2i. Sound quality suffered. Replaced the Node with a Lumin U-1 mini and it was much better.

 

 

soix
8,779 posts
 

Is there a 3,000 dollar streamer that's as easy to use as a Node?

@mbmi The Innuos Pulse is usually $3800 but Audio Advisor currently has it discounted to $2355 (not sure why).  Much better performance than the Node and comes with their Sense app that gets very high marks for both usability and sound.  Great customer support too.

 
https://www.audioadvisor.com/inpulse-sil

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