OP -- I think the answer is fairly simple. If you believe streamers don't make a difference and anyone who thinks these things matter in the digital domain is blinded by some kind of a belief system, then stick with what works for you. Buy the cheapest streamer you can find and live happily ever after.
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…..
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Hi. Side bar here. I have an Innuos Zentih Mk3 and Phoenix USB. I'm committed to this path so I2S and other methods of sending to 1s and 0s to my Chord Qutest DAC don't interest me. That being said, do you think I should add the Phoenix NET switch and an audiophile ethernet cable (e.g., AQ Diamond) to the mix? I am an engineer and I'm having trouble wrapping my head around the concept of spending another $3-4 k to maximize my streaming experience. Thanks! |
OP - I upgraded my 2i with the PD Creative board and added a LPS. Was the out come better than a stock 2i, yes it was. I used the 2i as a steamer only. For years I’ve done a lot of sideways moves with gear and recently decided to bite the bullet actually upgrade my digital front end. After weeks of research I concluded that the streamer would be the first piece to upgrade. Seriously, the Zen Mk 3 completely trounces my 2i/LPS. It really feels like an end game piece of gear for me. No reason to move my DAC out. Stop with the word games and honestly at this point I could care less what you believe. Do the work yourself, you haven’t put enough time into it. Buy a used higher end streamer and try it. If you don’t hear a difference sell it you might lose a little bit of coin or even break even then report back to us. It might be ear opening! |
Just because someone can't explain the reason in actual scientific terms, does not mean that the improvement in sound quality doesn't exist. Audiophiles use their ears to evaluate whether a given component improves or degrades the sound quality, while polkalovers rely on measurements to tell them what they like. Of course, you knew this when you asked the question. Or maybe you actually do believe that the hundreds of thousands of audiophiles that buy expensive streamers or dacs are all fooling themselves and only you know the truth.
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@drlou77 I wish I could tell you that there is no difference but it is and a lot, probably it was one of the biggest improvements with Innuos but before ordering one I will suggest you to test it in your system, fortunately there are great Innuos dealers that can work that with you.
When I installed mine, I still was talking with the dealer 10 mins after he connected it, music was in the background and I could tell the improvement.
I think maybe as you go up in the streamers ladder the difference is more subtle but with the Zenith MK3 it made a lot of difference in my system One more, also a good cable made a big difference My 2 cents
Thanks and good luck |
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