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

Totally untrue our Audioclub did a 5 hour demo showing judges from the modem-Router combo, an absolute good quality Linear Power Supply makes a nice improvement, like the excellent Linear Tube Audio LPS it’s superb build and sonics and comes with a great 12v DC cable ,most router combos are 12v just look on the bottom , and take around 4 amps this LPS goes up to 8 amps ,

fromthereyou need a good Ethernet hub theSW8  that I have is a great buy $599

telema LPS  low noise regulators and a ocxo over controlled clock

both items needs a decent power cord thepangea Sig mk2 awg14 is perfect only $200 each , and forsure you need at bare minimum$200 or more -2 Ethernet cables Wireworld starlight a good starting point ,as well as their usb cable ,  then 

your streamer will sound much better ,a node is cheap $$150 in parts including the packaging ,my point is to get digital to sound good you have to remove all these weak links ,a better fuse,and power cord like  the Pangea a must and at least a decent line conditioner, a dedicated 20 amp line bettter still.

we removed one piece at a time and left the room each increase improved the lower noise floor imaging as well as sound staging ,

just like a good turntable you have to address Everything starting at the router 

the pathetic $5;wall wart power supplies are pure noise ,and digital noise does travel home to home thsts why its essential to isolate this with a good LPS from the start. I am still working on upgrading cables , Jcat Reference make Excellent usb cables as well as Ethernet cables yes $1k+ each but well worth it , 

being an Audiophile it’s a constant to upgrade as $$ monies  allow .

Everything matters and effects SQ, including a higher quality streamer, of course.

OP ,  I'm using Bluesound Node 22i for years as a streamer with an external DAC  (it's DAC is not good) . It is a good streamer, the software is nice, easy to use and works  reliable enough. Reading so much, in threads like this, on a "day and night" difference between the sound production of different streamers and also because I wanted to have a digital music library as well, just recently I bought a Melco N50 series music server. While the Node can work both, wireless and with Ethernet connections, Melco servers work only with Ethernet cable. Melco still needs burn in. I did a  careful a/b comparison using  ethernet connection of the Node and the N50. In general the myth about night and day differences is clearly an exaggeration. At the same time, despite the fact that I was pessimistic in finding any tangible differences in sound quality, there is some difference: the server gives a little more cleaner sound reproduction, with more open and wider soundstage. Just to say, my wife would not distinguish the two, but for me the difference is still  essential: the Melco gives a nice finish that makes the sound closer to perfect, for me. At the same time, I think the better is your system, in general, the less you will note the differences, although this may sound contradictory for some guys. 

I am shopping for a streamer. Does anyone have any links to article or reviews that show the differences in steamer output that results in these night and day differences? Numerous of reviews measure distortion numbers for amps, DACs, and plots/curves for speakers. Like in the reviews for amps, DACs, and speakers, it would be great to see the output variations between these different streamers (digital or after the DAC). I have seen test results for streamers with a DAC, but not for only the streamer. For people like me who are shopping, it might help in the process. It is not always possible to have 3 or 4 at home to compare them.

OP. I myself is new to streaming. I’m mostly and analog guy. Yes streamers do make a big difference when hooking up to an external dac. Rather than speculating and asking everyone here why not go and listen yourself and form your own conclusions? And Yes bits are bits and they “SHOULD” sound the same in an ideal situation but in reality the situation serving the data is never ideal hence there is a difference in sound.