for streaming why not computer/galvanic isolation/DAC clock?


Hello and thanks for your help. I have been trying to figure out how to best stream to my set up and looked at many alternatives, all the conflicting posts  etc etc. I just wonder why one cannot use a computer with a device for good  galvanic isolation, and rely on the clock within the DAC to eliminate issues of jitter. If one is worried about SQ only (not the features of the software) what is wrong with this simple set up?  I bought a mac mini with extra memory (had dropouts until I upped the memory) and use an Innuos device for galvanic isolation. The Innuos has no external power supply and is built to use the power from the input USB, so no power in at that point (suppose a different device with linear power supply might make an improvement). I run a 3 foot long USB to the Innuous to keep noise away from my stuff. All power cords and interconnects are shielded and show nothing when I use a sniffer, even the one for the computer (you can get one of those from a company focused on people worried about EMI and health). I have Roon on the mini, and use the mini as the Roon server. When I use WiFi rather than an ethernet connection there are no dropouts;  I assume that is better than bringing in noise from ethernte. Thanks for your help - a mac mini is not cheap, but costs far less than high end streamers. Do people pay for the file management etc, or is the SQ better with a dedicated streamer? (My setup: RME ADI2 or Qutest DAC, ARC LS25 II pre, McIntosh 462 power amp).

arhgef

OP:

If we are asking about whether to use a separate streamer or not, I think the answer is in which DAC do you want, and how badly do you want it?

That is, the separates vs. integrated issue is really as much about being able to pick and chose each component separately. In my case I really liked the Mytek Brooklyn (original) and got a separate streamer which handled Roon. My next move, if I ever stop talking about it, is really going to be based not on technical theories but on the sound of the DAC. If I can find an affordable all-in-one streamer DAC then that will probably be the way I go. If I fall in love with a DAC that does nto have Roon built in then I’ll go that route instead.

Honestly though I may give it all up and just go with a single HT processor with built in streaming and leave this all behind, mostly based on how many cables and wires and devices I have to have working in order to listen to music or movies.

It will however be a very very long time before anyone convinces me I need a kilobuck streamer alone to upgrade my sound experience. 

Streamers are just expensive computers. Mini Mac does a great job. I use Audirvana (highly recommended) to bypass the computers internal sound card using Exclusive mode. Works great!

I have a late model M1 Macmini streaming into an RME ADI2 and it sounds pretty darn good. As @ghdprentice suggests the only way to know if it can get better is to sub in a high level streamer, but I think you could be at a level where it will be hard to discern any difference.  The M1 mini is much more efficient and quiet than earlier ones. You've got some very nice equipment, try to let go of your FOMO and enjoy the music.

PS- you might have more to gain by playing around with room acoustics or even going for an entirely different type of speaker, just for the variety it offers. Have fun!

FOMO is a real threat. I am getting into DIY. The next goal is to find a good high efficiency speaker and build SET amplifiers - lot to learn. This post is more about trying to understand what is happening, and how these things are engineered. I think working with tube amps that sound good by virtue of their simplicity would be a good place to go. I agree that being happy now with the big thing in the living room is great advice. Even my wife likes it now - just asked for written instructions on turning on and off. Now that is rare and lucky.