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Is there a big difference in digital streaming devices?

I am streaming digital using Deezer running it through an inexpensive Definitive Technologies wifi streamer($300 bucks). I have an Audion Silver Night Special Edition 300b integrated amp and Zu Soul Superfly speakers. I’m wondering if I’m missing any detail by not upgrading to a “better” more expensive DAC. I’ve read reviews on some like Lampizator, Border Patrol etc. I like the fact that I can play music from my phone via WiFi to the Definitive streamer so if I went with let’s say with a Border Patrol DAC and still used the Definitive for WiFi streaming to feed the Border Patrol DAC, would the Definitive become a week link or would I hear more detail by using the DAC in the Border Patrol. 
128x128rickraymond59
8 responses Add your response
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
Over the last 5-10 years DAC's have gotten MUCH better at dealing with high jitter sources. If you are dealing with a modern unit, the difference in streaming devices is a lot smaller than it will be with older.

Best,

E
jond's avatar
jond
3,400 posts
 
Yes pairing your streamer with a good outboard DAC will definitely be an improvement. I've not heard your streamer so can't comment on it otherwise.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

At $300, your streamer will not compete with other low jitter solutions.

An Ethernet or "network" DAC with a good master clock in it will easily outperform it.  WIFI can be added to any Ethernet DAC BTW.  You don't need a "streamer", just a LAN with WIFI or wired router and a computer.

It will of course cost more than $300.  My own Overdrive SX with Ethernet input can be used with Jriver or Audirvana on any computer and it will not affect sound quality.  Not sure if you can communicate to Jriver with an iPhone.

The Ethernet DAC IMO is the best way to achieve the lowest jitter possible and isolates the playback from any DSP software on the computer, such as the audio stack etc. It contains the only Master Clock and usually just before the D/A logic.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

randy-11
1,913 posts
 
I think this is a good query for computeraudiophile.com - they are all over this stuff

I know I've heard good things about the urendu but I don't stream off the internet

and... there are issues other than jitter involved
rickraymond59's avatar
rickraymond59 OP
18 posts
 
So I guess I’m looking to find out 2 things:

How does most people obtain good quality digital music to listen to?

What gear are you using to process this music so its ready for your power amp?

I have a pretty good analog setup and find the digital method has a lot more variety to choose from, and am looking to enhance it so it comes close to having that “less fatigue” factor that analog offers.

Rick
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
1,105 posts
 
OP,

The Border Patrol DAC you’re considering will definately up the ante in SQ from your streamer. An external DAC would be a logical step towards achieving better SQ from digital bits and a open path for future upgrades should you choose to upgrade your streamer or DAC. But before spend your dime on any DAC, I suggest look into auditioning Bluesound Node 2.  I have recently acquired Vault 2 and I was very surprised by the internal DAC SQ and the ease of use.  I have my Vault 2 feeding directly into my ARC LS28 and it sounds pretty awesome. 

Of course the best way to know what you like is to try the Border Patrol DAC and Node 2 in your setup and let your ears guide you. 

mr_m
1,087 posts
 
I've been using a Bluesound Node 2. It has an excellent internal DAC and streams very good SQ. I recently added an Ayre Codex dac, and got a dramatic improvement in sound especially when using the Codex balanced outputs.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

How does most people obtain good quality digital music to listen to?

What gear are you using to process this music so its ready for your power amp?

I listen mostly to CD rips, but I have some HDTracks 192 tracks of Joni Mitchell and others that I listen to. It is important if you like tracks from the 70’s to get a DAC that has a digital filter that sounds good with 44.1 tracks from that era.

I stream using Jriver to a DLNA device, my DAC. The Master Clock is in the Ethernet interface in the DAC. My Mac Mini is connected to my router with Ethernet cable and the DAC can connect with either Ethernet cable or WiFi to the router. The DAC is connected using balanced cables to a Final Drive transformer buffer that converts to RCA to my SET monoblock amps. The ultimate in simplicity, and there are no ground-loops in my system. Dead quiet background. Another advantage of Ethernet and the Final Drive.  I eliminated my CD transport and sold all of my LP's.  I get the analog sound from digital.

Finding a DAC that delivers an analog sound will not be easy for you, and it can get expensive.  If you are on a beer-budget, I would recommend to look on Ebay for Chinese NOS DAC's.  Because these don't have the modern digital filtering and they are often ladder-DACs, they do sound more analog.  The downside is that they don't support sample-rates above 24/96 and the HF transients are not as realistic as modern DACs.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio


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