Sound Quality of red book CDs vs.streaming

Another reclocker is the iFi SPDIF iPurifier which I own. I think there is a USB unit as well.

WAV should sound better... this is the file format that recording studios master to. And the format they deliver. Sometimes AIFF.

In the analogue world, record pressing plants can request any format they want.

@kalali,

Another reclocker is the iFi SPDIF iPurifier which I own. “

Ditto. It actually makes the Chromecast Audio sound pretty darn close to Node2 using the same (non-MQA) outboard DAC and using the optical TOSLINK connectivity. The improvement using it with the Node2 is not as significant but still worth it.

Using a LPS instead of the stock wall-wart will improve the SQ of the reclocker. I added one and have experienced a much wider soundstage, improved dynamics and inner detail.
Very impressed with the improvement in sonics of my system.

I looked at many high quality LPS’s which were in the $400+ range. I didn’t want to spend that much, so I took to the archives.
Good user reviews for Swagman Labs (based in Hong Kong). I purchased the SIGNATURE EDITION which has all upgraded parts and a 50VA toroidal transformer. Price was $280 and it is built for digital devices.

I liked the fast and detailed info from Swagman when contacted before my purchase. 

Question:  Does a reclocker have to “break in” like everything else?

The iFi does need about 200 hours break-in. 
My LPS sounded fantastic out of the box and improved after leaving it powered up for a couple of weeks.

The quality of the transport has a definite bearing on  the ultimate  sound produced when we’re comparing.

Definitely. I have used an ARC, NAD, Onkyo, and PS Audio. Each had a different presentation and sonic signature. A major factor contributing to their sound quality is how well jitter is controlled before data is output to the DAC.
The PSA PWT is a memory player and has an advantage over a standard CDP digital output since it re-reads the disc to correct errors and then loads it into memory. So it is playing back a low jitter data stream from a buffer rather than playback from a disc.

I added the iFi iPurifier to see if I could do even better with my digital chain. With the LPS, SQ is noticeably improved.
I must add that the digital cable is an important part of the chain.

@rvpiano, nothing wrong with your choice of reclocker. Many happy owners. It does require a long break in period. Run some heavy metal from a streamer thru it 24/7 or use a CD transport. A burn-in disk or file works best.

The weak link is the switch mode power supply...the wall-wart.