Mr Peabody
Well-known member
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- #1
This piggybacks off another thread I started but I want to focus on just the streaming transports. There is an amazing number of audio enthusiasts who believe all transports are basically the same. Referring to digital output. The term "bit perfect" is misused and misunderstood. Bit Perfect doesn't mean there's no difference. The bits can be bits but it's the delivery that differs.
Don't be offended just have an open mind because amongst you if I'm referring to you is a reviewer who has top B&W speakers with top Pass electronics who uses a Bluesound Node into a top DAC. That reviewer is disqualified in my book. I also started another thread expressing disappointment that Peachtree Audio would tell their customers they don't need anything more than a Wiim. This tells me either they have a super DAC that re-clocks and makes digital perfect from noise, jitter and timing errors or their gear isn't worth anything better, or maybe a marketing ploy. I certainly understand the confusion consumers may have.
A system should be balanced so there certainly is a place for Wiim, Node and the like. However better electronics your system will certainly benefit from a better streamer.
The heart of any component regardless is the power supply. If your streamer is the size of a box of Girl Scout cookies and plastic there's only so much you can have for a power supply and noise isolation. Many of these units use wall warts.
I personally have experience with HEOS, Node, NAD Master, a streamer in my N05xd and my ACS10. I have also researched the topic although I am not a tech. I know there is a difference, I've heard it. You don't have to believe me I just encourage you to try for yourself. As mentioned above better units have better isolation from noise and noise reduction, jitter control, reduction, correction of timing errors, some better units even do clocking, I already mentioned power supplies. All of this provides better sound quality.
Many retailers allow a return policy or may lend you something to try. If you have a good DAC already you should be looking at the Lumin U series or similar, meaning a dedicated streamer absent of a DAC you won't use and causes compromises in the overall product.. If you want streaming to be on par with other sources you have to be willing to invest similarly. Compromises, I mean sharing a chassis, power supply and needing additional isolation from noises. It just depends on what you need.
The reviewer system I mentioned above is not balanced, The Node is a good value product but when you are using a high quality DAC into Pass then it's worth trying a comparable streamer to the mentioned gear.
Don't be offended just have an open mind because amongst you if I'm referring to you is a reviewer who has top B&W speakers with top Pass electronics who uses a Bluesound Node into a top DAC. That reviewer is disqualified in my book. I also started another thread expressing disappointment that Peachtree Audio would tell their customers they don't need anything more than a Wiim. This tells me either they have a super DAC that re-clocks and makes digital perfect from noise, jitter and timing errors or their gear isn't worth anything better, or maybe a marketing ploy. I certainly understand the confusion consumers may have.
A system should be balanced so there certainly is a place for Wiim, Node and the like. However better electronics your system will certainly benefit from a better streamer.
The heart of any component regardless is the power supply. If your streamer is the size of a box of Girl Scout cookies and plastic there's only so much you can have for a power supply and noise isolation. Many of these units use wall warts.
I personally have experience with HEOS, Node, NAD Master, a streamer in my N05xd and my ACS10. I have also researched the topic although I am not a tech. I know there is a difference, I've heard it. You don't have to believe me I just encourage you to try for yourself. As mentioned above better units have better isolation from noise and noise reduction, jitter control, reduction, correction of timing errors, some better units even do clocking, I already mentioned power supplies. All of this provides better sound quality.
Many retailers allow a return policy or may lend you something to try. If you have a good DAC already you should be looking at the Lumin U series or similar, meaning a dedicated streamer absent of a DAC you won't use and causes compromises in the overall product.. If you want streaming to be on par with other sources you have to be willing to invest similarly. Compromises, I mean sharing a chassis, power supply and needing additional isolation from noises. It just depends on what you need.
The reviewer system I mentioned above is not balanced, The Node is a good value product but when you are using a high quality DAC into Pass then it's worth trying a comparable streamer to the mentioned gear.