I have an external DAC, so I plan on running any streamer I get into it.
Assuming you’re using a separate DAC, what are the benefits of a more expensive streamer?
For those who have used a Bluesound Node, EverSolo, etc… do you notice a difference when going into the same DAC?
The WiiM Mini already supports a bit-perfect output, so I don’t fully understand how another streamer could provide an audible difference (assuming the rest of your chain has the same DAC, AMP, & Speakers).
Just curious to hear people’s thoughts!
It’s more about features, though die-hard audiophiles will try to say differently.
If the incoming stream is identical and of good quality, and it’s passing out identical to the dac, then it will be… identical.
Dacs due to their analog stage can have some differences, but most these days are transparent and unless they are coloring the sound, sound the same. I have a $3k DAC and a $200 DAC here, they sound the same.
I was at the local hifi shop trying some different streamers last week. Intent to use existing DAC.
They all sucked. I mean that to say the software and interfaces. They literally all sounded identical. The system was nice, probably a $50k setup. Aurender, Gold Note, and Rose. Aurender was the best software, and stupid money. Rose and Gold Note were not great. Some had better features, some were terrible. The Aurender had the best mix of local file playback, screen, and streaming service. But it was also $15k?
I use a Mac Mini and recently an Eversolo as streamers. I find computers the best. Audiophiles will say computers noisy. Well, i’m not that old and i have very good hearing and I do not year a damn thing other than the music.
Anyway, my take is that streamers, if you exclude the analog stage, are 100% about the software, and well, most hardware hifi makers suck at software. Aurender is pretty good, they invested there. Eversolo is pretty good.
So if you have a good dac, focus on the features you want. I don’t use a WiiM as it doesn’t do Apple Music high resolution or have local storage. Or a screen.
I have compared six streamers and anxious to get my hands on the eversolo also.
There are noticeable differences. The way a device is powered (power supply) and the design to isolate the power from the computer does make a difference.
Sonos port, node 2i, Wiim mini, RasPi with DigiOne, raspi DigiOne signature and Lumin u2 mini in order of quality.
The last two are noticeable more open sounding.