A simple question from a relative newcomer - what is a streamer?
I know what a streamer does, because I have a Bluesound Node and a Wiim Mini, but I'm interested in what are the key physical components of a streamer and how the components differ between say a $100 streamer and a $1,000 streamer. I know that the Node sounds better than the Mini but why is it ten times the size? Which manufacturers make the streaming component and are there differences in quality between them (as in DACs)? If they are, for example, postage-stamp size chips that decode internet data and convert it to music files via the usual online streaming service interfaces, why isn't there a streaming chip inside every modern amp (because it doesn't take up much space)? What advantages does a streaming "transport" bring over an integrated streamer and is money well invested here or is it better to get a basic streamer with a good DAC? Just looking to get some idea of where best to allocate spending when using streaming services and what streaming component manufacturers to look out for.
I know what a streamer does, because I have a Bluesound Node and a Wiim Mini, but I'm interested in what are the key physical components of a streamer and how the components differ between say a $100 streamer and a $1,000 streamer. I know that the Node sounds better than the Mini but why is it ten times the size? Which manufacturers make the streaming component and are there differences in quality between them (as in DACs)? If they are, for example, postage-stamp size chips that decode internet data and convert it to music files via the usual online streaming service interfaces, why isn't there a streaming chip inside every modern amp (because it doesn't take up much space)? What advantages does a streaming "transport" bring over an integrated streamer and is money well invested here or is it better to get a basic streamer with a good DAC? Just looking to get some idea of where best to allocate spending when using streaming services and what streaming component manufacturers to look out for.
Very good question. I receive music streams from my PC and listen to them. I don't know if this is good or bad, they sound pretty fine to me so why does someone need a dedicated streamer. The data it receives is identical to that of a PC. Simply hook your audiophile DAC onto the USB port (or simple use the internal DAC). So where are the advantages of using a box costing money to do exactly that?
Thanks for this. So there is no hardware inside a stand-alone streamer (other than the SoC) which differentiates it from any other streamer? It's all about the software and any additional components such as DAC, power supply etc. Is that right? In which case what is the purpose (and cost justification) of a 'streaming transport' (versus an integrated streaming DAC) which I understand has no DAC?
It's a DAC that has a front end (input) to access either a music service on the internet like Tidal or a hard disk on your own network to play your CD rips etc. A streamer may be without DAC but then it has some interface to connect one via USB/Opto/Coax etc...
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For a standalone streamer, the tiny internal chip that does the heavy lifting is only a very small part of the total unit cost.
So you could take that chip or SoC and put it into another unit like an amp or DAC for a very small extra cost, certainly only a fraction of the stand-alone streamer cost.
The internal electronic parts are not the cost drivers, except for extremely cheap stuff.
But it is much more attractive to sell a $1000 amp and a $700 streamer than it is to sell a $1100 amp with integrated streamer of course.
Depending on what the competition does.
Jan
So you could take that chip or SoC and put it into another unit like an amp or DAC for a very small extra cost, certainly only a fraction of the stand-alone streamer cost.
The internal electronic parts are not the cost drivers, except for extremely cheap stuff.
But it is much more attractive to sell a $1000 amp and a $700 streamer than it is to sell a $1100 amp with integrated streamer of course.
Depending on what the competition does.
Jan
Thanks Jan, I understand. So what then is the purpose of a 'streaming transport' (no amp, no DAC) and why do they cost so much?
The module itself that processes the streaming is not expensive. But the binding that makes the streamer a logically complete thing leads to an increase in price.
For example, the ESP32 module costs two dollars.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/328....order_list.order_list_main.22.70e21802MTtACa
But some streaming product assembled on its basis can no longer cost two dollars, but it is still not that expensive.
https://www.crowdsupply.com/sonocotta/esparagus-media-center
If you have a DAC with a SPDIF input or with an I2S input, you can buy an ESP32, program the necessary program into it and connect it to your DAC, and then you will have streaming for two dollars.
https://github.com/sle118/squeezelite-esp32?tab=readme-ov-file
And yet a Lumin U2 cost $5,000. It is a 'streaming transport' with no DAC, so what would the buyer be paying for here beyond a smart chassis? Is anything inside affecting sound quality of the (quality neutral) streaming module?
I had my PC for years that costs almost nothing and stream from the internet or anything I want to that has a USB, coax or optic port and costs me nothing else. Why would I need a streamer, just for the right to call myself an audiophile. Even my phone can do that, are all owners of smart phones, laptops, note books and PCs audiophiles?
Good lord! $ 84 000 for a music streamer (https://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/best-music-servers-over-10000/) what does this thing do?
Just read the marketing nonsense:
"The Aurender N20 slots in one position lower than its $22,500, state-of-the-art W20SE. Beautifully built and finished, the N20 sports outstanding transparency, resolution, and three-dimensionality. If you want a beautifully made audio streamer that supports on-board file storage, seamless integration with streaming services or a NAS, and is a veritable snap to set-up, the N20 bears serious consideration. With well-mastered recordings, it consistently delivered some of the best-sounding digital music for any attributes one would care to discuss. "
Here is another one:
Linn’s Organik D/A conversion engine delivers an exceptionally lifelike and organic quality. The overall tonal palette is neutral with weight, heft, and body to the presentation, and beauty in the rendering and layering of fine inner detail, timbre, and texture.
It has to be three dimensions, it is a box, yes? My PC seamlessly integrates with whatever I plug into it. My PC also supports several TByte on-board storage.
Just read the marketing nonsense:
"The Aurender N20 slots in one position lower than its $22,500, state-of-the-art W20SE. Beautifully built and finished, the N20 sports outstanding transparency, resolution, and three-dimensionality. If you want a beautifully made audio streamer that supports on-board file storage, seamless integration with streaming services or a NAS, and is a veritable snap to set-up, the N20 bears serious consideration. With well-mastered recordings, it consistently delivered some of the best-sounding digital music for any attributes one would care to discuss. "
Here is another one:
Linn’s Organik D/A conversion engine delivers an exceptionally lifelike and organic quality. The overall tonal palette is neutral with weight, heft, and body to the presentation, and beauty in the rendering and layering of fine inner detail, timbre, and texture.
It has to be three dimensions, it is a box, yes? My PC seamlessly integrates with whatever I plug into it. My PC also supports several TByte on-board storage.
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It can be designed for low digital noise (computers are usually very noisy internally due to the fast processors and memory subsystems), and it means you don't need to run a computer to listen to music/whatever. i.e. endevour to do one thing well. However due to the multiplicity of streaming standards it ends up being a computer in its own right anyway, so its rather moot.
But these days people tend to use laptops anyway, so its more convenient to have a separate, permanently connected box to have audio - plugging and unplugging things into laptops rather negates their convenient portability, especially as these days battery life can be many hours.
But basically its bunch of streaming codecs and a DAC in one box.
It is more practical. I prefer to have a streamer in my living room instead of a Laptop. At the cost of less than €300, I can also afford it.
They usually have very good power supplies, use low-voltage/low-current processors and accompanying hardware, and have perfected the software to allow seamless streaming integration with all services. Now, considering that they spit out 1s and 0s, does it make any sense to pay so much money?
To answer the above, try the following and see if it makes a difference TO YOU/ in your system:
Use a PC that can be powered up with a good-quality liner power supply, low noise, and excellent load regulation. NOTE: Laptops are locked into using SMPS bricks; they will not accept a linear power supply.
Use the chipset that will allow you to undervolt / underclock... you can get a modern Intel CPU to run at around 0.5V and 400MHz (only)
Use NVMe hard drives with very good power management... like SK Hynix P31 drive.
Install Windows Enterprise edition software (very similar to Windows Lite... but the Enterprise version will ensure all critical and safety updates (ONLY), and will contain all the necessary services (and nothing extra) so that you can run... for example HQPLayer Pro ap)
I tried the same image (identical): one installed on 980Pro and one installed on SK Hynix P31 drive (both 1TB). The sound with SK Hynix was infinitely better. Why? I do not know exactly, but I'll never use noisy hard drives with poor power management again.
Another test you could do, and answer your own question, is with the CPU's undervolting/underclocking. You should be able to set the high operating regime vs. low. For example, try 1.2V (max core voltage) and max frequency (5GHz...??) vs. 0.5V/400MHz. See what you like better.
So, If you can hear the difference... then there's a point in buying a dedicated transport.
NOTE1: A dedicated, expensive digital transport will struggle to generate a high-quality DSD stream due to a lack of processing power. The carefully chosen mini PC and CPU will allow both scenarios, i.e. it will allow the high processing power needed for such a task (running a high-quality DSD modulator), IN ADDITION to undervolting/underclocking.
NOTE2: You could apply all your DIY-er skills and knowledge, and power up that setup with a nice liner power supply of great quality... much better than any dedicated transport out there.
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Woody.... if you must ask this you are not an "audiophile"....
A streamer must not have a DAC... never... it must have a beautiful case with the most fancy looking knobs, feet and plugs... it must be a custom bespoke FPGA with a run rate of 100 worldwide that cost like 250K to program.. and it must require a matching DAC with a bespoke fiber cable.
It must provide the highest quality of bit streams with voltage transitions designed to emphasize the heterogenous quality of the darkness between the notes and the sweetness of the midrange with natural sounding soundstage. Of course it must no exhibit any glare or harshness!
And it has to be reviewed by TAS.
Helps if it has a fancy sounding name.... As in Inherent Spatial Audio Innovations Digital Audio Streamer Mk II, Reference Edition.
Don't forget the Audiophile Quality Ethernet Switch and ancillary cables.
OTOH.... well....
I've been using PCs since the late 90s to drive 24/96 DACs... and then moved to Firewire/USB audio... to Raspberries, Android Tablets/Phones with OTG and lately I picked up an HP Chromecast laptop over at Costco.
Use USB OTG.
Hmm... I use fancy looking USB cables... nicely braided in Red USB-C.
... streamers are for suckers who "don't want a PC in my stereo rack".... whatever....