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I am sure there will be a post somewhere discussing this, but inst this always the case. I would like to know if, how and why expensive streamers that do NOT incorporate a DAC can improve (or even affect in any way) sound quality. I am not really overly interested in personal opinions based on what someone thinks they might have heard after spending zillions to upgrade their basic digital streamer, because I am a firm believer in confirmation bias. What I would like to hear about, if possible at all, is - technically, or in any way that is measurable - how expensive digital streamers can improve sound over a basic streamer, at the same sampling bitrate and frequency. There are streamers out there costing thousands. What do they do to music that a Google Chromecast or a Raspberry P does not do? I read arguments about reduced noise floor. How can this be possible? A streamer transfers series of 1 and zeroes. How is the noise floor transferred? I also read lots of stuff around the buzzword jiitter. My understanding, which is limited, is that of Jiitter is a measure of the errors in transmitting bytes, and that if there is an error the music will just stop for a fraction of a second. Is this true? If yes, it has never happened to me using a Google Chromecast. Also, when testing this with mt Naim DAC, results say that the Chromecast is "bit-perfect". So how can something expensive be more perfect than bit perfect? Thanks to anyone who will contribute.

As good as the PS Audio Directstream DAC is I would like to share and find out more from other owners about their relative experiences about any thing and everything using the DS to enable us all to further enhance our listening pleasures. My main connection is from a NAS via Ethernet on my network. It is simple to use and the results are impressive. Occasionally I connect via SPDIF from a Jlti modified OPPO 105 Player. I prefer the NAS as it is simple and I think that the SQ is probably better than a disc in the OPPO. I now would like to take my listening to another level if that is possible. When I had a PWD I trialled a Bryston streamer. It was a bit clunky to operate, it only had an I app but I could hear the SQ benefit. I am now interested in exploring other servers and streamers. I think that I understand the difference. I know that there are considerable price variations. Some are definitely out of my price range. The two that have gained my attention at the moment are the Antipodes servers and the Auralic Aries streamer. One would have the files on board and the other will take the files from elsewhere. I understand the price differential between the two products but the fundamental aspect for me is the final SQ result. Has anybody used either of the Antipodes Servers or the Auralic Aries with the PS Audio Directstream and is able to offer any comments or advice? Or better still can anybody comment on a comparison between the two feeding a DS? Cheers John