Why do streamers sound different?

[moonfishing]

I've heard reviewers compare streamer sound quality. If you're using a digital connection like I2S where clock is controlled by the DAC, does it really make a difference? Or what if you have a really good digital-to-digital converter, then would the sonic differences across streamers get evened out?

Thanks for answering!

 

[pbui44]

Read this first and then try to ask a more specific question regarding streaming:

https://audiosolace.com/what-is-a-music-streamer/

 

[moonfishing]

Read this first and then try to ask a more specific question regarding streaming:

https://audiosolace.com/what-is-a-music-streamer/

Thanks for the link. Though not sure about how much information it provides? It just... hand waves

"Non-dedicated music streamer devices will have problems in handling specific sound quality for playback, as well as the type of audio file being used for the said playback."
Ok, why? If 2 streamers support the same file spec, what is the difference?

 

[pbui44]

Thanks for the link. Though not sure about how much information it provides? It just... hand waves

"Non-dedicated music streamer devices will have problems in handling specific sound quality for playback, as well as the type of audio file being used for the said playback."
Ok, why? If 2 streamers support the same file spec, what is the difference?

If those 2 streamers are non-dedicated and dedicated as a comparison?

 

[moonfishing]

If those 2 streamers are non-dedicated and dedicated as a comparison?

Sure, or comparing dedicated vs dedicated across brands and models.

 

[pbui44]

Sure, or comparing dedicated vs dedicated across brands and models.

In regards to dedicated vs. non-dedicated streamers, dedicated streamers have an entire computer system dedicated to music streaming, leaving other devices to do whatever you want. Non-dedicated streamers also perform other tasks not related to music streaming, increasing processing time, memory dropping, and other consequences related to multi-tasking.

Individual components can possibly make some type of a difference between different manufacturers of dedicated streamers.

 

[VNandor]

My "non-dedicated streamer" from 2014 can run CP2077, download files around 500Mbps and stream music simultaneously without any audio problems. Streaming music takes up virtually no resources on my system.