However these features generally would not affect the ultimate utilitarian function - "high fidelity" audio playback. These are just some of the potential features and subjective values I might place on the device and if important, I wouldn't mind spending extra money on these qualities. I might want the ability to hook up a local USB drive. I might prefer DLNA +/- Roon +/- Squeezebox playback. I might want a multitude of digital in/out options. I might like a certain appearance or size (sure, heavy devices created out of beautifully machined metal can look great and instill confidence). Acoustically silent fanless devices are great. I might prefer a certain tablet control app. This doesn't mean I don't have preferences for the soundroom playback device of course. Yes, "bits are bits" using modern digital computer playback hooked up to a good asynchronous DAC! This is the most logical position to take intellectually given how digital devices work, based on objective results I've found, and subjectively I have no cause to testify otherwise. In my mind "reasonable" just means a device that's known to be reliable and has a good reputation, rather than something that needs be endorsed by an audiophile guru. I have found no need for special power supplies, fancy cables, or specialty devices for example to clean up the USB signal. Bitperfect playback from a reasonable quality computer, using an asynchronous interface, and through a reputable DAC would result in the same sonic output irrespective of claims I've heard otherwise.
Gear like the Audioquest Jitterbug, UpTone Audio Regen, iFi iPurifier, optical ethernet isolators have been suggested (like the TP-Link MC200CM), as well as the upcoming PS Audio LANRover (reminds me of my tests using the inexpensive USB ethernet extender) are all being touted as beneficial when hanging off your USB port!Īfter all these years of listening and testing encompassing laptops from Apple and those running Windows, to Microsoft Surface Pro, to a recent MacBook, to Linux OS, to low-power ARM machines like the ODROID-C2, to motherboards like the Gigabyte or ASUS, to software OS optimizations and "audiophile software music players" like Fidelizer and JPlay, and the Intel NUC recently, the conclusion is rather obvious to me. In "dealing" with this "issue" of electrical noise, all kinds of tweaks have furthermore been offered for sale to prospective buyers (or at least those audiophiles with enough faith to accept the "diagnosis" and "cure"). Asynchronous interfaces (like USB and ethernet as previously examined) have already dealt with jitter for years such that nobody to this point has demonstrated audibility differences in controlled tests, and therefore in my opinion the only thing left is the issue of electrical noise which is the bugaboo being touted as the rationale for all kinds of digital audio "problems" these days.
Unless programmed to manipulate the digital data, if we're talking about "bitperfect" transmission of digital audio to an outboard DAC, there is no reason to think there is any unusual or unique "sound" to these devices as demonstrated by the NUC vs. The fact remains that these devices are basically microcomputers at heart in typically small cases and ultimately operate in the digital domain to send data to the DAC for playback. Even JRiver sells their customized NUC server/player, called the Id.Īlthough the hardware features may vary significantly (with potentially extra cost associated): Does it have an integrated CD/DVD ripper? What digital interface is available (USB, ethernet, S/PDIF)? Is there an integrated DAC?Īnd the software set-up may be quite different: Windows? Linux? MPD? JRiver? Squeezebox? Roon endpoint?
Names like Aurender, Antipodes, SOtM, Small Green Computer, Baetis Audio for machines that run either Windows or Linux, or more customized non-PC looking devices like the Auralic streamers, SONORE microRendu (Wow! So much hype!), and established audio companies within the arena like PS Audio, Ayre, Bryston, Simaudio, etc. Since publishing the results from the NUC measurements a week back, permit me to discuss the topic of "audiophile" music servers, streamers and transports - specifically addressing the idea some have that they make a significant sonic difference.Īs audiophiles, we've all seen them reviewed in the various websites.