Do Streaming transport make better sense?

[Jasonovich]

Cambridge has a new Streaming DAC, below is possibly the first written review.
Not sure WHF reviewed this already, as it's a Cambridge product, one can expect the usual five star commendations from the boys and girls at WHF.
Apologies I'm just being a little facetious 😌

If I were to start from scratch, I think my approach would be different. I think there's no point having a separate DAC if you're thinking of purchasing Streaming DAC and if you already have a standalone DAC, why would you need a Streaming DAC? Surely a Streaming Transport would suffice?

They're aren't many Streaming Transport that doesn't cost you an arm and a leg, the Eversolo T8 looks mighty fine but isn't cheap.
If only WiiM would bring out their Streaming transport, this would open up a lot of possibilities.

I'd likely have it matched up with a high quality DAC possibly Denafrips Ares or one of the better ESS DACs.

There is so much overlapping in HiFi, there's amplifiers with integrated DACs, Streaming DACs and separate DACs. Headless chickens running into each other.

I think less of the premium Streaming DACs. I would like to see cheap and affordable Streaming Transport being released by major manufacturers.
Get rid of the unnecessary luggage, the built in DAC and focus on, designing a free from circuitry noise half decent Streaming Transport.

What are your thoughts?

Cambridge Audio EXN100 Review

In this review we check out the € 1.799 EUR Cambridge Audio EXN100, a feature rich streaming DAC! Find out everything on HFN!

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[Juzzie Wuzzie]

Cambridge Audio EXN100 review

What Hi-Fi? Awards 2024 winner. Extensive features, refined performance

www.whathifi.com

Reviewed it already?

If I was running an integrated amplifier with a DAC, then a pure streaming transport could have some appeal. But, as I've said elsewhere, if my system ever got a redesign, I'd be going all in one from Hegel, Lyngdorf, etc.

 

[matthewpianist]

I'm beginning to favour complete integration - streaming DAC and class D amplification, well implemented in a nicely made box with sufficient inputs to cover the use case, matched to an appropriate pair of speakers for the room. Half-decent room correction is a nice feature, but overall I don't see any benefit at all in going into silly money.

 

[Jasonovich]

Couple of comments there, it's the opposite direction to where I was going. I can see the sense in that, some people just want simplicity of all-in-one integration, that is; with Hifi quality graded components.

I suppose the market defines the trend and this is where the manufacturers apply their research and investment.

 

[Juzzie Wuzzie]

I think I'm also a believer that the streaming transport (i.e. digital out) makes no difference so I'm after good software for ease of use ... which makes the WiiM mini quite possibly the most ridiculous value proposition out there.

 

[Al ears]

I am, you might have noticed, really against the " dacs with everything " approach of some manufacturers.
If you have one decent one in your system be that in the amplifier or otherwise then use it.
The only reasons to require another would seem to be lack of required inputs or unable to handle certain file types.
What I cannot understand is why transports of all types seem to be more expensive than some players themselves.

 

[Jasonovich]

I think I'm also a believer that the streaming transport (i.e. digital out) makes no difference so I'm after good software for ease of use ... which makes the WiiM mini quite possibly the most ridiculous value proposition out there.

Without doubt the WiiM Mini is exceptional value.

I was thinking, better screen, better features, better noise isolation, better linear power supply, Full Metal Jacket, you know, Native DSD, high Res experience but without the crazy cost.
If it doesn't have a DAC then, some savings could be had, surely?

Yeah, we all know that's not true, for many manufacturers it's a reason to increase the cost, because they start adding the 'Mystique' vapour, which can be counterproductive, people will think Snake Oil.

This is where I was hoping brands like WiiM or maybe even Fosi or FiiO can come in with cost effective solutions and shake up the market.

 

[nopiano]

To me a streamer is a source device, just like a turntable, CD player, or the now historic FM tuner.

I can see why someone who likes swapping DACs might prefer a streamer that is DAC-less, just like a turntable buff likes to choose a cartridge. It’s about ones preferred flavour, or tonality, or seasoning - it depends on your perspective and preferences.

No DAC chip seems to cost more than a few $. The better power supplies, board layout and output circuits are doubtless more of a challenge to perfect. Where I struggle to understand the differences is what the relative costs are between the ‘transport’ and the DAC side. I’m increasingly starting to think that retail prices bear scant relationship to parts or development costs - it is simply a marketing positioning.

 

[RJW232]

My opinion (you don't have to agree): "Streaming transports" are snakeoil and leftovers from the CD era. And even than you could argue if a separate transport and DAC was the best option (the best sounding CD players I've heard in the past were always integrated players with a good analogue output.

The same with streaming transport and separate DACs. The digital signal is in the end a high frequency analogue signal with all problems associated with analogue signals. When you transport a high frequent analogue signal, capacity, inductance and termination impedance of the channel are very important. Within a device, the designer can control this completely. Once you make two separate devices there is no control anymore and you can start experimenting with cable to solve issues.

But of course if part of the hobby is searching for the best solution (and hopefully it is never found, otherwise it's the end of the hobby 🙂 ) than go ahead with separates.