(31-Mar-2017, 09:36)zdenes Wrote: It is a very valid question. If I put aside convenience, my transport is still neck-and-neck with any streaming I tried.
For now, the best streaming set-up has been HQPlayer to NAA (Hummingboard) with high quality ethernet and USB cables. Better than AIR3.04. Now, my MSB transport through AES/EBU input is still a touch better, even when playing an actual disc (it can also stream DLNA, but it's a pain).
Now, I suspect, that the difference might come from the Devialet's USB vs. AES/EBU input implementation. Devialet still says that the best input is AES/EBU. Next thing I need to try is a USB-AES/EBU converter, like the Mutec which many people use here.
Yes, you are correct, the AES/EBU is a better sounding input than the USB. I use a Mutec MC3+USB in between my NAS drive and the Devialet. It is probably the best £800 I've ever spent on Hi-Fi! Unlike when I bought my Mutec, I think they are now being stocked by Audio retailers, so it shouldn't be too hard to arrange an audition. I had to buy "blind" but reviews on here and elsewhere boosted my confidence.
Project Eperience X Pack with Ortofon Rondo Red MC, Oppo BDP 105D, 2 x Sonos Connect, QNAP HS251+ NAS with 2 X 6TB Western Digital Red, Mac 5K 32GB running Lifetime Roon, iPad Pro 12.9" for remote control. Etalon Ethernet Isolator, Devialet 440 Pro CI, Sonus faber Olympica ll with Isoacoustics Gaia ll feet, Auralic Taurus Mkll headphone amp., Denon AH-D5000, Sennheiser HD600 and HD800 with Cardas cable, Van Den Hul The First Ultimate and Crystal interconnects, Furutech power cables, GSP Audio Spatia speaker cable.
South Coast England
