A somewhat disturbing discovery

[Nuforce]

So the display on my much loved Hifi Rose RS130 started to show behaviour suggesting immenant failure so under warranty it is away for repair.

Having remembered that my dac has a usb input, I connected my daughter's old laptop and fired up Qobuz.

Honestly, I am appalled how good it sounds!? I believe the soundstage is less wide but other than that the tone is identical, very organic. Totally unexpected and now I feel foolish for buying such an expensive streamer...

I suspect it is because my dac has a sophisticated FIFO reclocking system.

I will need to do some proper back to back tests once my steamer is repaired.

 

[audiobomber]

Over time, the minor failings of a substitute streamer become more aggravating and disappointing. At least that was my experience when my exaSound PlayPoint failed and I used an iFi Zen Stream for a month. Unknown music sounded fine, but with music I knew well, I could hear what I was missing and my listening time decreased significantly.

I am not trying to disparage the Zen Stream. It is a fabulous bargain and responds well to tweaks (linear power, upgraded cables, OS tweaking). If I hadn't heard it in between two better streamers, I would be quite satisfied.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

Over time, the minor failings of a substitute streamer become more aggravating and disappointing. At least that was my experience when my exaSound PlayPoint failed and I used an iFi Zen Stream for a month. Unknown music sounded fine, but with music I knew well, I could hear what I was missing and my listening time decreased significantly.

I am not trying to disparage the Zen Stream. It is a fabulous bargain and responds well to tweaks (linear power, upgraded cables, OS tweaking). If I hadn't heard it in between two better streamers, I would be quite satisfied.

I have found that it is not necessarily better, just a different sound. If I were not such a fear brain and totally satisfied with my Zenith III I would try some other streaming platforms.

 

[audiobomber]

I have found that it is not necessarily better, just a different sound.

No, the Delta server is better.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

No, the Delta server is better.

Better than what? the iFi?? I love the ease of use with my Innuos products.

 

[audiobomber]

Better than what? the iFi??

That is what I meant, yes. More stable, more capable, better sound.

 

[Republicoftexas69]

That is what I meant, yes. More stable, more capable, better sound.

I am a bit slow on the uptake at times..Jeff.

 

[Eric_E]

So the display on my much loved Hifi Rose RS130 started to show behaviour suggesting immenant failure so under warranty it is away for repair.

Having remembered that my dac has a usb input, I connected my daughter's old laptop and fired up Qobuz.

Honestly, I am appalled how good it sounds!? I believe the soundstage is less wide but other than that the tone is identical, very organic. Totally unexpected and now I feel foolish for buying such an expensive streamer...

I suspect it is because my dac has a sophisticated FIFO reclocking system.

I will need to do some proper back to back tests once my steamer is repaired.

This is very interesting as I am new to streaming (currently using ifi Stream to Baltic 4 via AQ Carbon usb) and contemplating the RS130. I look forward to reading your impressions once it is back in your system.

-Eric

 

[Zuman]

Over time, the minor failings of a substitute streamer become more aggravating and disappointing.

I couldn't agree more. And it's not just streamers. Little differences between components that may go unnoticed during a first listening often begin to stand out more clearly over time.
When you first walk into a new forest, it may just seem big and immersive. After a while, you start to notice the individual trees, trails, wildlife, and the way the sun breaks through the canopy...
In my case, that's how I've discovered the characteristics of many high-end components. In most cases, it's taken time-borne familiarity, lack of pressure, and varying circumstances (time of day, mood, power conditions, atmospherics, etc.) to appreciate the subtleties. I don't think that my ears, focus, and memory are equipped to instantly parse all the differences that components contribute to timbre, texture, tone, timing, and a myriad of other variables, especially when they're revealed through the complex tapestry we call "music."
Perhaps related to this, I tend to trust professional reviewers' impressions more than many people so. I've had the privilege (as a retired wildlife conservationist) of visiting wildlife reserves in several African countries many dozens of times, and as a result I quickly note and appreciate the wondrous distinctions between varying ecosystems. But when I take someone with me for the first time, their experience often distills down to "I saw lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo" (the "Big Five"). Or, "I didn't see leopard..." The distinction between four young male lions hunting together in open savanna in one place and a lone female hunting in the thorn bushes of black rhino country may not stand out as important. I believe that many audio reviewers become equipped to incisively note these kind of differences during relatively short-term gear reviews, while it takes me more time. But, as I become more acclimated, I often find that one component combination provides long-term fulfillment, while another falls short.