A novel way to massively improve the SQ of computer audio streaming

[skatbelt]

Just wanted to share an experience with direct ethernet connection between a modded Mac mini and a mRendu: A+ via Airplay and mRendu Shairport mode sounds (much) better than Roon>RoonReady mode or HQplayer>HQplayer NAA mode via my router. For non-upsampled redbook that is. I always thought this protocol was mediocre SQ wise. Did not yet try to get HQplayer NAA to work with a direct connection.

[skatbelt]

Just wanted to share an experience with direct ethernet connection between a modded Mac mini and a mRendu: A+ via Airplay and mRendu Shairport mode sounds (much) better than Roon>RoonReady mode or HQplayer>HQplayer NAA mode via my router. For non-upsampled redbook that is. I always thought this protocol was mediocre SQ wise. Did not yet try to get HQplayer NAA to work with a direct connection.

 

Forgot to mention that in this setup there is no other connection than Uptone JS-2>DC cable>Mac mini>short ethernet cable>mRendu (powered by LPS-1). So no bridged ethernet or whatsoever. Another note: my HUGO does work best keeping everything in original resolution and do all the up-sampling/filtering itself. Like every Chord DAC i've listened to btw (DAVE and TT).

[skatbelt]

Apart from the fact that the Taiko server has its origin in a DIY project that got a bit out of hand and (along the way) got funding to take it to the current level, what I don't understand is the idea of keeping a server which - independently of how good measures are taken to keep this to a minimum - basically is an EMI/RFI and other noise polluter by design. So what makes the Extreme extreme is that it is able to minimise the evil.

 

Especially now, after the arrival of the EtherREGEN and alike, the way to go in my humble opinion is to keep streamer hardware before the DAC as minimalistic as possible and keep server (computer) hardware far out upstream. I know Emile from Taiko experimented with all kinds of audiophile switches but in my view in the wrong place. Before in stead of after the server.