# Difference in streamers when connected to Directstream? **URL:** \ **Category:** Transports\ **Created:** [August 7, 2019, 5:33am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/difference-in-streamers-when-connected-to-directstream/12080 "2019-08-07T05:33:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![gazjam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/258eb7/32.png) [@gazjam](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/gazjam)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2019, 5:33am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/difference-in-streamers-when-connected-to-directstream/12080/1 "2019-08-07T05:33:37Z")
Looking at upgrading my digital, and thinking of changing the streamer that feeds my DS Dac. But given the Dacs FPGA, fact that it “ignores” the incoming clock, does all its upsampling…etc…will a different external streamer really make a difference with the DS? Guess I’m asking on experience from those who have tried different streaming solutions into their Directstream, DOES the choice of streaming front end make a worthwhile difference with our favourite Dac? I started off streaming from a Bridge II card, which I found I didn’t like as much as my current modded Oppo 203 connected over an I2s connection. Can’t play DSD from Roon with it, or MQA so looking to change this for long term future proofing. The Octave is a while away so looking primarily at the dCS Network Bridge. But really, with the Directstream, will the choice of EXTERNAL streamer make enough of a difference with Directstream to warrant the cost, given it will hook up over AES from the dCS Bridge, and not i2s from the Oppo. Ultimately a demonstration comparison at my local dCS dealer will decide, but wanted to glean some wisdom and personal experience from us DirectStream users too if I can. Thanks Guys. ---
**Author:** ![Brodric](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c68b51/32.png) [@Brodric](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Brodric)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2019, 11:35am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/difference-in-streamers-when-connected-to-directstream/12080/2 "2019-08-07T11:35:01Z")
Some streamers are $20K+. Some are $200. Of course there is a difference. You get what you pay for. Whether you feel the higher end stuff is worth spending the money, only you can decide that for reasons that are best known to you. I don’t think demonstrating at a local dealer will shed much light on the question for you. ---
**Author:** ![gazjam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/258eb7/32.png) [@gazjam](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/gazjam)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2019, 11:55am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/difference-in-streamers-when-connected-to-directstream/12080/3 "2019-08-07T11:55:15Z")
Thanks Bodric, Was thinking in more specific terms of how the Directstream would interact with different streamers, given its unique way of converting to analogue. But yeah, of course there’'s differences between em, know my Oppo bettered the Bridge II card I used. But thats internal i2s vs external, hence me wondering about comparisons between external streamers?’ Its all about the subjective sound that graces my ears with different kit, if theres no 'real difference between the dCS and my Oppo - theres no real difference. Just trying to get a bit of perspective about how the DS dac handles different streamers going into the demo at my local dealer. Thanks. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![kylemillsap](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/a88e4f/32.png) [@kylemillsap](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/kylemillsap)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2019, 2:45am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/difference-in-streamers-when-connected-to-directstream/12080/4 "2019-08-08T02:45:02Z")
I find the Auralic Aries G2 to be a significant upgrade in detail and depth of soundstage. ---
**Author:** ![dawkinsj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@dawkinsj](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/dawkinsj)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2019, 3:20am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/difference-in-streamers-when-connected-to-directstream/12080/5 "2019-08-08T03:20:43Z")
I agree with Kyle on the Aries and you should get the same level of improvement with the Lumin U1 or the U1 Mini with the optional Sbooster LPS upgrade kit. ---
**Author:** ![Brodric](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c68b51/32.png) [@Brodric](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Brodric)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2019, 8:05am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/difference-in-streamers-when-connected-to-directstream/12080/6 "2019-08-08T08:05:06Z")
Lumin seems to be the hot ticket go-to streaming option of the moment. They have very constructive and active participation in the Audioshark forum. ---
**Author:** ![Phil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e95f7d/32.png) [@Phil](https://forum.psaudio.com/u/Phil)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2019, 8:33am UTC](https://forum.psaudio.com/t/difference-in-streamers-when-connected-to-directstream/12080/7 "2019-08-08T08:33:38Z")
I have the Lumin U1, and it is amazing in my system. Better than Bridge 2 and the Matrix (and it should be given the price difference).