Technically there are a variety of ways where you can loose quality via a wireless network vs. wired USB. Part of it is the asynchronous connection via USB and then the quality of your WiFi.

In practice, if you have a strong, stable network you will likely not hear a difference. I have tested USB vs. Wireless with a variety of files, hi-res, FLAC and MP3s and was not able to tell a difference. I did this test with a Marantz NA7004, NA11s1 and my current PS Audio Directstream DAC. Never could tell the difference.

Incidentally I am a fan of Marantz Network players. The biggest issue is the MArantz software stinks. As long as you are using a 3rd party software you should be happy.

Unless you have a very special sound card, the Marantz DAC will be better. Marantz makes some of the best DACs I have heard for the money. That is a wonderful unit and I think you will be quite happy with it.

bierfeldt wrote:

Technically there are a variety of ways where you can loose quality via a wireless network vs. wired USB. Part of it is the asynchronous connection via USB and then the quality of your WiFi.

In practice, if you have a strong, stable network you will likely not hear a difference. I have tested USB vs. Wireless with a variety of files, hi-res, FLAC and MP3s and was not able to tell a difference. I did this test with a Marantz NA7004, NA11s1 and my current PS Audio Directstream DAC. Never could tell the difference.

Incidentally I am a fan of Marantz Network players. The biggest issue is the MArantz software stinks. As long as you are using a 3rd party software you should be happy.

I too like the sound quality Marantz streamers bring to the table - it's 2019 and I own a NA7004 - do you still have yours? If so I assume it's good enough to keep up with the modern streamers such as Bluesound, Auralic and the like. Again like you say, as long as you use alternative software to that provided by Marantz.