Which device makes for a better digital music source? Computer or streamer?

I use a 2014 Mac mini w/ Kodi in the living room system and a Raspberry Pi 3 B+ w/ moOde in the basement system. I haven’t heard a compelling reason to change either out. The Mac stores all the music in a shared folder which is mounted in moOde. I control everything from my phone or a browser and can cast Qobuz or YouTube Music from my phone to either setup without a hitch.

The streamer’s job is to send the bits to the DAC intact. Digital errors are fairly noticeable - for some audible examples, have a listen here - link. In my opinion, I think the most important thing about streamers is that they offer the convenience and features you want.

Why not test your Bluesound head to head against the Macbook Pro? Connect both to a system, close your eyes, and have your friend switch between the two. See if you can guess which is which. Try it 10 or 15 times yourself and have your friend write down your guesses, then trade places.

I like Yage’s test. In any event, whenever I've done a laptop vs. streamer audio face-off (err, ear off), the streamer has always come away the winner. More clarity. Better imaging. Better tone quality. Higher fi.

@2psyop 

IMO, both Node and Vault should sound better than a general purpose laptop. Even with a software like Audirvana, mass produced 'stock' laptop remains inherently noisy. The noise generated from laptop circuitry and on ethernet line greatly impacts the sound quality of any streaming setup. Whether you can discern the audible differences between a Node/Vault vs laptop is largely depends on rest of the components in your system. 

Before you go down chasing audio nirvana with a four figure streamer or DAC, optimize your current streaming setup with noise filters if you haven't already done so!

I cannot say anything about streaming because i never use streaming...

But it is possible at low cost to have our way in controlling minimally vibrations, noise and interferences, so much that i am glad to use my computer...

It is not certainly the ideal possibility...

But the ratio S.Q. /price play for me... i will not say the exact figure no more because no one believe me and take me seriously if i say that audiophile experience minimal treshold of satisfaction exist at a low price...

If my speakers/room /computer beat  or rival my 8 headphones on all acoustic counts (  better bass,  almost on par clarity and  details, better mid frequencies same  intimacy with more naturalness and a better soundstage filling the room with sound coming around me) it is enough...

Use you computer the right way before giving money...

I will never upgrade...

For the OP question logically i think that a streamer would be better than a well controlled computer but at which price? 😁😊

And anyway i will never use one then it is only my useless impression...

By the way i am sure that ghdprentice is right...It is a good advice for those who can afford it...

The Aurender W20SE bested my vinyl system and CD player… both of which are very high end.

All very useful and educational comments and tips. It is pleasing to know one can spend little and one can spend alot but those at the extremes and those in the middle can still enjoy digital systems. I may try the filters for my own audio rig and share these comments with my computer source friend.

We are both happy with the sound we are getting....