2. digital
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Upgrade path from Windows laptop music server

I think my old HP laptop is the weak point in my system.  It's an i5 with 8meg connected to a Benchmark DAC (may be upgraded) over a Wireworld USB.  I'm running JRiver to play my 200 ripped CD'S, listen to Radio Paradise and WWOZ Internet radio, and have just signed up to Qobuz high-res.  I thought I was computer literate but the array of new options for computer audio is intimidating.  So, asking for guidance.  My goal is the best sound, which I see as delivering the best signal to the DAC.

Should I keep the laptop but configure a network bridge from SOtM, Sonore, or others?  This is all new to me.
If so, should I/ can I run Ethernet from nearby router to bridge?
Will JRiver still work?
Are there great laptops that solve the problem? (assuming there is a problem)
Do I trash the laptop altogether?

I want to end up with something with a good user-interface free of arcane techy complexity.

Thanks for any advice or past experience 




electroslacker
djones51
4,947 posts
 
I use my android tablet as a remote to play internet radio, Tidal, Qobuz, ripped CDs with bluOS , I imagine other streamer software inferfaces will do the same. I find bluOS pretty user friendly not sure about others. 
jsd52756's avatar
jsd52756
472 posts
 
I have almost the same setup, except for the computer brand and listen to to RP & ripped CD's, lossless.  I read these forums for 2 years and concluded: go with what kijanki said.  Although others here will vehemently disagree. 
headphonedreams
529 posts
 
I would try something like Uptone Studio ISO Regen.  It can re-clock the usb signal and filter out electrical noice according to their sales info. My dac was upgraded to buffer data long time ago and it improved the sound a lot.
soix
10,330 posts
 
Considering the level of your system I think it makes sense to ditch the laptop and step up to one of the better dedicated streamers.  Read Darko’s review of the Innuos Zen if you haven’t already as it’s pretty informative.  The Zen would be a great choice, but Lumin is worth a look too.  Best of luck. 
electroslacker OP
375 posts
 
Thanks again for your insights.  This is  exciting.  Ironically, most of my career was doing hardware/software interfaces for operating systems but I was blind to all the innovation occurring.

I'll be happy to get away from big bloated Windows and go with a dedicated platform. I was rather dreading Windows Remote Desktop.

@jazzman7, I have 130 CD'S ripped to lossless FLAC with JRiver.  I suppose with Qobuz, ripped CD's could be considered redundant.  Actually, I find the FLAC streaming at Radio Paradise to be very satisfying in terms of sound quality, curated playlists (now three streams.) and expanding my awareness.

Lots of interesting reading ahead.   Several promising paths. Any further advice is welcomed.  I'll share my final plan for critique.


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