Sound drops out for split second every few minutes.....

You might give Fidelizer a try.
It can prioritize audio in Windows.
I use it and it seems to improve sound quality significantly.
Plus, the price is not prohibitive.
https://fidelizer-audio.com/

In fact, I would contact the designer,  

Keetakawee, and tell him what you are experiencing.

He might just know what to do.

Bob

Awesome. Thanks!

Talked Keetakawee and installed Fidelizer.  Unfortunately, it didn't work.  Also tried different USB cable. 

Instead of throwing the laptop out the window I did a clean install of Windows 8.  Maybe the laptop isn't happy with Win10.  

Still in the process of updating everything......

@OP,
This is getting pretty weird.
How are you getting internet?
I am beginning to think it might be your router or ISP.
Windows, for me, hasn't been a problem with streaming.
There might be a firewall/security protocol that is not allowing music to stream through.
Check Windows to make sure Tidal and Deezer are 'white listed'.
Check your router to make sure FTP allows music services.
If you are unsure how to make adjustments to your router, either Google or ask you ISP.

Bob

@gdnrbob - It occurred with local files also so I don't think it was network related.  

After the Win8 clean install, the problem stopped.  I still had high latency but no more dropouts.  I'm thinking that the old laptop just wasn't happy with Win10 (likely some I/O driver issue).  

I think I solved the problem: I bought a new laptop.  :-)  
Should have it in a few weeks.  

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone!