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Music streamers

My question is About music streamers in general. My current setup is a Laptop connected to my integrated job amp through usb. I was wondering if I should replace my laptop with a dedicated streamer without a Dac cuz my int already had one. So purely speaking about the difference between a dedicated streamer and a laptop. Does a streamer have a tangible improvement than a laptop? Just on the audio quality is there a tangible improvement. If yes plz suggest me some good ones below 1000usd. I’m currently eyeing the lindenmann limetree bridge. Thank you 
parvatham
yyzsantabarbara
5,123 posts
 
Last night I streamed from my iPhone to ROON via AirPlay2 to my brand new Matrix Mini-i 3 Pro DAC. Sounded very good.

I also streamed directly from my computer using Toslink to the same Matrix. It was also rather good.

I also streamed from a Sonore microREndu to the USB-C input on the Matrix. That also sounded very good.

In the past (5 years ago) it was easy for me to tell the difference between such comparisons. However, yesterday it was a bit difficult. 

The Matrix DAC I just got has RJ45 connectivity, Wifi, AirPlay2, something that works on Android. I am waiting on ROON Certification so I can use RJ45 Ethernet directly.

I am currently listening to my Sonore microRendu into my Benchmark DAC3B. It sounds better a bit better. I am not sure if it is the streamer, DAC, or combination of the two. The difference however do not seem that large vs the Matrix ($900 MSRP).

DAC inputs must really be improved these days, at least on the Matrix. A lot of headphone folks are connecting directly to their DACs from a computer. I was thinking that is pretty bad but I am not so sure today.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,645 posts
 
I’ll put it this way. For years I played local files from a desktop or Spotify (through a Schitt MultiBit), to the whole house dist. network. Remote volume and play functions via RF. Program maybe 50% mp3’s. Even set up a Synology. I was happy until I got streamer #1, a lowly BluSound. Stopped playing mp3’s, changed to Qobuz and never looked back. A $100 rPi will out-SQ any commercial computer.
I upgraded as many of the local files as I could and put them on SSD’s accessible via WiFi from the remote desktop. Including SACD one bit files.
Now that is what goes on the dist. network and the FM transmitter.

The OP asked for suggestions under $1000.
Why can't the Aurrender, Auralic Lumin crowd respect a simple request.
Maybe they can't read.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,800 posts
 
@cleeds,

Sorry to hear about your experience with Aurender and it appears you’re still pretty miffed about it. I see very little point in dwelling over the past. Move on please....
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
lalitk2,256 posts12-11-2020 11:56am@cleeds,

Sorry to hear about your experience with Aurender and it appears you’re still pretty miffed about it. I see very little point in dwelling over the past. Move on please....


He and others have got valid reason/s to me.
I wouldn’t go near Aurender no matter what model, after they tried to pull this stunt.

https://www.stereophile.com/comment/570957#comment-570957

Cheers George


fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,645 posts
 
I've never touched an Aurrender. The last good Korean hifi I got was Cowon.
I just point out that it is inappropriate for this thread.

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