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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
bobby1945
79 posts
 
I  have gone the dedicated  laptop route with a very much bare bones windows 10,plenty of RAM, SSD,virus protection disabled, recovered the bandwidth for exclusive microsoft usage and recently installed spybot anti-beacon (The software disables all microsoft clandestine activities running in the background).

ROON -TIDAL and QOBUZ
Like to run on battery only for serious listening.
Supra ethernet and USB cables.
AQ RedRiver power and interconnects
AQ NIagra 1200 power conditioner and ifi a/c purifier
 
A modest DAC SMSL M500 and balanced XLR into active speakers 
ELAC ARB 51

Sounds ok to me
sgreg1
612 posts
 
I to have a laptop set up for my streaming. I have an iFi usb filter and external dac with balanced outs into pre amp. I have no intention to change the structure of my set up. It sounds great and is dead silent between tracks. I feel the laptop set up offers the most flexibility too. With a streamer you are married to their program software, with a lap top I have access to anyone I want and if one is released in the future that is revolutionary I can just download it without having to buy new streamer. Also provides flexibility to change dac when technology changes. The way things change so fast now days I like to keep all options open and my MacBook Pro is the key to the kingdom!!



stroud27612
40 posts
 
If you are happy with the DAC in your integrated receiver, then even a cheap streamer can work well.  I run an Amazon Alexa Echo Dot ($25) to an Arcam bluetooth receiver that can plug into a DAC or into an integrated receiver.  I run Amazon Prime Music Premium (with UDH streaming), which is really good, but Alexa can even control other music streaming services such as Spotify.

My Arcam bluetooth device actually has it's own built in DAC, but you can buy a cheaper bluetooth receiver if you are using the DAC in your int.  This article recommends the StarTech BT2A which is $73 on Amazon:

https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-bluetooth-audio-receiver-for-your-home-stereo-or-spe...

Total investment for both?  $100.  It gives you great convenience because you can control Alexa with either your phone app or just use your voice.
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