Ready For Digital Source...Computer?

realworldaudio - this looks real cool, that is until you click this link:

https://www.ap-linux.com/documentation/ap-linux-v5-install-instructions/

I'm not sure if I have the smarts (let alone the time) to figure that all out!

auxinput - thanks, but I think sns already talked me out of it...

@high-amp, at some point you'll definitely need to get your laptop out of your listening chain. But if you can't right now while you're taking the time to find a dedicated music streamer that fits your budget and your lifestyle, I would suggest that you first invest in the best DAC that you can afford. When I was using my MacBook Pro as my music source, I used a Chord Qutest DAC that absolutely sounded fantastic to my ears. You can find used ones at very good prices these days. And it's really great because it has a very small footprint, and you can use either a USB > USB or a USB > SPIF cord to connect the DAC to your laptop. I also believe that a high quality interconnect cable is a must IMO. I use an AudioQuest Diamond USB cable in my system. Audiophile DAC's like the Qutest benefit a lot from having a of a good linear power supply(LPS) to help them perform at their best. 

Hey there, have any of you tried this?

https://www.amarrasound.com/amarra-luxe/

Took a quick look.  Amarra Luxe is software that runs on a Windows PC or a Macintosh computer.  You are still going to have to deal with computer power supply and a special USB or S/PDIF output card (with external linear power supply) if you want to match performance of a dedicated music server.

auxinput - OK but whadda ya think? I've been checkin' out that Lumin D2 as recommended hear. It looks decent (for $1200 off).

https://upscaleaudio.com/products/lumin-t2-network-music-player