Which device makes for a better digital music source? Computer or streamer?

Using a Cambridge Audio CXN version 1.  Sound is as good or better than my NAD CD player.  I can connect my PC (HP laptop) to the CXN through a USB cable but I cannot tell the difference between that and streaming directly from the CXN. 

The OP's question is a bit complicated because the "computer" and the "streamer" functions can't be separated easily from all the other functions built into (or added to) each device. You may have to consider everything you want to accomplish in the context of your whole rig. For example, if you want to run digital signal processes (say, software like HQPlayer) then you'll likely need a full-function computer in the loop, Maybe you just like to tinker, in which case you can do a whole lot more with a computer tied in.

I have a BS Node 2, a Mac Mini, a sonicTransporter i9 music server, and a Matrix Element X (integrated streamer/DAC/pre). After experimenting with numerous configurations in the past ~2 years, I still switch around sometimes.  But the configuration I tend to prefer, for "serious" listening not background music, uses the Mac Mini running HQPlayer or BACCH4Mac with a USB connection to the Element X. On the other hand,  Qobuz HiRes tracks sound pretty darn good with a more direct ethernet connection to the Element X (and no full-function computer in the loop.)  There's something to be said for using as simple and direct a connection as possible. 

But do dedicated streamers necessarily sound better than a full-function computer, if all you want to do is stream Tidal/Qobuz with no DSP? I dunno for sure, but I doubt there's a very noticeable SQ difference. 

Why is it when people are asked to compare an audio component we are asked to do an apples to apples comparison but in pc to streamer this is thrown out the window. In general I would sure hope s $22,000 streamer would sound better than a $2000 pc. Just as a $22,000 speaker, amp, dac, and pre amp will sound better than a $2000 one. The question should be does my $2000 pc equal or beat the performance of a $2000 streamer. Can I achieve the performance on the pc by looking down stream for my upgrade ( dac, fiber, usb upgrades) to achieve a result that gives me the best bang for my buck and save a lot of money? I will never be critical of anyone who wants to spend as much money as they please in this hobby, but when a question is posed for what will help me achieve a favorable outcome let’s offer opinions that are apples to apples!

Short version. I too went from a computer to a streamer. Like Wow man! 

Having done a fair bit of reading on the subject of streamers vs computers, I haven't found much hands on info about using a MacBook pro or Mac Mini. 

I use a MacBook Pro because I really like Apple Music and there is no other way to get that streaming service. No streamer out there supports Apple Music so if you want that service then you need to use Mac computer.

I am getting really good sound on my system but I am open to suggestions for improvements and would love to communicate specifically with other Mac/Apple Music users to get their experiences