Arguments about streamer versus computer are way too generalized. Many things contribute to computer sound quality and you have control over all of them. With streamers you get what you get. Most are good these days so little risk with proven products. But a computer can compete. But it may take some tweaking using good quality streaming software configured properly, drivers up to the task, Keeping the noisy computer physically apart from other sensitive line level or phono hi fi gear, etc. So do not buy the conclusion many reach that a dedicated streamer is always better. It may or may not be. DAC used always matters. It’s always a bad leap of faith to think that just because some reach a certain conclusion that is always the case. The devil is always on the details. If you want low cost high quality streaming consider a computer if you already have one. If you want to pay for a specialized device and not have to worry about it buy a good streamer. Need not cost much. Many ways to skin the cat. Google Cast and airplay on any good quality mldern device are also very solid options for CD quality and maybe more.
Do I need a streamer?
Streaming devices, with or without an internal DAC, seem to be very popular these days, so I am wondering if I am missing out on something. I have Audirvana on my iMac that streams Tidal and music from my 8 TB external HD. My iMac resides next to my audio rack and I connect my iMac via an optical cable (Fibbr) to my Aqua LaVoce DAC. It seems to me that my iMac and external HD take the place of a streaming device. Am I missing out on something other than convenience? My external HD was a few hundred bucks and streamers a whole lot more. The sound of my system is fantastic.
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- 53 posts total
- 53 posts total