Cheap Chromebook fine?


I'm looking to buy a Chromebook or a cheap PC for music. Will the quality of the PC make an appreciable difference for me? Anything to look for when buying one?

I'm using a Peachtree audio X1 > Monarchy audio DIP > Metrum NOS mini Dac > NAD power amp

Thanks!

abarnett

I think so.

The biggest issues I've run into are the power supplies, and galvanic isolation.  Keep the laptop/PC supplies away from your power conditioned audio gear. Laptop wall warts/power adaptors are terrible sources of noise.  If you can do that and don't have humm from the USB adaptor you'll be fine.

I think the Chromebook will work fine. I use a Raspberry Pi 4 as a streamer and it's not as powerful as a Chromebook. Looks like you can install Kodi from Google Play, so you'll be able to stream using UPnP as well as play files from a music library using that app.

I streamed music from a laptop (not a Chromebook) for several years. Biggest objection was very loud fan noise from the computer. I think this would be worth researching before selecting a device.