2. digital
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Any audiophile use computer (MacBook) as your audio streaming source?

I rarely see any audiophile talking about streaming audio digital sources from a computer. I understand MacBook can accept native lossless formats form all the various platforms, and it can store unlimited music files in any format, so supposedly it’s the best source, and the digital file is the most purest before it’s fed to the dac. Anyone compared the sound quality of computer vs other audio streamer? 

randywong
cincyjim's avatar
cincyjim
126 posts
 

I also stream with Mac Book Pro, but also

have some of my CD collection loaded

on Mac Book Pro has a CD Drive.

limomangus's avatar
limomangus
1,437 posts
 

I don't use any ,I don't stream...

herman
2,261 posts
 

I don't use any ,I don't stream...

very helpful, extremely valuable input for the OP to consider, thanks

spkrplus's avatar
spkrplus
64 posts
 

Audiogon Discussion Forum

The best and better performing dedicated streamers outperform any known consumer over the counter computer including cost-no-object Mac.  Search results on this subject including appropriate AB tests supports this opinion and I've never seen any reliable information to contradict it.  

Under my definition for best and better streamers I include a custom DIY based on Amazon's Mele computer (about $1k,) the Resonessence Fluvius (RIP, last SRP about $1700,) the current Infigo IS-1 ($5k and $7k versions,) the $20k Antipodes K50 and $30k Taiko Extreme.  I own the first 3 streamers listed; a person I know well in Europ AB tested the Mele/Antipodes/Extreme.  The Mele takes considerable knowledge to assemble and run.  The Fluvius is Android based with let's just say not-ideal library function (one of the main reasons it sounds so good is because it's not Mac nor Windows.)   I'd exclude Aurender models @ $12k and below.  

hgeifman
2,264 posts
 

Correction: As I posted above, I changed my mind about using the MAC Laptop for streaming.

A $5,000 SRP Infigo Audio IS-1 Signature streamer replaced my MAC Book Pro dedicated for music streaming only. Both streamers have Audirvana Studio music player installed. Audirvana Remote is installed on my Apple iPad.

Audirvana Studio enhances audio quality on computers by optimizing the operating system for audio playback and disabling non-essential services. It functions as a third-party player, scanning local music libraries and integrating streaming services like Tidal and Qobuz, but not Spotify or Apple Music. Audirvana offers both subscription and lifetime license models.

The Infigo Audio IS-1 streamer has substantially improved my sound quality. I immediately noticed my system sounds much better. The music is clearer, bass is more powerful, and imaging has improved. My Signature model lists for $5,000 and the Cryogen model is $7,000. The INFIGO IS-1 Streamer is highly recommended.

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