Do I Really Need a Dedicated Streamer?

Actually @audphile1 While I was getting some kind answers, but I was getting a lot of advice about changing from Spotify to something else,  and having freedom to move around my room choosing music.  I was not asking those questions.   

I am interested in understanding the why using a dedicated streamer over using a PC or iPad is better…(not why Qobuz is better than Spotify…)

Some kind folks have answered about their experience using a streamer, and that music sounds much better this way.  I believe them and appreciate their time to answer my question.  Full stop: Thank you!!

I still do not understand *why* a dedicated streamer is better than a computer, technically.   Seems to me, they are "running" the same file.  ( I am not a tech-person). why is "serving that file from a streamer better than from my PC?  Same files, same USB cable....

And yes,  I have a DAC because I did not like the sound of the built-in DAC in my Amplifier.  But the DAC is hardware. I know that a dedicated-engineered DAC is better than whatever DAC chip is slapped into my Apple product.  

But to me, the streamer is serving or "playing" a file to my DAC…just like the iPad would be sending that file into the same dedicated DAC.   Why should the streamer be better?

Again, I appreciate the answers and the advice.   Thank you 

 
Actually @dunkin while you were getting kind answers you continued to not absorb the information that was being provided to you and you continued to ask. 
 

Let’s try this…

Dedicated streamers:

1. Better power supply - lowers noise

2. Isolated network from audio chain

3. Hard-wired to network - minimizes the EMI inside the unit caused by wifi receiver 

4. audio grade digital clock - reclocks the digital signal to reduce jitter on the digital output ensuring as clean a signal as possible to be sent to DAC

5. isolated USB output to minimize jitter 

6. Purpose built and designed firmware for better processing of signal in digital domain prior to feeding DAC. 
 

7. high resolution streaming with bit rates higher than the 16/44 redbook CD

8. no non-purpose tasks that the OS needs to run - focus is solely on ingesting the  feed from streaming services and converting it to signal that your DAC would understand  

The degree of improvement varies based on hardware and software design. Objective is to get the cleanest possible signal out to your DAC. User experience with the native software is a user preference and priority. Tethering your iPad to your DAC is not a thing with streamers because the tablet becomes your remote controller. 
 

iPad …

built to serve many purposes which it performs equally well. It’s a jack of all trades, master of none. It does everything at once without regard for minimizing jitter on its output because it doesn’t care…it isn’t built to be a streamer. This goes back to my lawn mower example. 
 

But somehow I feel you will continue to woodpecker this until you annoy yourself and everyone else. 
 

Good luck!

If you want it to sound good you do need a decent quality streamer fs a Mac,or windows computer and of quality with LPS power supplies 

and a DDC or Reclocker helps if you have a $1500 or under streamer.,

even helps your dac in many ways.

@audphile1 This is really awesome tech info and what I need to learn.  thank you.  I appreciate you taking the time for my specific question.   

@audioman58 Thank you also.  makes sense

@dunkin You ask do I need a dedicated streamer?

I answer, ‘No you do not.’

But I interpret those who have tried to counsel you on this matter, that, considering that you have a good DAC, amp, and speakers, if were to TRY a dedicated streamer (and perhaps some software delivering lossless audio), you would WANT a dedicated streamer. The sound is that much better. But far be it from me to tell you what to do. Be happy. Listen to the music.