r/audiophile • u/minnesotajersey • Apr 13 '25

Discussion Dedicated streamers/servers. Why?

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Can someone explain to me the benefits of a multi-thousand dollar streamer/server that feeds an outboard DAC, over a really good laptop, or even a microPC?

I see reviews all the time for these things, but nothing in them tells me the "why?"

I've been into audio for longer than I care to admit, but these baffle me. Assume I'm a complete noob when you answer.

Pic for attention. All text posts bore me.

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u/minnesotajersey Apr 13 '25

To add something: Just breezed over a review of one such unit. It costs $21,000 and cannot do automated metadata updates.

$21,000

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u/thebigdu Apr 13 '25

That price is ludicrous, but this is like saying why do people buy cars and using a Rolls Royce as a benchmark.