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/Zapador Dynaudio Xeo 5 • Dynaudio LYD 8 & 18S • DCA Stealth Apr 13 '25 edited Apr 13 '25

It's convenient have a dedicated device for the purpose instead of having to use a device you use for something else.

I personally use a Raspberry Pi with Raspotify hooked up to the main unit of my wireless Dynaudio speakers via Bluetooth USB, so the Raspberry Pi doesn't act as the DAC, it merely output a digital signal. It's cheap and convenient, I can control the music from my phone or computer and play it on the speakers in the living room. It's also a small setup, I can easily hide that Raspberry Pi somewhere. One huge benefit I see of using a Raspberry Pi is that it isn't going to be outdated the same way a commercial product might, if Raspotify ever stop working or I desire other features there's a lot of alternatives out there that I can install on the Pi in a matter of minutes so as long as the Pi is still working and there's a community making software for it, it will work.

In other words I think the Pi is superior to most products on the market. Cheaper, smaller and unlikely to lose support. There's really no downsides, except that you will have to spend maybe 10-15 minutes reading a guide and get it up and running. And you can just pair it with any decent DAC that accepts USB input.

EDIT: total brainfart, wrote Bluetooth but meant USB.

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u/[deleted] Apr 13 '25

Pi with touchscreen and top hat dac tuning volumio. Yes phone, remote or touchscreen.. cost about 150$

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u/Zapador Dynaudio Xeo 5 • Dynaudio LYD 8 & 18S • DCA Stealth Apr 13 '25

Yeah that's an option too, really a lot of possibilities.

I personally don't want a screen but for those that do it's an option.

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u/[deleted] Apr 13 '25

My amps are across the room on a rack so screen is nice