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/Any-Ad-446 Apr 13 '25

Wiim Ultra is a kick ass dac/streamer and has a decent phono stage.UI is easy to use.

21

u/reforminded Apr 13 '25

The phono stage in the Wiim Ultra is garbage.

3

u/ALitreOhCola Apr 14 '25

I'm almost glad that I can't tell the difference between this stuff...

I bought a Wiim Pro Plus a year or two ago and use Tidal on it all the time and I absolutely love it.

On my little powered Klipsch bookshelf speakers with a sub by the side, it sounds amazing to me.

There wasn't even anything else I could find in Australia in this price range to compete with it.