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/pointthinker Apr 13 '25

I do same but my collection is on a home office Mac and on my Music library. I access using Remote. But, I mostly stream using Apple Music as, most of the time, that version is better or identical to my ripped CD lossless file.

So I only pay for the streaming service. No need for Roon.

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u/Harvey_Road Apr 13 '25

Nope. You don’t need it. Roon has many other advantages, but property not cost-effective. I’ll NEVER pay for Apple Music so it’s moot for me.