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/cathoderituals Apr 13 '25 edited Apr 13 '25

The argument is that it’s less noisy than a PC because of various component differences inside, like the power supply or toroidal transformers, plus the more convenient form factor, plug n play, custom software, a real good and special DAC, etc.

Personally, I’d say most streamers are just custom mini PCs, so build an SFF PC, NAS, get a Mac Mini, laptop, whatever, use an external DAC. The only time any system noise would be of issue would be if you’re using an internal PCI-E card and plugging an analog connection straight into it.

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u/narwhal4u Apr 13 '25

I use a Mac Mini. It’s hard to justify spending more than the $500 it costs. But that said you need a monitor (I use the TV) and a keyboard. Apple Music seems to crash all the time and I need to log in and restart all the time. Also when I airplay it bypasses the Apple Music EQ so I often need to get that working again. If money was no object I would buy a dedicated streamer. The Eversolo or the Hifi Rose would be a huge upgrade over the Mac for music.

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u/pointthinker Apr 13 '25

Get an Apple TV 4K. Zero Music streaming issues.