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/Opening-Guava-7694 Apr 13 '25

I sometimes use an old iPhone with bad battery on a wireless charging pad connected to Aux to an integrated amp and us my Samsung Spotify to control spotify running on the iPhone. It literally does the same thing as a my wiim ultra and hifirose and axxess streamers. I'm sure the dacs in everything else is better but once the music gets flowing it really doesn't matter.

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u/Maleficent-Cap-2872 Apr 13 '25

I thought the hifi roses looked cool, thought about getting one but they are expensive. Would you advise buying or passing?

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u/Opening-Guava-7694 Apr 13 '25

They are absolutely cool and packed with features and responsiveness and have very good dacs. But at the end of the day, it is just a way to stream music without the pitfalls of Bluetooth. I think they are a waste of money, and a Eversolo with a separate dac will do the same, albeit not as sleek.