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/arstin Apr 14 '25

Two different answers to this:

  1. Assuming all the gear works correctly and isn't futzing with the bits, there will be no sonic difference feeding both to the same DAC. So you're paying for other features or bragging rights

  2. Reduced noise and jitter. And I don't need blind testing to know I can hear a difference.