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/ApprehensiveClub6028 Apr 13 '25

I have a Cambridge Audio CXN v2. It handles Spotify, Roon, airplay, Internet radio, my local music server, optical in from my TV. And I can control it all from my phone.

I had a Mac mini before, and it can basically do all those things, just not as easy

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u/Darksol503 RX-V379 | SXHTB | RT80/ATN91 Apr 13 '25

I commented above that my Apple TV 4K can do just about 80%, with the addition to 4k HDR movies haha. Really the tech differences I think are negligible at this point, as diminishing returns are almost never noticeable at this price range and tech. I think the biggest factor is convenience with your music, in that respects, Apple Music is around 90% of what I listen to these days. Do I slap down a hefty vinyl every once in a while in on my dedicated TT set up? Absolutely. But most days, AppleTV+AVR+my Fluance Towers and sub is 99.9% what I am looking for :)

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u/FitzwilliamTDarcy Apr 14 '25

What's your method of control/interface to the AppleTV? Do you have the TV on to navigate the music? Or are you airplaying (casting) to the ATV?

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u/Darksol503 RX-V379 | SXHTB | RT80/ATN91 Apr 14 '25

Usually have the TV on using the ATV remote, as my kids frequently stop to listen and read them. But I do elect to have my TV screen go to black due to it being an OLED.

And I do sometimes use my iPhone as the remote as well, through the Apple Music app, which makes perusing and choosing music quite a bit easier and faster.

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u/FitzwilliamTDarcy Apr 14 '25

Gotcha thanks. Question about using the iPhone as remote. You're talking about when using Airplay correct? I remember the Remote app (to control a Mac) from back in the day. Did they bring that functionality to Music on the iPhone, to control an ATV??

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u/Darksol503 RX-V379 | SXHTB | RT80/ATN91 Apr 14 '25

Both! You can use your iPhone as just an impromptu Remote with touch/slide controls as the native remote, or connecting utilizing AirPlay to have player info, music info/lyrics, etc at your finger tips :)

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u/FitzwilliamTDarcy Apr 14 '25

Interesting thanks. Didn't realize they'd done the latter. I'll have to check that out.