Any audiophile use computer (MacBook) as your audio streaming source?

We use an old MacBook Pro just for streaming.  It runs to a Schitt Eitr and then to a MHDT DAC.  Is it as good a sound as the CDP going through the DAC?  No but its not bad.  We mostly listen to NPR, WWOZ, and FlacBlues. No Spotify or other streaming services.

Occasionally we listen to hi rez files via ITunes.

I use a MacBook Pro connected via USB to a Hermes DDC connected via I2S to a Pontus II.  I think it sounds excellent.  I had a HiFi Rose 250a before the Denafrips stack that sounded really good but not as good as the laptop and Denafrips.  I recently purchased a WIIM Pro and tried that in place of the laptop.  The laptop sounded better to my ears.  I don’t doubt others when they say they hear a significant difference between laptop/computer and dedicated streamer but I have yet to better my current setup.  I am interested in listening to a much higher end streamer, like an N200 to see if that makes the leap everyone keeps talking about..  I have a local shop that will loan me one to audition.

Not having used a computer for streaming, only a lowly Bluesound node, I also agree with the majority that a dedicated streamer likely sounds better.

I started streaming with a general use PC laptop, then went to stock Mac Mini, this setup to be used solely as streamer, therefore max services disabled, this was easily heard improvement over the laptop. Next was a newer generation mini, this one modded with Core Technologies LPS, now this was big improvement over the stock mini. Next was a newer yet generation mini, this one maxed out with fastest processor, most RAM, dual hard drive setup, OS on separate drive, Uptone MMK with Uptone JS-2 lps, again better than previous mini. Now I use custom build Windows/ATX board based streamer, this build all out along lines of Taiko, again much improvement over my most extreme mini.

Bottom line, stock computers leave much to be desired as audiophile streamers. They are noisy devices, even laptops with battery power, they may work as convenience streamers, but don't belong as audiophile source. Treat streaming with same care as vinyl source, anything less isn't a first class source.

I too have been on the fence about investing in a dedicated streamer. Currently I'm using a Dell micro PC with a USB feed to a Schitt Bifrost DAC. From what I'm hearing, could I do better with the bespoke gear?