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

I used to use a MacBook as my streaming source; changed to an Eversolo A6 about a year ago, which was far superior; I'll upgrade that eventually, too. 

@devinplombier That’s probably true, but how many people here who are audiophiles and not computer techs are qualified or are willing to undertake such a project?!? C’mon man, be real. Sometimes things are just worth paying for.

 like the old motorcyclist adage :

"Ducati , making mechanics out of motorcyclist for a 100 years"

I use an old MBAir as a media server. I do have a usb to a DAC if I want to listen to my digital (lossless) crap through my analog system, but I rarely bother. 

Sounds like pretty much everyone reporting sonic improvements from switching to a dedicated streamer so far had a macbook or macmini before.

Personally I wouldn’t use apple for a door stop, but I’m biased that way :)

In any event, it’s not surprising because no computer puts out great audio in factory configuration, notwithstanding the belief that apple "sounds" better, and apple supposedly uses / used a slightly better audio / DAC chip in at least some of their products. That may help a little if you plug desktop speakers in your macbook, but in a more serious listening configuration the PC’s onboard audio circuitry is bypassed.

A dedicated PC can cost more than some used streamers, but the main point of a PC is its almost limitless configurability, giving users the peace of mind that they will never be locked into inadequate, subpar or obsolete proprietary software.

@soix ,

but how many people here who are audiophiles and not computer techs are qualified or are willing to undertake such a project

When I posted a response last night, I wanted to indicate that without being disrespectful to others or hurting people’s egos. I think you put it perfectly. In my case, I would rather take my car to a shop to get an oil change and brakes done. But some of my friends do it themselves.

@devinplombier , you are right - a purpose built PC can be upgraded as needed and will either equal or surpass a dedicated streamer. I have reached out to multiple folks on audiophile style and there are a quite a few who switched to making their own server and running HQPlayer up-sampling everything to DSD 256 and higher. These folks are extremely pleased with the results. I want to try HQPlayer myself and hear what is the difference between DSD512 coming our of Foobar Vs HQPlayer. I am eyeing a used T+A DAC200, since new ones are beyond my budget :-(. But will do this in a couple of months.