for streaming why not computer/galvanic isolation/DAC clock?

Amazingly when I plug anything into the “high current” outlet on the Panamax I get all sorts of noise coming out of the components, revealed by the sniffer. Even if I put in a simple floor lamp with no bulb in the socket, the noise appears, with lamp turned off. Completely silent when I use only the low current outlets. The components that become noisy are plugged into those low current outlets. 

If antenna why only on the high current input? I think your explanation makes sense, but what do I know. . The main point of the post it’s to understand why a galvanicallu isolated computer into an independent clock can be improved upon (in terms of SQ). I guess I am clouding it with other questions. 
 

In my starting post I said that I used Innuos for galvanic isolation. Sorry meant to say Intona. 

Forgot to mention that I have the power amp on one dedicated circuit, the DAC and pre on another. Computer is plugged into a regular wall outlet. Using a Panamax power conditioner on the outlet with the DAC and Pre. No ground loops that I can hear. 

Love those colorful comments!

I am not trying to debate whether purpose built streamers are better-  there are plenty of other threads on that. I am asking WHY they are better. Certainly the software and handling of music is important, but in terms of SQ what are they doing besides noise reduction and  reclocking? Noise is reduced by their internal layout, type of power supply etc, but can't the noise be handled by a bridge or some other kind of galvanic isolation?

Good advice to just borrow one and try it.

Appreciate the useful tips.

FOMO is a real threat. I am getting into DIY. The next goal is to find a good high efficiency speaker and build SET amplifiers - lot to learn. This post is more about trying to understand what is happening, and how these things are engineered. I think working with tube amps that sound good by virtue of their simplicity would be a good place to go. I agree that being happy now with the big thing in the living room is great advice. Even my wife likes it now - just asked for written instructions on turning on and off. Now that is rare and lucky.

Thanks. All my stuff downstream of DAC bought used and broken over last few years.  Good way to afford stuff and find synergy. Found that for the set up I described galvanic isolation in usb between computer and dac mattered. Couldn’t discern any difference between wireless and ethernet connection.  Putting in dedicated line helped a lot, especially during the day. 

Lots of great options and alternatives here.

eric_squires - Makes sense that if you are combining everything into one box, especially if that includes the DAC, that  engineering and cost would make a big difference. Splitting everything apart into separates is interesting and flexible- especially being able to switch DACs. I bet separating things can also provide more SQ per dollar.

Bruce 19 - Agree on all you said re DIY! With the  high efficiency speakers you can play with designs that amateurs can understand and modify. Have found the SET sound to be really amazing, especially for my vinyl set up. SS is another world, but Nelson Pass has lots of valuable instructional things and designs on his web site. I think even some two way bookshelf speakers like used Epos could work at lower volume? They have no crossover.  Thanks a lot for those tips - this discussion is probably for a different thread. Enjoy!

I have only tried the Intona and never heard it have a negative effect on the sound, just in some cases have no effect. I used a Qutest for a while and thought it improved the sound clearly, but didn’t do any blind a/b testing. I left it in place when I switched to the RME. Wish I could be more helpful. The Qutest is supposed to have its own galvanic isolation for usb, so I was surprised, but after a few trials decided the Intona really did help. I don’t remember this clearly,  but I believe I had to use an external power supply for the Intona with Qtest. The Intona can clean up the usb power with no external power source, and it does that for the RME, but I have read that it loses a little power in the process, maybe enough to stop the Qutest. I am not a huge fan of the measurements above all approach, but Amir likes the Intona. 

The Intona has an input where you can add power if is needed.