HP or Dell for computer listening ?


Can't choose really, seem to be the same. I am mostly concerned about reliability since both would be adequate for what I need. I will be using Burson Audio Play as an outboard dac/headphone amp.
What is your advice ? Oh, under $1k computer, nothing fancy.
inna

Showing 4 responses by jaybe

There will be no difference most likely. Using an off the shelf PC for music usually isn’t recommended because of the large amount of noise, electrical and otherwise, that can effect sound quality. But if you’re determined to buy a sub-$1000 PC, whatever one takes your fancy, whether it’s color or features or something else.

It's also quite possible that the Burson will be insensitive to or more likely lack the resolution to be able to playback the PC noise anyway.
Either of those computer brands would work, shouldn't be any difference in this application.
@gareneau  but obviously he's not playing in that league, it's Youtube, and no that software does nothing to get rid of a computer's electrical noise anyway
Well that’s what Jplay said 8 years ago, not Darko. It can shut down some processes, just like Audiophile Optimizer does, and does have some positive effects, but does not eliminate jitter. Its effects are related to the OS, not the hardware, where most of the problems originate. Software can not make up for low quality or poorly designed cables, drives, USB circuits etc that induce jitter. That’s not how it works. I’ve built plenty of servers and own Jplay and other software. A system capable of high resolution is needed to hear any differences anyway, so listening to Youtube on a cheap desktop computer makes it a moot point.