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If you had to pick a laptop or mini-PC, which one?

I've been using an old Lenovo laptop as my server/streamer and continue to have issues getting it to work correctly.  So, I'm thinking of replacing it with something more updated.  

Considering another laptop or a min-PC.  Any opinions on good ones to look at?  I don't really care about the cost because I doubt it could be more than some of the music server/streamers that are out now.  




soundchasr
flrun's avatar
flrun
92 posts
 
Intel Nuc from Mitx pc?

That is where I got mine, could have given you a contact. 

So you are liking it? I've had mine a couple of years, I am going to build another custom in a Full Atx case to replace it.
sar67's avatar
sar67
31 posts
 

Hello SoundChars, I do not have a solution for your question, but a question myself. May I ask for your expertise and guidance? ow can I connect my music collection on a FLAC USB to my pre-amp listed here? My sound system is an early 80s ‘stack’ system.

None of the components are digital: Bryston 2B solid state amp, Conrad-Johnson PV-11 pre-amp, MIT 330 interconnects, MusicWave phase-equalized speaker cables, California Audio Labs CD Alpha and Delta drive, Dual 1129 turntable. B&W 803 speakers.

I would appreciate your suggestions and guidance on the matter.Thank you.

Mark Saracino


soundchasr OP
159 posts
 
@sar67

Plug your usb into a computer or laptop. From there if there is an analog out (like a headphone jack) use that to your stereo.  If no analog out then use USB to an external DAC then to your stereo.

I'm using a dedicated Dell laptop to host my FLAC files and for streaming. Playing through Audirvana software.  Then USB to an Ayre Codex DAC. Then to my Amp.  
calvinandhobbes
301 posts
 
If the new computer will be dedicated only to being a music streamer, you might get better sound quality from a dedicated streamer that is more optimized to reduce the amount of electrical noise. The Pro-ject Stream Box Ultra S2 is only $850 & allows plugging in an external USB flash drive or solid-state drive for playback of local files. I’ve found the Pro-ject streamer clearly sounded better than both a PC laptop or an iPhone used as a source. Even a relatively cheap Dragonfly Red sounded tremendously better (and actually quite listenable) plugged into the Pro-ject Streambox versus a PC or iPhone. The Dragonfly Red sounded much more 3-dimensional in its sound and with much more presence when used with the Pro-ject streamer versus PC or iPhone.  I’m hearing the same sonic benefits via a Denafrips Ares II DAC as well. 
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