I could not detect any audible differences streaming via WiFi between a Mac Mini running headless and several dedicated music servers. I disabled all non-essential functions on the Mac Mini. I have been streaming via WiFi for over 11 years, initially with a MacBook Pro and for the last 3 years with a Mac Mini, and never had a dropout or any other issue. It has been flawless.
Laptop vs music server when streaming over WIFI
It is widely agreed that PC’s and laptops are sub-optimal sources. They have noisy power supplies, heavy OS’s running tons of background processes, and poorly implemented USB modules. A PC or laptop can spit out tons of EMI that can pollute the rest of the audio chain when connected directly to a DAC.
However, streaming over WIFI galvanically isolates the computer from the rest of the chain. So, would there be a perceived difference in sound quality in the following scenarios?
A) Laptop streaming over WIFI to network streamer
VS
B) Music server streaming over WIFI to network streamer
However, streaming over WIFI galvanically isolates the computer from the rest of the chain. So, would there be a perceived difference in sound quality in the following scenarios?
A) Laptop streaming over WIFI to network streamer
VS
B) Music server streaming over WIFI to network streamer