Streamers are specialized computers, optimized to improve Sonics compared to a multi purpose computer. The answer to your question partially depends on the streamer…I’ve auditioned at least one low end streamer that was inferior to my 12 year old Mac that I had previously used as a streamer.
Many audiophiles are perfectly happy with computer sound, and a program such as Audirvana can really help as it attempts to disable everything in a computer that adds noise. Personally, I tend to agree with @fuzztone. With the exception noted, even a relatively inexpensive streamer such as Bluesound will sound smoother and more tactile, even on a mid Fi system. Still, I encourage everyone new to streaming to start with a PC, because everyone has one, so the entry cost isn’t a barrier. You can always move one later
Many audiophiles are perfectly happy with computer sound, and a program such as Audirvana can really help as it attempts to disable everything in a computer that adds noise. Personally, I tend to agree with @fuzztone. With the exception noted, even a relatively inexpensive streamer such as Bluesound will sound smoother and more tactile, even on a mid Fi system. Still, I encourage everyone new to streaming to start with a PC, because everyone has one, so the entry cost isn’t a barrier. You can always move one later