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Music streamer device vs laptop/phone?

I stream Tidal hifi through my laptop/iPhone into a Parasound Halo integrated via USB.  The dac in the parasound sounds great to me.  I see expensive music streamer devices and wonder if they would provide any actual audible sound quality improvement over what I’m using already?  I don’t care about the user interface convenience, multi use applications, stylish looks, etc.  just sound quality.  I strictly stream Tidal for 2 channel home stereo listening and don’t mind being “tethered” to my phone or laptop to select music.  I’m in the dark about music streaming devices.  Why are some so expensive?  For my purposes, would one bring any actual audible improvement vs me streaming from phone to the Parasound’s DAC?  I’m thinking it wouldn’t, but any insight/advice is appreciated.  Thanks!
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Showing 1 response by nonoise

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nonoise
10,589 posts
 
The last time I went to an audio show was a few years ago so take this with a grain of salt: in every room that used a laptop as the source that I visited, I asked if the laptop was good enough and the answer each and every time was, yes.

That, and at a lot of the show reviews online that I see, they use a laptop and the reviewers had nothing but great things to say about the sound.

If it sounds great to you, then the only person you need to impress is already, impressed. 😄

All the best,
Nonoise
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