I to have a laptop set up for my streaming. I have an iFi usb filter and external dac with balanced outs into pre amp. I have no intention to change the structure of my set up. It sounds great and is dead silent between tracks. I feel the laptop set up offers the most flexibility too. With a streamer you are married to their program software, with a lap top I have access to anyone I want and if one is released in the future that is revolutionary I can just download it without having to buy new streamer. Also provides flexibility to change dac when technology changes. The way things change so fast now days I like to keep all options open and my MacBook Pro is the key to the kingdom!!
Music streamers
My question is About music streamers in general. My current setup is a Laptop connected to my integrated job amp through usb. I was wondering if I should replace my laptop with a dedicated streamer without a Dac cuz my int already had one. So purely speaking about the difference between a dedicated streamer and a laptop. Does a streamer have a tangible improvement than a laptop? Just on the audio quality is there a tangible improvement. If yes plz suggest me some good ones below 1000usd. I’m currently eyeing the lindenmann limetree bridge. Thank you