PC based Streaming sound quality

thanks

You’ll find that this has been discussed extensively in various threads so it might be helpful to look through this digital forum for additional info. But, yes -  the general consensus is that a dedicated streamer is significantly better than a PC - even one optimized for music.  While not all agree, many of us have made the very comparison you’re considering. I personally found a streamer to be vastly superior to the optimized computer (in my case, a stripped down dedicated Mac mini). Best way to find out is to try one in your home.

While I think even the Bluesound Node 2 (about $500) was better than the PC, I enjoyed significant improvements by going upmarket. 

You’ll also likely find that the apps that come w/ the streamers are better than the PC based apps. This is because you can seamlessly access both network files and streamed services without changing app.  

Determine your budget and audition something within that range and let us know what you find.

Best,