Honestly using a PC, especially a 13yr old one, is not going to be very good sound wise. And personally I would toss any computer over 10yrs old. Any streamer will be much better.
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I suggest dropping the MacOS and installing Linux. You can make Linux a fit for purpose operating system that focuses on streaming. Even an older device is plenty fast given the right configuration. That is pretty much what every commercial streamer is anyway. Below is an AI summary of the install process. This is a link explaining how to build the device for streaming. I have done this with a very humble Dell E6510 and is does quite well. Albeit I don't stream a lot, but when I do I am not disappointed in the results. https://www.24bit96.com/hifi-music-server/bitperfect-linux-with-mpd.html -------------- Installing Linux on a 2012 MacBook Pro is possible and can be a good way to give the older machine new life, especially if you're looking for a more lightweight and efficient operating system. It involves creating a bootable USB drive with a Linux distribution, booting from the USB, and then installing the chosen distribution. However, you may need to install drivers for Wi-Fi and other hardware. Here's a general outline of the process:
This video demonstrates the process of installing Linux on a 2012 MacBook Pro: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEJdkbNCDgA&t=40
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You would have to technically explain how a computer - old one vs. new one - makes music sound better? If your music resides on a hard drive and the computer is merely passing on the X's an O's to a USB cable (which I have found does make a difference) then I am stumped at how that would be of importance. The only technical aspect I am aware of that may come from the computer is jitter. However, most DAC's nowadays incorporate jitter reducing remedies so that is no longer an issue. It did give rise to the "jitterbug" for a number of years. I have read that some here state the software they use (typically Roon or jRiver) has an effect on sound, but I assume that is when streaming or accessing music over a network. Using Windows Media or iTunes to play music that resides on the local computer hard drive should have no effect on sound. I have used a few computers and there is no difference in sound. If anyone asked me I would tell them an old computer is just as good as a new computer when playing local music files. Dedicating a computer (Jukebox computer) is recommended as I could see a whole host of issues if one is playing music on the same computer they utilize routinely.
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