Use of Denafrips Iris 12th DDC with computer

@mesch 

I found this video by Paul McGowan of PS Audio.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Paul+McGowan+talked+about+the+digital+signal+in+recent+Copper+Magazine+and+the+early+Genesis+Digital+Lens%2C&atb=v342-1&iax=videos&ia=videos&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DMaYz9hwXWXo

trivema gave me the idea to look up what Paul said and I found this.

I have a Windows 10 desktop (6 feet away) connected by USB to a Denafrips Gaia DDC connected to a Denefrips Terminator DAC.  I use the computer so can see the streaming company's song information on my 60 in. TV.  The 2-channel and Home Theatre systems are in the same room.

I enjoy the convenience of this setup more than I would with a dedicated streamer.  I have not found any indication that a streamer would better my current audio quality without spending above 10K.  If there were any dedicated unit that would give me the same visual enjoyment and convenience that I have now and improve the excellent sound I currently have, I would be interested.
 

If there were any dedicated unit that would give me the same visual enjoyment and convenience that I have now and improve the excellent sound I currently have, I would be interested.

@firstonetallguy Here’s some good evidence from an above post by @tds3371 who also uses a Gaia from his computer and got a significant improvement from simply adding a modest Node streamer.  If he got worthwhile improvements from a Node one can reasonably assume adding a better streamer from Innuos, Aurender, etc. would provide even greater improvements.

Long story short: I’m truly amazed at how good it all sounds - especially for the modest cost. As others have stated, a dedicated streamer (even a spartan, entry-level model like the Nano) is, IMHO, definitely worth considering. 

Using general purpose computers for critical listening in high end audio systems totally defeats the purpose of having a high end system. I can understand for background music or discovering new music for physical media purchases. But if this the purpose why even bother playing through main system or taking half steps for improving sound quality. Go all in, treating as an important source component or keep as pure utilitarian tool.

@mesch 

For the price of the Iris, you can get a new Bluesound Node.  As an all in one unit it is a good streamer with a good DAC and great software. I used one for years and the newer ones are even better.

All the best.

Best improvement to computer sound is to ditch it. 

A cheap streamer's cost is a fraction of a DDC.

A computer offers a lot of possibilities and user friendliness.

You could have a HTPC plugged into your big screen and sit back on your couch with a wireless keyboard+mouse. Can you imagine the posibilites? You can watch music videos, watch artist interviews, google things, get on the forums, read the news, etc...do all kinds of things while you're listening to hifi. 

Streamers are a one trick pony, i.e., a dog faced pony soldier.