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Which laptop to stream Spotify to integrated amp via DAC?

I’d like to get the cheapest laptop possible to stream Spotify via DAC to my integrated amp.

Is it safe enough to buy a 2013-era Macbook Air or notebook be safe enough in terms of its OS not becoming too old to support this, or should I buy a brand new one? It just needs Wifi (for Spotify Connect) and one USB port. Do I need to care about the quality of the laptop’s soundcard?

And I assume a Chromebook wouldn't work since it's not a Windows OS.
parksung
8 responses Add your response
marktomaras
544 posts
 
Have you considered an Intel Nuc?
krocdoc
55 posts
 
I recently bought a new MacBook Air with SSD for $1k.  Absolutely quiet and sounds phenomenal using MacBook Air -> Tidal ->  Audirvana -> Hegel HD25. 
robr45's avatar
robr45
319 posts
 
You don't need to care about the laptop's sound card if you intend to use USB.

Is the laptop's sole purpose going to be for Spotify playback? If so, you might want to look at a Sonore Microrendu or other NAA that supports Spotify connect. 
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milpai's avatar
milpai
2,377 posts
 
I was using a 2010 Windows 10 machine for streaming Spotify using Connect. I don't know the apple world. But if Spotify is all you need, you are fine with that 2013 machine, provided Spotify is compatible with the OS on that machine. For example Tidal's latest version of app is not compatible on my vintage ipad mini.
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