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Upgrade path from Windows laptop music server

I think my old HP laptop is the weak point in my system.  It's an i5 with 8meg connected to a Benchmark DAC (may be upgraded) over a Wireworld USB.  I'm running JRiver to play my 200 ripped CD'S, listen to Radio Paradise and WWOZ Internet radio, and have just signed up to Qobuz high-res.  I thought I was computer literate but the array of new options for computer audio is intimidating.  So, asking for guidance.  My goal is the best sound, which I see as delivering the best signal to the DAC.

Should I keep the laptop but configure a network bridge from SOtM, Sonore, or others?  This is all new to me.
If so, should I/ can I run Ethernet from nearby router to bridge?
Will JRiver still work?
Are there great laptops that solve the problem? (assuming there is a problem)
Do I trash the laptop altogether?

I want to end up with something with a good user-interface free of arcane techy complexity.

Thanks for any advice or past experience 




electroslacker
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jazzman7
335 posts
 
@sebrof

@Jazzman7: In your #1 / Bluesound route, where would electroslacker store his music files? Or is that option only for streaming, no files?

Any network share would work.
My first NAS was simply an external hard drive plugged into my router.
Eventually I graduated to a Melco N1A.

@electroslacker

Should be no need to re-rip your music files.  Just a matter of them being located somewhere that is discoverable on your network and then pointing/defining that location to your streamer be it Bluesound device, Roon Nucleus, or whatever else you may decide on.  Moving your music files from one network location to another is just a matter of copying your files over, which can be as simple as drag and drop.

And just out of curiosity.  How much music do you have, and how have you stored it.
I myself rip everything as uncompressed Flacs using dBpoweramp.
djones51
4,947 posts
 
I use my android tablet as a remote to play internet radio, Tidal, Qobuz, ripped CDs with bluOS , I imagine other streamer software inferfaces will do the same. I find bluOS pretty user friendly not sure about others. 
jsd52756
420 posts
 
I have almost the same setup, except for the computer brand and listen to to RP & ripped CD's, lossless.  I read these forums for 2 years and concluded: go with what kijanki said.  Although others here will vehemently disagree. 
headphonedreams
523 posts
 
I would try something like Uptone Studio ISO Regen.  It can re-clock the usb signal and filter out electrical noice according to their sales info. My dac was upgraded to buffer data long time ago and it improved the sound a lot.
soix
8,822 posts
 
Considering the level of your system I think it makes sense to ditch the laptop and step up to one of the better dedicated streamers.  Read Darko’s review of the Innuos Zen if you haven’t already as it’s pretty informative.  The Zen would be a great choice, but Lumin is worth a look too.  Best of luck. 
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