Music streamer vs Computer

[BillyE]

Owning to a move to a poorly insulated property, I am looking for a streaming headphone based system starting from scratch.

I think I am going to base it round the Chord Hugo TT DAC and headphone amp.

My question is regarding the source: what are the advantages of a dedicated music server feeding into the DAC over a computer. Is it purely conveience or is there an appreciable improvement in sound quality. If I was to go for a server, what represents good value?

Thanks

 

[insider9]

You're about to open a can of worms 🙂 as digital should be digital.

Anyway may I ask why you'd chose Hugo TT + head amp over Hugo 2 for a headphone system? Have you got it already?

 

[tino]

Doesn't the Hugo TT also act as both a DAC and a headphone amp ... You wouldn't need a separate amp.

 

[nopiano]

Melco and Aurender are the two leading music server people that I'm aware of, and I'm sure their websites will give you the reasons they think you need one of their boxes. That said, for headphones and a very good DAC like a Hugo, I'd not consider it in the least vital.

An audition would be essential, as well as deep pockets.

If, however you mean a streamer not a PC, then it's mainly convenience and quietness, I'd suggest.

 

[BillyE]

Doesn't the Hugo TT also act as both a DAC and a headphone amp ... You wouldn't need a separate amp.

Yes, clearly too tired tonight. I meant as both the DAC and headphone amp.

 

[cheeseboy]

wouldn't worry too much. A music streamer is a computer. Music streamers usually just run a form of linux.