What's the point of a Streamer if you have a good DAC and a computer?

[Sir Ken Smith OBE]

Genuine question. Is there a benefit to buying a streamer if you already have a laptop or mini PC with a good DAC?

Perhaps not. Perhaps I've just answered my own question.

 

[Kenneth Fernandes]

If the DAC is powered directly using the PC’s power supply only, then it’s great to connect the DAC directly only to the laptop and not a mini PC or Desktop as both have switching power supplies. As the sound quality of connecting and powering the DAC using a battery powered laptop is exceptionally high. In this case you might not require a streamer if you could use the laptop and DAC for your main Hi-Fi setup.
A streamer though would still have to be connected to an amplifier and a DAC, depends on what type of streamer you are using, with cables.

A dedicated all-in-one Streaming Amplifier powered with an inbuilt battery and being able to connect to any pair of bookshelf/floor standing loud speakers and a sub woofer is the future really!

 

[nads]

You don’t have to use the computer.

 

[Kenneth Fernandes]

You don’t have to use the computer.

Yes, the all-in-one already has one. And any newly launched Music apps can be installed as well on the device.

 

[abacus]

Apart from connivence and looking better in the rack, none whatsoever.
Providing you purchase a quality DAC then it doesn't matter what type of computer you connect it to, as it will filter out any distortions from the computer and re-clock the signal. (If it doesn't then don't buy it)

Bill

 

[Friesiansam]

Genuine question. Is there a benefit to buying a streamer if you already have a laptop or mini PC with a good DAC?

Perhaps not. Perhaps I've just answered my own question.

PC plus headphone amp with DAC, works for me. Makes finding content easy with a world of streaming services in easy reach, as you are not limited to the services supported by any particular streamer.

 

[Friesiansam]

Providing you purchase a quality DAC then it doesn't matter what type of computer you connect it to, as it will filter out any distortions from the computer and re-clock the signal. (If it doesn't then don't buy it)

Asynchronous USB is the thing to look for. If a DAC has that, it controls the timing when you connect via USB.

 

[Fandango Andy]

Genuine question. Is there a benefit to buying a streamer if you already have a laptop or mini PC with a good DAC?

Perhaps not. Perhaps I've just answered my own question.

I would say convenience. if you want to play music you have to fire up the computer and connect it to the amp. The amp is the physically then tethered to the HiFi for as ling as you want to listen to music.

With a a streamer, you just open an app on your phone and let it play.