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.

 

[Friesiansam]

You don’t have to use the computer.

I don’t think anyone said you do but, if you have one and use it for music, as I do, it does make access to music very easy, whether you own it or stream it.

 

[twinkletoes]

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.

Id even go as far and say whats the point if you have a smart phone or tablet.

standalone streaming transports, streamers that have no dac In / a dac thats not accessible are one of if not the biggest scams in hifi today, You don't see to many of them these days! But PS audio still make one for 2k completely point pieces of tech and does nothing a raspberry pi cant do, in fact it does more.

About the only Pro for them is convenience. But then a phone/tablet is still very convenient! and have you seen the size of the latest Mac mini!

 

[Rodolfo]

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 believe you have: the benefits are sales for manufacturers and modernity bragging rights for users.

Streaming is primarily about software/"apps", and all I need is a couple of streaming apps on a Surface tablet and a DAP, each connected wired or wirelessly to a stereo and speakers, or to wired or wireless head or earphones. I have already had "good DAC"s in the integrated amp running my stereo, and DAPs, among numerous other devices, for years before the heavy marketing of dedicated DACs.

Such DACs probably do make sense for many whose only current and foreseen interest is streaming. It seems such fans can meet their music needs relatively cheaply, and many can rid themselves of then-extraneous equipment.

Many users are also quite phone-centric and the idea of using phone apps to stream is or appears familiar/simple and convenient.

 

[davidf]

Apart from those who want to use their phone as just, well, a phone.

Some people may prefer a particular streaming app because they like the way it looks or works, and it may be more stab,EQ than some too. It may provide them with a more "lossless" volume control, or act as a Roon core and endpoint (without the need for a second box). Some people may not want to pay for a streamer with an integral DAC as they already have a preferred DAC they already use, and through that DAC they may prefer a specific streamer/front end. As with phones, some people don't want their PC to be fired up 24/7, and want to maximise its lifespan by using it for things you'd usually use a PC for. Everyone's different, and there's a lot of solutions out there to specific situations.