Are Mac and PC equal?

I'll admit my bias up front. I'll never buy another PC again. I have owned many PCs, and am required to use one at work every day. They all need constant restarting and updating, and clearly grew old and slow quickly with expanding bloatware in the OS. While both systems will need periodic software updates, the PC will need them a lot more often. Just to keep it safe and running.
I am running a 7 year old Mac, need to restart it only a couple of times per year for major software updates, and it never crashes. Ever. There is a reason that 5 year old Macs sell for well for several hundred $s on eBay. 5 year old PCs can be acquired for nothing. For good reason.
Can you make a PC sound as good as a Mac. Sure. Why? Buy a used Mac mini on eBay if you're wanting to set up a server and have a machine that will last another 10 years.
I bought a 4 year old Mac Mini on eBay for $365 as a dedicated server. It's spec'd the way I want. The OS software updates from Apple were free and easy to install. It's completely current and will outlast anything running windows.
I wouldn't be so anti PC if they actually worked well over time and lasted. They don't.
If you want a blazing fast gaming machine that will last a year, buy a tricked out PC. If you want a computer that is safe and reliable and will work for a decade (and still be worth something), buy a Mac, new or used, without fear.

Al - good points all. And, those are things I have typically done with my PCs to make them last longer. I just refuse to go through the hassle anymore.

Most users will experience the degradation we're referring to here. Further, I would submit that windows updates are likely to degrade performance anyway, even if you avoid the crapware.

To ZD542's fair point that it's hard to justify the expense of a Mac I would say fine for those who don't mind going through the exercise to build and maintain a PC. Yes, you can get better performance than pre-built. But, I doubt that better performance on the bench translates into better sound when using it as a server with an outboard DAC.

But, the OP is wondering whether a PC can be as good as a Mac. Certainly - and perhaps even better if it is as a dedicated machine. That said, I'm skeptical of claims about the sound of one OS or platform vs another, believing it has more to do other cummulative factors that are not easily isolated or tested.

However, if Labguy's question is can the machine serve a dual role as working machine and music server, then there's going to be other software and process drains on resources.

If budget is a concern, I go back to suggesting buy a used Mac mini and be done with it. Less expensive than building or buying a new PC, and likely to last longer and perform better over time. And, still have some value after years if he wants to upgrade.

My $.02