IMO, the USB output from a laptop is a flawed protocol for digital audio transmission because it is prone to noise and jitter issues. The USB output in a laptop is a multipurpose interface not specifically designed for audio. Unless you treat the jitter and noise externally before reaching into your system, it’s very unlikely to achieve SOTA digital audio reproduction.
The dedicated audio server takes a methodical and much superior approach to output digital bits to a outboard DAC by eliminating jitter and noise.
Aurender, Auralic and Lumin servers includes legacy outputs (AES/EBU, SPDIF, Optical) as well as USB audio outputs and represent a superior method of audio transmission.
Antipodes and Innuos are among the most popular servers opted to focus on perfecting audio through USB output only.
I would suggest working with a dealer that would allow you to audition servers from aforementioned manufacturers and decide for yourself what sounds best to your ears and in your system.
The dedicated audio server takes a methodical and much superior approach to output digital bits to a outboard DAC by eliminating jitter and noise.
Aurender, Auralic and Lumin servers includes legacy outputs (AES/EBU, SPDIF, Optical) as well as USB audio outputs and represent a superior method of audio transmission.
Antipodes and Innuos are among the most popular servers opted to focus on perfecting audio through USB output only.
I would suggest working with a dealer that would allow you to audition servers from aforementioned manufacturers and decide for yourself what sounds best to your ears and in your system.