Any audiophile use computer (MacBook) as your audio streaming source?


I rarely see any audiophile talking about streaming audio digital sources from a computer. I understand MacBook can accept native lossless formats form all the various platforms, and it can store unlimited music files in any format, so supposedly it’s the best source, and the digital file is the most purest before it’s fed to the dac. Anyone compared the sound quality of computer vs other audio streamer? 

randywong

And yet, one of audio's long-time reviewers (Srajan Ebaen with 6moons) uses an iMac as his source in his main system.  Of course he has add-ons, such as an outboard SSD, Singxer SU-6 DDC, and LHY Audio switch, but still.  He recently used that source when reviewing the 20,000 euro Cube Audio Lotus 10 speakers.

To the OP, I suggest you try Holo Audio's Red DDC/Streamer for $800.  You can first try it as a DDC between your MacBook and DAC, and then maybe as a stand-alone streamer.  If you use Roon, you could try running Roon core on your MacBook and Roon Ready player on the Red, as a streamer.  Later, if you choose to add a server, you could try one of the SGC models or one from Roon, run it on your network, and use the Red as your streamer.  Even if you eventually upgrade to a better streamer, or a server/streamer, the Red is one of the better measuring DDCs that offers both galvanic isolation and reclocking prior to your DAC.  It also outputs I2S in the event you purchase a DAC with that type of input.  The Singxer SU-6 DDC is also good but the ability to use the Red as a streamer also may make that a better deal for you.  Lots of versatility and something that could make an immediate positive improvement, without changing out your MacBook, for only $800. 

@milpai The T+A DAC200 is essentially two DACs (PCM and DSD) in one, so a very good choice in this scenario. Plus, it looks great!

 

Streamers or computers absolutely benefit from a DDC or reclocker USB to DDC input., for even with a small LPS power supply from a streamer ,it’s not as good as even a basic $550 DDC , the better ones even have Oven clocks ,which are better then in most dacs and if possible run I2S cable for the best signal input .

If you already own a DAC that has a good clock, galvanic isolation and all the I/O ports you want, you don’t really need a DDC. On the other hand a good DDC can mean a new lease on life to a vintage DAC you love. If your DAC is just old or middling, upgrading to a good newer one might cost less than adding a DDC.

I kind of feel like the less boxes, the less interconnects, the better off I am, generally speaking at least.