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Opinion requested. Query: Is a dedicated Asus laptop with a nice Topping E30 DAC to the main system better/more versatile than a dedicated modern streamer? I like the lap top interface as I can check other stuff (weather) without interruption to the music. Opoinions.
Follow Ups:
Pretty much a battery powered music server.
Which unlike other music servers comes with its own screen and keyboard in cases of maintenance, updates etc. otherwise out of sight.
J.
I considered using a laptop as a dedicated music server in the past but instead decided on the Mac Mini decades ago. Why? A laptop is too portable and knowing my own personality I would probably take it out of the audio rack or listening room occasionally for other tasks. My Mac Mini stays put and doesn't move from the audio rack as my dedicated music server.
That's why I'm getting both. I have no discipline, including financial I guess.
I like the way you think.
Hmmm. That is basically what I have. Going to upgrade to the Topping E90 DAC. Thank you
A dedicated streamer or a good second choice might be a dedicated computer. I often use the Mac Mini which is setup for audio use only. Or I'll use a DIY Raspberry Pi streamer, microRendu streamer, or the Evesolo DMP-A8 Streamer / DAC / Preamp.But I also agree with niws that you might get more bang for your buck in audio quality by upgrading the DAC. I still have my Topping E30 but it's stored away. I used it for a while in my office setup years ago.
Topping E30 indestructible packaging from China
Topping E30 unboxing.
Topping E30 on Yamaha A-S1100 Integrated Amp in my office.
Topping E30 and D90 (original model):
Edits: 01/07/25
Why is it that stand-alone hi-fi kit that has poor power supply components will be criticised and people claim this affects the sound quality, whereas no one seems to consider the power supplies built into multi-purpose PCs, even if they are used for audio only?Any decent hi-fi should be designed so that mains-borne noise, RFI, etc is kept at bay - but PCs don't seem to give this any concern. OK for lo/mid-f maybe, but PCs should in my opinion be kept out of any hi-fi system - apart from non-signal-handling control purposes. But that's just my opinion - others may disagree!
Edits: 01/08/25
while others don't. I opine that music selection is a factor.
I've had this discussion with him before.
Even his current streamer vendor agrees!
There's only one person in the Asylum that I know of who can actually hear RFI and that is Todd Krieger :-). What stand-alone hi-fi kit are you talking about that has poor power supply components? Power supplies are designed for the task at hand and oftentimes an overkill power supply offers no benefit."Any decent hi-fi should be designed so that mains-borne noise, RFI, etc is kept at bay "
And any pricey audiophile product plugged into the AC mains should be immune from mains-borne noise via filtering at the AC input to the unit as well as filtering and noise rejection within its own internal power supply.
As an aside there are a number of 'high-end' amps and preamps that use switching power supplies (gasp!) - including your M33 - yet their measured noise is lower than some others with massive linear power supplies. Go figure. Audiophiles will kick and scream that switching power supplies have no place in high-end audio..... but many audiophiles are so hung up on what they learned 50 years ago they can't seem to grasp anything modern.
Some people equate their less than stellar switching power supply experiences with wall wart battery chargers for phones and tablets. They then conclude that all switching power supplies have no place in high-end audio. Silly.
I had a Mac Mini with switching power supply that I swapped out for a hefty linear power supply. It didn't make much difference because the Mac Mini isn't really an 'audio component' even when used as a music server. The actual audio component (including analog circuitry) starts with the outboard DAC. I'm not too concerned - besides, I can't 'hear' RFI like Todd can ;-)
The black object is the Mac Mini's internal switching power supply.
It was replaced by the white filter bank that accepts external 12-VDC.Powering the Mini with the TeraDak 12V 10A Linear Power supply.
Powering the Mini with the 12V 20A Linear Power supply.
Powering the Mac Mini with a 12V battery.
I'm back to running a Mac Mini with its own internal switching power supply because my imagination isn't wild enough to notice the difference.
Edits: 01/08/25 01/08/25
I am with you in that I use a windows laptop for streaming. I have my favorite albums ripped to the laptop and some of them sound a little better than same album on Tidal. I bought a Wiim Mini out of curiosity and my laptop sounds a little better streaming Tidal. The dac I did the comparison on is a Smsl VMV D2r.
I would like to learn more about what sonic improvements can be had from more expensive streamers but haven't seen many comparisons to laptops.
I get it where streamers can be more convenient for some users, but I also have a friend who ditched his Cambridge streamer for a Mac Mini because he finds the Mini easier to use and it sounds as good or better.
With all due respect, I would suggest you consider upgrading your dac before spending a lot on a streamer. I have owned the E30 and it's very good for the money but for a few hundred more you should be able to find something a little more musical.
I just moved from a 12 yo MacBook Pro to a Wiim Ultra. Sounds much better, it is much easier to use than going to the laptop ( the mac was only used for streaming and didn't have a good spot). Very good software and easy to setup, tons of music especially since I don't use streaming services like Spotify, mostly just internet radio like WWOZ.And I attached a ext HD to stream my collection of hi res music. Very satisfied.
The Wiim goes into a MHDT DAC.
Edits: 01/07/25 01/07/25
A dedicated streamer every day! PCs are not designed primarily for audio so their involvement in a hi-fi system should be limited to control. The signal shouldn't go anywhere near a PC.
You can still control your music and check the weather on your laptop once you've loaded the streamer's app. The BluOS app used by a number of brands including Bluesound and NAD can be loaded onto Android, iOS, Mac and Windows PCs and doesn't handle the signal - it just tells the streamer where to look and what to play.
I find that PCs can work ok as media servers, but likewise I prefer tiny, headless streamers using stripped down Linux based operating systems for that single important task.
Smaller, optimized power supplies can be employed and there aren't constant interrupts from hundreds of unrelated processes swapping in and out of memory.
Having said that, a Mac Mini works fine as player in the non-critical office system. Which is also where the media server lives. Main system upstairs connected via ethernet :)
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