So you need a remote for the laptop? Thought of using a smartphone or tablet for that?I have mine permanently on the floor next to my TV stand & speakers, so I see what you mean! It's possible with the right furniture & layout you could just have the laptop next to the sound system on a table/counter/stand surface. The aesthetics of this Eversolo A8 streamer could end up looking better in an audio system I suppose, but many people don't mind.
Surely you jest?The ultimate possible dealbreaker avoided: it DOES support MQA. Phew!
I also do not at all see the need for a streamer, but obviously many people want to buy them.The laptop will copy files faster, offer a larger screen and more functionality. If you have a quality DAC like the RME ADI-2 and a computer with Audirvana and Qobuz the Eversolo is a downgrade in my opinion.
That's a dealbreaker for me.The ultimate possible dealbreaker avoided: it DOES support MQA.
If you use this to stream podcasts I can see compression being extremely useful. Many podcasters unfortunately have no idea how to properly mix and master voice.Very nice, but compression? Just what we need with compression in all the recordings already overdone. Ugh. Also lacking balanced digital out, but I can forgive that as it has become uncommon.
Sounds like you need a Mac.I have a silent Windows PC in my main system. Frequent updates of Windows means often it is down and I have to remote log into it to start roon, etc. At times i have had very odd issues with Windows firewall security, not allowing Roon to see remote DACs. It lacks a volume control or remote which I consider essential. So I have been using an external pre-amp. I wish DMP-A8 supported Roon core in which case, I would have removed both my desktop and DAC.
Well the Denon has optical in. I have all the internal amps turned off and use outboard Purifi. But I'm pretty sure I have read that using an outboard DAC won't help because the Denon is still going to process it through its own DAC before outputting for amplification. I think for people using receivers something like a Wiim it's probably about as good as it gets.Does the Denon have line level directly into the power section? That would give you the best performance.