Streamer versus Computer?

[LawrenceL]

I don't have much experience on HiFi audio streaming boxes, the only one I've tried so far is the Wiim Ultra streamer box. I understood the appeal (simplicity, compact form factor, bang-for-the-buck solution, etc)... however, it just didn't tick all the boxes for me (particularly on versatility)... and I didn't want to spend more. So I ended up returning it, and just sticking with my PC setup (just posted about it in a separate thread):

View attachment 520113

@khaliss

Beautiful system and nice diagram!

Like you, I find that my best source IS my computer

 

[jcarys]

I still use a computer primarily, just because it's easier on a desktop setup. However, playing Qobuz yesterday I had a couple of times when the CPU hit max and I got a quick click or stutter on the music. A small negative, but it's still there. When playing back on my main system, I still use the Nvidia Shield, which is dependable as a streamer, outside of forgetting Atmos now and again.

 

[melomane13]

I am a test engineer by training, so the concerns you raised are exactly what I considered before starting. The advantage of my AVR and these units is the ability to level match. I used a sound pressure meter to calibrate the channels before the listening test began. I am aware that even as little as 0.1 dB difference can skew results, so I worked to eliminate that variable from the equation.

sound pressure meter to calibrate the channels : I doubt that's accurate enough. use voltmeter on power amp.

 

[Honken]

As have been said many times in this thread, streamers are computers. Who cares?

Just use what suits your needs. Personally, I use a Raspberry Pi 4. It does both streaming (via shairport-sync) and local playback (via MPD). I am... fairly knowledgeable of Linux systems, and so my custom setup (using ALARM + various software bits + CamillaDSP) is perhaps not for everyone, but it is easy, and streamlined for me. I don't think I've spent more than 15 minutes of work on it over the past 5 years or so. But to get to that point of "carefree bliss", choosing both the software bits as well as the hardware were carefully done.

If you think a streamer suits your needs better, use one. What's the big deal?

 

[pablolie]

As have been said many times in this thread, streamers are computers. Who cares?

Just use what suits your needs. Personally, I use a Raspberry Pi 4. It does both streaming (via shairport-sync) and local playback (via MPD). I am... fairly knowledgeable of Linux systems, and so my custom setup (using ALARM + various software bits + CamillaDSP) is perhaps not for everyone, but it is easy, and streamlined for me. I don't think I've spent more than 15 minutes of work on it over the past 5 years or so. But to get to that point of "carefree bliss", choosing both the software bits as well as the hardware were carefully chosen.

If you think a streamer suits your needs better, use one. What's the big deal?

Agree. Like you said - if we define the term "computer" by having a CPU, memory, storage, software/firmware and a basic user interface or the IPO (input-processing-output) nature, all streamers are computers... while clearly not every computer is a streamer (you have to install additional software). Very few streamers will pose a fundamental bottleneck in sound quality these days, just pick whatever combination of design and features tickles your fancy.

 

[Honken]

Indeed. Some others in this thread have mentioned things like the fundamental restrictions of TOSLINK and other such interfaces. But, in general they indeed do not pose limitations on your actual sound quality. Most devices do stereo transparently, we're on ASR after all, so this should be accepted as fact around here.

My CamillaDSP based setup solves a lot of theoretical issues with DSP. Personally, I consider that to be "nice" rather than a "must have". But since I can get it for free with my preferred set up, I opt for it. I could buy a streamer sure, but that'd be a downgrade in most ways I can think of unless I spring for the megabuck Storm or Trinnov setup.

Others have mentioned the difficulty of streaming Atmos. That's a real issue for most streamers. I used to have an Apple Homepod setup, streaming Atmos using it was very cool and my current streaming setup only does stereo. A defintive downgrade compared to my current setup. MPD plays my local files just fine however.

 

[shuppatsu]

Is your streamer maker updating their code?

Periodically, though I imagine most updates relate to their own software stack and security updates are few and far between.

I’m not too worried about this. My streamer doesn’t have access to my PII; it doesn’t even have my Spotify password, instead using an auth token.

Of course it’s a potential attack vector but it’s only one of many IoT devices. Better to exercise good network hygiene with separate VLANs and/or WireGuard and make sure your computer is locked down good.