Hey guys,
So I’ve noticed quite a few people mention that using a regular computer is not optimal for playing back audio. They say that graphics cards, noisy fans and PSU’s will interfere with my audio stream. This got me thinking. So I’m currently using a Windows 10 gaming pc with my setup and have noticed some rare gaps in audio while streaming Tidal. Just for science, I connected my 2018 MacBook Pro. Not sure I notice any difference in sound quality but have yet to hear any interruptions.
I know some will suggest buying a dedicated streamer and use a program like Roon to manage things. I’m not keen on shelling out on a streamer that won’t be directly compatible with my streaming services. Then on top of that having to pay a middleman like Roon to bridge streaming services so they work on said streamer. It seems so convoluted and needlessly expensive. I like the flexibility of having an OS that will run whatever I want be it Spotify, Tidal, whatever comes out down the road, plus my own files.
This new Mac M1 is supposed to run very efficiently so I’m thinking instead of plunking $$$ down on something like the Matrix audio mini pro 3, just get a base Mac M1 mini. Connect that to the Dac / amp I already have. Perhaps just using my current MacBook Pro for this makes even more sense (would there be a difference?). I’ve never tried a streamer before so maybe I’m missing something. What do you guys think?
Chibs
So I’ve noticed quite a few people mention that using a regular computer is not optimal for playing back audio. They say that graphics cards, noisy fans and PSU’s will interfere with my audio stream. This got me thinking. So I’m currently using a Windows 10 gaming pc with my setup and have noticed some rare gaps in audio while streaming Tidal. Just for science, I connected my 2018 MacBook Pro. Not sure I notice any difference in sound quality but have yet to hear any interruptions.
I know some will suggest buying a dedicated streamer and use a program like Roon to manage things. I’m not keen on shelling out on a streamer that won’t be directly compatible with my streaming services. Then on top of that having to pay a middleman like Roon to bridge streaming services so they work on said streamer. It seems so convoluted and needlessly expensive. I like the flexibility of having an OS that will run whatever I want be it Spotify, Tidal, whatever comes out down the road, plus my own files.
This new Mac M1 is supposed to run very efficiently so I’m thinking instead of plunking $$$ down on something like the Matrix audio mini pro 3, just get a base Mac M1 mini. Connect that to the Dac / amp I already have. Perhaps just using my current MacBook Pro for this makes even more sense (would there be a difference?). I’ve never tried a streamer before so maybe I’m missing something. What do you guys think?
Chibs