What are the benefits of a streamer over a PC or over a 2 channel "Network Receiver?"

DonnerUndBlitzen

I logged onto Audio Advisor and looked at some of the streamers and had a hard time understanding how I would benefit by owning one of them over my PC. It also was not clear if I would need to buy a stand alone DAC to use with the streamer, or use the streamer in conjunction with my PC, if the streamer was a stand alone product, or if I would need to buy a external hard drive. It was also confusing what type of interface I would need. Would I also need to buy a tablet?

Right now I have my computer directly hooked up to my internet box and I use a USB DAC that is plugged into a Yamaha receiver. I'm very happy with streaming Spotify, playing audio back thru Foobar and streaming movies thru Xfinity. This is all done thru my PC.

There are 3 "Network Receivers" (2.1 channel stereo) that I looked at at Amazon for $400 to $600 (Onyko, Pioneer, and Yamaha). These have built in DACs and an ethernet connection plus wifi. All three have similar features including a class AB amp at 75-80 watts RMS and a built in DAC. They differ from the integrated amps with digital connections primarily in using an ethernet connection and their interface via a cell phone or tablet. These products were a little more clear to me, but I would probably buy an integrated amp with digital connections or an amp plus a stand alone DAC.

The AVR I hope to buy this year (Yamaha Aventage 1060) is a Network AVR receiver. Yamaha has both Apple and Android apps, so I may end up buying a tablet, or just stream thru my computer and pass on its Network functions.

Maybe somebody at this forum can explain the benefits of a streamer over a stand alone computer? Why should I buy a streamer? What else would I need to buy besides the streamer? The products I looked at did not, to my satisfaction, explain what they do, what is needed to launch, what the benefits are (especially over a PC), etc. As far as I can tell, between my computer and the Yamaha Aventage receiver, I should have all my online music bases covered. The music streamer looks like an expensive redundancy.

tonyb

It all depends on how you want to use these devices. Many use a computer as you do with fine results, and many use dedicated audio quality gear and remove the computer too.

Comes down to there being many ways to skin that cat, so to speak. Different devices for different levels of audio in different levels of systems.....and convenience.

Network receivers are more based around convenience, but most have a lacking user interface that can be somewhat aggravating to use. I would not suggest that route.

Some streamers have their own built in dac too, they can be stellar, or crap, depending. Most the advantages with using a separate streamer come by way of the software used, ease of use. They also vary in the type of files they can play, from cd quality up to 384 kHz or some of the other newer formats. Like I said, all depends on what you want to use them for.

Different separate dacs also offer a varying level of improvement. First you have to decide what it is exactly you want to do with your audio, then decide what kind of files your likely to use, and how you want to get them to your speakers, wirelessly or hardwired.

A receiver as your source for music can be pleasurable, but it's not the optimal for sound quality. Instead of looking at streamers, maybe you'd be better off spending that coin on a tubed pre amp for a more significant jump in SQ over switching from a computer to a streamer as your digital source. Just a suggestion....from the cheap seats.

andrew82

@DonnerUndBlitzen Get two Chromecasts: One Chromecast Audio for music, the other Chromecast for streaming media (movies, shows, clips). You could also just get a single Chromecast video, and use it as both an audio and video streamer. The Chromecast has a surprisingly good internal DAC, or you can run it to use the internal DAC of your receiver. I found that I preferred using my Chromecast versus the internal streaming service on my receive (save Airplay). You'll save an incredible amount of money and-likely-never know the difference versus a far more expensive option.

Tony has touched on most of the considerations when looking for streaming options. In my opinion, people buy streamers or dedicated devices for the following reasons: noise reduction, convenience, and looks. Most of these devices tend to look really cool, that's a big pull. Many of them also have dedicated GUIs that are sweet to use. The only convincing argument in MY opinion is that they are higher quality, reduce interference of whatever kind, and provide better overall sound. Is that worth thousands of dollars? You tell me.

To summarize, the benefit of both a Chromecast option and a streamer comes down to convenience and better sound. Windows doesn't manage music production well.

honestaquarian

Both my Integra DTM-40.4 (often confused with the DTR-40.4-which is a surround receiver) and my Onkyo PR-SC5509 can stream internet radio and a lot of the services like Pandora,Spotify,Aupeo,Slacker and such. So I have no need for those add ons. When it comes to the video streaming the funny thing is someone gave me a Chromecast for Christmas and my TiVo already does everything that it does! So I will wait an appropriate amount of time and sell it on eBay or something.

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honestaquarian

No he didn't
Lesson of the holidays is NEVER give a gift of electronics to someone who knows more about them than you do!
I haven't even opened the box up so I really do not know what all it can do.However all of the apps listed on the side of the box are on TiVo. I like the TiVo interface better than what my smart TV and Oppo have though,so I usually use that.

voltz

I have the AURALIC Mini DAC/Streamer and like Skip I chose to put a SSD inside so no PC was need but I could have just streamed it from a PC or NAS too. And my AURALIC when connected to a Router with Internet support I have TIDAL music service to play with too. and you get a year free.

and it can handle all the digital music files I have like ALAC or FLAC or 24/96 24/192 to DSD files!

Absolute_Zero

I've had the Aries Mini, MRendu, to compare to a Byte Plus Windows 10 MiniPC. All sounded great and the Byte Plus afforded me the greatest flexibility. I use it with Google Chrome Remote Desktop and control everything from a 10" Windows Tablet.

If you stay within the Ecosystem the streamer uses then, IMO, you gain some ease of use features. But I consider this a default of something that does less.

The wireless was better with the Byte Plus vs the Aries. But I wanted to do 4K off of Netflix so I went with wired Ethernet. Tried AQ Forest Ethernet but there wasn't any difference so I just kept with my regular cable.

I have a 4TB WD Passport elsewhere and keep everything stored as FLAC and I stream with NAXOS and trying out Tidal for a month.

afterburnt

@Absolute_Zero you dont have to have an iPad to control an Aries Mini?

Absolute_Zero

afterburnt wrote: »

@Absolute_Zero you dont have to have an iPad to control an Aries Mini?

I have an iPad... It's the only way you can setup and control the Aries (unless they've brought support out for other devices).

tonyb

There is a lot of redundancy between all these devices. Most smart TV's these days have all the same apps a chromecast/Roku/Firestick have. BDP's mirror many of them also. That's all fine and dandy for video, but when it comes to audio, a separate dac in my opinion is a must have with these cheaper devices like chromecast/sonos/etc.

Products like the auralic mini at it's price point is one of the best bargains going for a streamer and dac. Teac and Sony also have some good sounding units.

Question is always, how to do it on a budget, limit the redundancy, and get some improvements in sound quality with something that's easy to use and set up. Which is probably more so to the point the OP wants his direction to go. There's a million ways to skin that cat as I said, so throw out some specific info and we may better help you achieve your goals or put you on the right path.

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tonyb

Why look at a receiver to head up a 2.1 system anyway ? Soo many other, better choices for that scenario.