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Replace Dell Laptop with Streamer? Which one?

I just purchased a Mytek Brooklyn as my first step into the digital world. I connected my old Rotel 991AE as a transport and CDs now sound amazing. In the interim I'm using my all-purpose  Dell Windows 10 laptop through an upgraded Audioquest USB cable. It is connected to the server with ethernet cable not wifi. I was disappointed how murky and two-dimensional the Dell laptop sounds compared to the CD transport or my turntable. I was hoping to be blown away. Even when I access Tidal MQA files (the Mytek confirms this) the sound is not impressive. I know the Dell is not intended to be a audio device but will purchasing a good quality streamer make a drastic improvement over my laptop? I sure hope so. So what are your recommendations for a moderate cost streamer? I will primarily use it for Tidal streaming as I don't have a large digital library. I would like to use the MQA functionality of the Mytek.  Is there much sound or functional difference between an Auralic Mini versus the Auralic Aries for the additional price? Should I consider the Bluesound Node 2? Any other suggestions under $1,500?  I will not go through the brain damage of connecting a dedicated streaming computer and Microrendu despite how many people recommend that approach. Thank you.
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4 responses Add your response
ejr1953
542 posts
 
I wonder if the problem with your Dell laptop is the quality of the ground on the USB port?  I have a higher end Dell laptop and the sound quality streaming Tidal and using Roon is outstanding!
Schitt Audio sells a $99 "Wyrd" unit which isolates the USB ground.
As for streamers, my dealer highly recommends Aurender.  I personally have not had a reason to shop for one.
2psyop's avatar
2psyop
779 posts
 
I have a Bluesound Node 2 and I am very pleased with the functionality, flexibility and tremendous sound. Another important consideration for me was service and support. I have had to use the forum (online support) and telephone support for connectivity or album art issues. The tech guys at Bluesound are top notch and will ALWAYS correct any issues you may have. I cannot say enough good things about this product or support chain.

BTW once I untethered myself from using a computer for my audio source, I was suprised how much better my system sounds and how simpler my control has become. It seems? at least with me, my computer was the weak link. I have written a review of the Bluesound Node 2 as it relates to users who might be using it (in part) to access their own digital library of music files. The review is in the "Member Reviews" section here at Audiogon. Since that time I have explored Tidals MQA on the Node 2 and it sounds terrific. Your Mytek should sound even better, I would think.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
1,105 posts
 
Adding a Aurender N100H would make a superlative partnership with Brooklyn DAC.  Aurender iPad app is the best in the business outside Roon. The built quality and Aurender support is also top notch. 

And yes, you would gain substantial jump in the SQ over a laptop. 

Good luck! 
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,645 posts
 
I tend to agree with ejr1953 in that your laptop may not be the culprit. I have a Bluesound Node2 which I use regularly for streaming Tidal HiFi but I have also streamed Tidal using my laptop via a Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus using USB. My laptop is a budget Toshiba so neither of my gears is any better than yours - actually Mytek should be a lot better, and I still get comparable quality sound. I mean comparable not better but quite good.
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