WITHOUT wired ethernet. I am in a basement and don’t have physical access to the router, and don’t “need” access either.
I understand Roon is a network solution, but I simply don’t need it, and it’s overkill. I play music from one laptop on one DAC on one system. I use redbook. Am I overpaying for Roon? You betcha, but I don’t carez I like it. It integrates well, does a good job, and only annoys me because I use Android. Even if I were streaming, which is 10% of the time, the wifi from the laptop is more than sufficient as evidenced by the fact I have never ever had a problem.
Ok, with that out of the way, I’m looking to make sure I get the best possible sound quality. I have 5 ASC tube traps, the room is treated, I use all Class A amplification from the DAC to the power amp, and I even move loveseat, tv, and tv stand out of the room and listening chair in for a listening session. I have vibration control under all devices. So please understand this question IS the low hanging fruit for me now; it is not frivolous or irrelevant.
It seems EVERY product I look at doesn’t work for me for some reason or another. So here I am.
My laptop is a beastly XPS 9570, has wifi, and a 45w i7 processor, not the laptop “U” processor. Seems a waste not to be able to use that as a roon core, but the tradeoff is potential noise.
I simply want a “perfect” dedicated music streaming laptop or computer with Wifi. Bonus if it has storage capabilities to free up space on my laptop, but not necessary. Preferably with low power requirements so it can be run from a linear DC power supply. I drank the Kool-aid in regards to clean power and isolating from mains, and it has served me VERY well.
Alternatively, I would like a product to fit in between my laptop and DAC that can give me piece of mind that I am getting as close to perfect SQ as I can without spending several thousands of dollars. I understand this may cost $1000+, but I’d rather not fork out several thousand dollars.
I’m just trying to pick the low hanging fruit in every aspect of my system, but having trouble finding a solution in serving music to my DAC.
I also understand that Rob Watts says the Chord Qutest has galvanizic isolation and ANY source, even a cell phone is just as good as another. Well, I’m sure that’s good enough for most people, but he was dead wrong about better 5v DC power not making a difference, so I want to make sure I’m getting the best out of my equipment.
Please help!