Should I Upgrade to a Dedicated Music Streamer or Continue with My Windows PC?
A2A: There is no 'should' to it. Your choice.
Personally, rather than dedicating a whole PC to such a simple function, I use an Echo Dot that is connected to my receiver. I typically stream from Amazon Music or Pandora. This setup is more convenient and poses fewer management challenges.
Better Alternatives to iTunes and Built-In Audio
Without getting too far into it, a few changes to your system could lead to improved audio quality and more efficient music management. Here are a few recommendations:
1. Dump iTunes and Use MediaMonkey
Why Dump iTunes?
Taking iTunes out of the picture: iTunes is not the best tool for obtaining music and maintaining a library. Many users find that MediaMonkey offers better performance and more features.
Why MediaMonkey?
Adding metadata and full functionality: While MediaMonkey's playback interface might not be as visually impressive, it is fully functional. It allows you to add metadata to your tracks easily, making management more organized and efficient.
2. Get an External DAC for Optimal Audio Quality
Why an External DAC?
Reducing audio interference: The audio quality of your current setup is likely compromised due to the inherent electrical noise from your computer's internal sound card. It's more reliable to use an external DAC, which isolates the audio signal from noise more effectively.
Why Get an External DAC?
Enhancing audio quality: External DACs are a cost-effective solution, often cheaper than a fast food meal. They don't require high-power consumption as the audio is processed before it reaches your receiver. This ensures that the audio quality is not affected by the computer's internal electrical noise.
3. Consider Future Streaming Needs
Future Considerations:
Cloud content ownership: Any digital content you purchase and keep stored on a cloud service is not yours until you download it onto your personal storage device. Streaming services have terms that require content to be removed if they lose rights to distribute it, leading to potential loss of your digital library.
Tips for Managing Your Music Library:
Download to a separate storage device: If you have an extensive library of purchased songs, it's crucial to download those songs to another storage device to avoid potential loss. With streaming services starting to stream in 24-bit quality, investing in a system capable of handling that quality is also wise.
Streaming Service Subscriptions:
Remaining options: If you choose to switch to a different streaming service, remember you'll still need a subscription to that service to continue acquiring new content.
Ultimately, your decision on whether to upgrade to a dedicated music streamer or continue with your current setup depends on your priorities and future needs. Whether it's convenience, audio quality, or library management, carefully consider these factors to make the best choice for you.