I used a MacBook many years ago with numerous software programs, JRiver the last one, and found it to be ok.
Updated to an Auralic Aries and it was night and day.
The difference would have to be: the computer itself not being optimized for music playback, the usb implementation in the MacBook cannot even come close to a streamer box especially made for that purpose.
Also what kind of usb cable are you using and does it compare to the one you are using on your transport? That can make a big difference as well.
Ed
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Analog Sources: Oppo 203, Oppo 105, DirecTV, AppleTV 4K, Roku Ultra, Nvidia Shield
Digital Sources: Aurender W20 via USB and dual XLR, dCS Rossini and Clock
HT Processor: Anthem AVM90
PreAmp: Audio Research Ref 6
Amp: ML 536 (2), Rotel 1552 (3), Rotel 1585
Speakers: Focal Maestro EVO, Focal 1000 Utopia Center, Focal 1000 IW6 side/rear surrounds, Focal 1000 IW6 X4 Ceiling, Rel G2 X 2 subs, Martin Logan 1500 X 2 subs, B&W 805D2 in master bedroom
Video: JVC NZ8 Projector
Power: Shunyata Everest, Sigma XC (1), Sigma NR (1), Sigma Analog (2), Alpha HC (2), Alpha Digital (2), Alpha Analog (1), Viper(1), Venom Digital(1)
Cables: Shunyata Anaconda SC, Anaconda IC (2), Shunyata Sigma USB, Shunyata Sigma XLR X 2, Shunyata Sigma Ethernet, Shunyata Clock Alpha X 2, Sigma x 1
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