CD players, Aka transports

[crwilli]

No doubt there are a few steps needed to setup a streaming system. Perhaps not unlike the process of setting up a Turntable. But once it is setup, the convenience and SQ, at least to my ears, is equal to spinning discs.

The steps of getting clean power, choosing value added cables, insuring isolation and of course, starting at the beginning to establish an easy and simple archiving / indexing process were part of the hobby for me.

Setting up the NAS was the only part I really needed help with as it is not at all obvious to a neophyte. That’s where Emile came in.

When I receive a new disc, I always spin it. Then rip it and compare. Nothing has swayed me from then promptly putting it in a box in the closet.

[Antonmb]

Originally Posted by crwilli

No doubt there are a few steps needed to setup a streaming system. Perhaps not unlike the process of setting up a Turntable. But once it is setup, the convenience and SQ, at least to my ears, is equal to spinning discs.

The steps of getting clean power, choosing value added cables, insuring isolation and of course, starting at the beginning to establish an easy and simple archiving / indexing process were part of the hobby for me.

Setting up the NAS was the only part I really needed help with as it is not at all obvious to a neophyte. That’s where Emile came in.

When I receive a new disc, I always spin it. Then rip it and compare. Nothing has swayed me from then promptly putting it in a box in the closet.

Agree 100%. I think that, like vinyl, if set up properly with the right equipment choices streaming can sound as good as or better than disc play.

[gadawg]

Originally Posted by Antonmb

Agree 100%. I think that, like vinyl, if set up properly with the right equipment choices streaming can sound as good as or better than disc play.

This is what makes this a very interesting hobby ... we all hear things a bit differently and its interesting how we can sometimes end up at totally different conclusions but all totally valid. Maybe someday I'll find a streaming solution to equal my P-02x ... but not yet!

George

[crwilli]

Originally Posted by gadawg

This is what makes this a very interesting hobby ... we all hear things a bit differently and its interesting how we can sometimes end up at totally different conclusions but all totally valid. Maybe someday I'll find a streaming solution to equal my P-02x ... but not yet!



George

[emoji106][emoji482]

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by gadawg

This is what makes this a very interesting hobby ... we all hear things a bit differently and its interesting how we can sometimes end up at totally different conclusions but all totally valid. Maybe someday I'll find a streaming solution to equal my P-02x ... but not yet!



George

Indeed!

If God himself sat you down in front of his reference system and told you “this is what it should sound like”, you may not like it.

Simply changing out an amp, a preamp, the speakers, hell, even the toe-in of the speakers might be all it takes for you to suddenly like it better.

[W9TR]

Originally Posted by crwilli

No doubt there are a few steps needed to setup a streaming system. Perhaps not unlike the process of setting up a Turntable. But once it is setup, the convenience and SQ, at least to my ears, is equal to spinning discs.

The steps of getting clean power, choosing value added cables, insuring isolation and of course, starting at the beginning to establish an easy and simple archiving / indexing process were part of the hobby for me.

Setting up the NAS was the only part I really needed help with as it is not at all obvious to a neophyte. That’s where Emile came in.

When I receive a new disc, I always spin it. Then rip it and compare. Nothing has swayed me from then promptly putting it in a box in the closet.

Agree 100% - my streaming setup now sounds as good as my disc spinner(s) through the same DAC’s. I’m sure not going back.

[bart]

Originally Posted by Cohibaman

Simply changing out an amp, a preamp, the speakers, hell, even the toe-in of the speakers might be all it takes for you to suddenly like it better.

Mike, or a single malt!

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by bart

mike, or a single malt!

IMG_9026.jpg

[nicoff]

Originally Posted by Wised

........

BTW many of those really old CDs are simply awful and nothing will make them sound better. You can find much better versions and recordings on Tidal and stream the straight from your streamer or at even higher rez from your computer.

This is a very important point that you make and one that I have also experienced.

I have a whole bunch of older CDs and many of them have been remastered several times since I bought mine. The large majority of the remastered versions sound better than my old CDs. The nice thing is that I have access to the different versions using Tidal so I don’t have to go and purchase the CD when a CD is re-released. (Tidal has at least three different versions of Sgt. Pepper for example). When playing the same version, I can’t tell a difference between the physical CD or Tidal playing through the same DAC.

So IME a properly and carefully set up streaming system (and to me that includes a subscription to a music service like Tidal or Qobuz), makes a transport or a CD player unnecessary and will save you tons of money. (You do need a computer to rip a CD in case someone gifts you one).

I realize that several here have expressed their preference for the physical medium and that is just fine.