Big source improvement using CD player

Spotify Premium streams at 320 kbps, a CD is 1411 kbps...the rest is magic...Tidal HiFi is 1411 kbps...so a CD even without a magical DAC is better sounding than Spotify...though some believe bits are bits, many believe both the transport and DAC make a big difference...plus of course quality source material which Spotify is not, and doesn’t pretend to be...the more serious debate is Tidal or Qobuz on a good streamer vs CD with the same DAC...

Here's a thread on that topic:

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/why-does-cd-sound-so-good

puffbojie OP71 posts06-02-2020 9:16amWhy does a good CD player make a difference? Does it have a magical dac or is it how it reads the information?

You asked me what I use. I use a good deck. One of the biggest bangs for the buck is Sony ES series SACD. They are older, but very good playback. The 777 and 9000 will match or better, 3-6k units. I don't care who makes it. Over and over the guys, I type and mouse with, say the same. They won't hold a thousand CDs or 1000 songs. But is one of the best sources. Money is not the factor.. For once...


jl352,602 posts06-02-2020 9:24amSpotify Premium streams at 320 kbps, a CD is 1411 kbps...the rest is magic...Tidal HiFi is 1411 kbps...so a CD even without a magical DAC is better sounding than Spotify...though some believe bits are bits, many believe both the transport and DAC make a big difference

I'm in the camp Transport and Dac DO make  a big difference.. As far as services, it's up to the individual. But again jl35, pointed out some are better than others.. I know, you don't have to spend thousands to get the best, to spin silver...You can though.. 

When it's time to concert music for me, I look to LPs, CDs, and a Server.

My server is loaded, for convenience, but a SACD, and TT are tough to beat for super high SQ.. Maybe well taken care of mastered Reel to Reel.

So for the money, a good storage device and a way to convert and store non compressed music files. When you get serious and want to concert
SACD. 200 - 1500.00 best of the best..

I put together a 550. USD system, speakers, cables, Sony ES 55, tube headphone preamp, 2.1 class d amp.. The crew, though I spent thousands, and thousands.... I think it's at 625.00 now.
I added handmade Harp boxes. Adds Tungsten, silver, and a few other goodies to the speaker IC. For on the fly conductor, and tuning change) 

No need to spend a lot, to get a lot..

Regards

For the record I did have Tidal premium and it did sound much better.  I felt Tidal was glitchy always giving me problems though.  Also Spotify links with SoundHound so if you are out and about and hear new music, soundhound sends the song into your Spotify app on command.  I find this incredibly convenient and useful.  I never tried Qobuz.  I will need to see what features it has.  Interesting comments on the streaming. Blue sound has a nice looking ripper/server. CD clutter is not ideal.  

Thanks JL35.