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Hard Drive based system

I posted this in the digital forum and got no responses.

I've read all of the threads I could find on a "server" type system. I plan on running a hard drive, to a Waveterminal, to a DAC. My question is, can a system like this sound as good, or better than, my cd player? Is it all up to the DAC? I want the convenience of a server, but not at the expense of sound quality.

I currently have a Marantz 8260 CD/SACD player.
ecruz
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
You bet. It's the DAC AND the converter both. See this article I wrote on Computer Audio:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue22/nugent.htm
hi5harry's avatar
hi5harry
185 posts
 
If done right, it will sound better than 99% of the cd players on the market. It will not play SACD's.
I have had my hard drive system for almost 3 years now, and I will never go back to a cd player. The ability to find over 400 cd's without leaving my listening chair makes for a much nicer experience. AudioAsylum has a section on computer audio that is a big help.
kthomas
911 posts
 
Absolutely. And even if it was slightly less good sounding, the benefit of having all of your music at your fingertips, under easy control, will outweigh anything you give up. But I don't think you'll give anything up if you set it up correctly.
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