Is computer audio a bust?


In recent months, I have had several audio acquaintances return to CDPs claiming improved SQ versus their highly optimized computer transports (SS drives, external power supplies, etc, etc).

I wanted to poll people on their experiences with computer "transports." What variables have had the most impact on sonics? If you bailed on computers, why?

I personally have always believed that the transport, whether its a plastic disc spinner or computer, is as or more important than the dac itself and thus considerable thought and energy is required.

agear
PLEX looks very interesting. I will give it a try and compare to MinimServer. I can see already PLEX offers some interesting features, just not sure I want to complicate things. I do like the simplicity of MinimServer.
PLEX is really very simple, at least the basic server and GUI apps are. Its still evolving very actively though, so I expect even better things soon down the road.

It can get a little tricky when you add in things like Casting, but that is a very nice capability once you get you arms around it.
Can the PLEX server be run directly from a NAS like Synology? That is the big benefit of MinimServer in my set up.
i agree completely with audioengr. i well put together computer-based system is superb. i have had a Lumin A1 with an upgraded PSU for over a year and my system sounds much better then it did with my Meitner CDSA-SE player.The convenience is incredible. i will never go back....