Interesting thread. I'm getting my system setup again after years of sitting in boxes. Lots of traveling and a move. With WFH likely to be my new normal it seemed time. I've been listening to CD's in rental cars until the last few months when I've been unable to get one with a player. I listen to ripped CD's on my workstation while I do work from home, or Photoshop (I'm a photographer) or Davinci Resolve, etc. I work in tech so work with server, databases, etc. As I'm setting up my listening room, I was looking into redbook players and found this thread about streaming. After reading the histrionics required for streaming I'm definitely going to stick with physical media. The other issue is that I'm thinking that a "no-internet zone" would be good for sanity in these times. I've always preferred the singular experience that comes along with an LP or CD that needs to be changed. Keeps me listening to the thing I've chosen rather than a stream of content flowing in the background. Probably another focus approach to keep me sane.
The idea of what sounds better is a concept that lost interest for me years ago when I realized that I was spending more time listening to the same few reference CD's to try out all manner of: cables, power conditioners, gear, pucks, what have you. These days I just want to kick back and listen. Now excuse me while I go and obsess over what cheap redbook player to buy since my Micromega Stages haven't survived the move.
The idea of what sounds better is a concept that lost interest for me years ago when I realized that I was spending more time listening to the same few reference CD's to try out all manner of: cables, power conditioners, gear, pucks, what have you. These days I just want to kick back and listen. Now excuse me while I go and obsess over what cheap redbook player to buy since my Micromega Stages haven't survived the move.