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Computer, CD transport or Network Player?

I currently have most of my music downloaded on my computer as FLAC files and listen to it through JRiver or Signalyst HQ (audio players for Windows) on my Dell desktop. The sound is amazing but I have a question and it is this:

Which do you find to have the highest sound quality;

1.  Redbook CD's directly played in a high quality CD transport?
2.  Ripped FLAC or Apple lossless files played through a high quality PC or MAC computer based audio player (such as JRiver or Signalyst for Windows or Vox or Clementine for MAC)?
3.  or music (from one's own private CD collection) loaded on a network player?

Using a DAC of course.
mewsickbuff
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
I have seen claims that SSDs sound better than HDDs, also that the LCD drivers in a laptop create more noise in the digital stream than say a mac mini (more room between components, so the inverse square law helps quite a bit).

What I have not seen is actual measurements or reliable listening tests (blind, randomized, adequate sample size, etc.).

BTW, I am a WiFi type guy also.  It also breaks ground loops and is convenient.

Some problems are only going to be of importance if you are spending many thousands of $$ on a system.
bondmanp
1,818 posts
 
I once heard a demo in a friend's home of HDD vs. SSD, same music file.  The differences were not subtle, with the SSD offering much better everything.  This was a good, but modest system with bookshelf speakers, and plenty of tweaks.  I made up my mind that if SSDs get a bit cheaper, I will try to replace the HDD in my Vortexbox appliance with a SSD. 
mewsickbuff OP
237 posts
 
I would think a non moving parts transport would be superior. But just wonder about the pros and cons of an SSD versus network player. How would a DSD DAC fit in this mix? Would it increase SQ?
perazzi28's avatar
perazzi28
234 posts
 
Any of the three will work.  My personal preference by far is a silent Windows based PC.  Doesn't look like a PC if you choose the right enclosure.  It can be built for about $1,500 including an audiophile sound card, graphics card and very good Blu-ray optical drive.  Due to driver restrictions for the sound card it has to be W7.  Sounds phenomenal and no noise what so ever.  Allows you to do everything on your list and then some.  Personally, I fought this approach for quite a while. I am totally happy that I finally did this.
If interested I can give you the Email address to inquire and obtain the sound card. I can give you some advise on components as well.
Best of luck!
mewsickbuff OP
237 posts
 
After lots of investigating my interest has been roused by PS Audio's DAC's, 1. DirectStream, 2. DirectStream Junior. Also impressed with what I've read about the exaSound e32 DAC. For all who are familiar with these DAC's I'd like to hear your opinion on them. My Calyx Femto came out in 2012 and as I said the sound is wonderful, but I wonder what's evolved since then and how might these newer DAC's compare. 
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