I still buy mostly CD's, but all of them have been ripped to a hard drive and are played only on a server. The CD's I keep on a shelf for reference to their booklet, cover art, etc. I like the access to my collection afforded by having them on a server. All of my CD's have been ripped to WAV files because that remains the highest quality way to store and retrieve files. |
I have a lot of CD's and still buy them (used ones). I have a Marantz KI-Pearl SACD player and when I want to have the absolute best experience from a sound quality standpoint, that's the best source in my system. I do have most of my CD's ripped to a hard drive for convenience and for backup. I play vinyl a lot more often, but the Marantz is really sweet. It sounds a lot better than anything I own for streaming ripped CD's from my hard drive. Which isn't to say that there isn't something better, but I'm very happy with it. |
"I know this question is a little hard to answer." No, it's very easy. There's nothing about a silver disk that adds to the SQ of the files on it, In fact, playing the disk detracts from SQ. Rip the CDs and the SACDs. There are programs that do all the meta-data for you. Once set up it's very easy and it can be set up to control completely from your phone or pad. You can also borrow from libraries and friends to help create a collection. |
I have an extensive collection of RedBook classical CDs. My old Sony CD player finally quit, so I had the choice of ether continuing to use CDs or go to streaming. I quickly discovered the selection of what I wanted to hear were not available on Spoitifly (and later, Tidal.) The major "war horses" were available, but little or no choice of orchestras, conductors or performers. After really studying the reviews and comments about the various CD players, I settled on the Bryston BCD-3 spinner. Yes, it's only for RedBook CDs and doesn't play SACDs; however, only a minuscule of the classical recordings are on SACDs. Interesting: The BCD-3's DAC uses the same two chips and input/output factors as does their BDA-3 DAC. I've played a variety of discs, in the BCD-3 as a player, and then as a transport, feeding my BDA-3. No discernible difference. https://www.avhub.com.au/product-reviews/hi-fi/bryston-bcd-3-cd-player-review-test-517885 http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/bryston-bcd-3-cd-player/ |
I have a bunch of CDs, some SACDs, and no vinyl. I have no desire to pop CDs or SACDs into a player and play them. I don't even own a CD or SCAD player and don't plan to waste my money on them. Instead, I rip the CDs and SACDs and load them onto my Roon server. Then I can play them in my 2 channel listening room, my kitchen, my garage, and my backyard. All controlled with an iPad or iPhone. I have played with expensive CD and SACD transports and have found they don't sound better than the ripped files played through my Roon setup. So why spend the money or take the time to deal with the transports? Plus, I can store my CDs and SACDs out of the way instead of having them all over the house. |
