Ok, a bit of an update.
I compared some lossless files vs. CD.
I cannot tell any differences now.
Here’s what I compared:
NO NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE:
When the source is a lossless FLAC file, I *cannot* tell the difference between:
* Node 2i streaming lossless FLAC via its own DAC
vs.
* * Node 2i streaming lossless FLAC via Peachtree DAC
vs.
* Cambridge CXC transport via Peachtree DAC
So, one conclusion is that I bought a CD transport for nothing.
Another conclusion is that my system isn’t presently resolving enough.
Every piece of equipment involved is mid-fi (Adcom separates, mid-fi streamer, mid-fi transport, and mid-fi speakers) that I do not have equipment capable to expressing the differences between the FLAC vs. CD media.
Or, perhaps I am not aware of what to listen for. I tried many well recorded musical selections of different genres but I’m unable to make out real differences.
I'm in the process of putting a new system together, so I'm not making any changes to my sources. And I'll get a much better DAC at some point. So, perhaps revisiting this in time will reveal more.
I compared some lossless files vs. CD.
I cannot tell any differences now.
Here’s what I compared:
NO NOTICEABLE DIFFERENCE:
When the source is a lossless FLAC file, I *cannot* tell the difference between:
* Node 2i streaming lossless FLAC via its own DAC
vs.
* * Node 2i streaming lossless FLAC via Peachtree DAC
vs.
* Cambridge CXC transport via Peachtree DAC
So, one conclusion is that I bought a CD transport for nothing.
Another conclusion is that my system isn’t presently resolving enough.
Every piece of equipment involved is mid-fi (Adcom separates, mid-fi streamer, mid-fi transport, and mid-fi speakers) that I do not have equipment capable to expressing the differences between the FLAC vs. CD media.
Or, perhaps I am not aware of what to listen for. I tried many well recorded musical selections of different genres but I’m unable to make out real differences.
I'm in the process of putting a new system together, so I'm not making any changes to my sources. And I'll get a much better DAC at some point. So, perhaps revisiting this in time will reveal more.