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Network Transport vs. CD Transport

So I decided to conduct an experiment. I pulled the old Marantz cd player circa 1999, around $400 retail, from storage along with few CDs. Using a coax digital cable with a $4.97 rca to bnc adapter from amazon, I sat down to listen. I played the CD, the ripped version (AIFF) of that CD, and a Qobuz redbook version thru my zmac Mini. Long story short...the reason why I did it was because there is something missing in the Mac Mini sound quality and I got tired of trying to figure out what the heck is going on. 
Anyways, that old cd player used as a transport into the Qutest DAC sounds considerably better  than the Mac Mini that right now I will need a few days break before I can can listen to the Mac again. I figured (assumed) that a dedicated network transport will pretty much better the Mac Mini and be comparable or better than what I heard with Marantz player as transport. Eyeing Auralic G1, Lumin D2 and Lumin U1 Mini as candidates (I need wifi capability), will any of these be comparable or better than let’s say a decent CD transport feeding the Chord Qutest? For example a Cambridge CXC, or a used high end player?
I can go back to spinning CDs, but figured I don’t want to give up on streaming just yet.
What are your thoughts - Auralic G1, Lumin D2, Lumin U1 Mini, or a dedicated CD transport for high quality playback. Forget convenience, let’s talk purely sound quality...thanks!

System:
Rogue RP-1, Rogue ST-100, Martin Logan Montis, Chord Qutest dac. 
128x128audphile1
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,440 posts
 
“But with today’s computer technology I am convinced that even the best CD transport can be “bested” with a high end streamer, comparing them in the same system…”

+2, kzs70.


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kingbarbuda
514 posts
 
To make a long story shorter, per the above, the SQ and ability to play lossless and enhanced music with a good streamer from Roon is likely unmatched by a CD transport. You will need a good DAC. But for the money the Lumin U1 Mini is unmatched. Plus if you are a tweaker, it’s a lot of fun to covert it to SBooster powered and put RFI/EMI damping material inside the cabinet. 
rbstehno
1,431 posts
 
A lot of open gaps to really know what happened here. 10 years ago I sold my Classe $3000 CD player which was rated very high because my ripped music sounded better. So if you are saying that a cheaper CD player sounds better, something doesn't jive.

You didn't state how you were reading the ripped music, did you use iTunes? If so, that's part of the problem, If you use pure music or especially Audirvana having these programs reading your music files, there is no way your CD player can sound better.

How did you hook your Mac to the dac? USB? That could be your other issue. How did you rip your music? iTunes? MAX? XLD? If you used iTunes, all bets are off.

I went the 3rd party music server route about 4 years ago using the Auralic Aries hooked up using the AQ Diamond usb cable to an external dac running with their DS Lightning software. At the time, thought it sounded better than the Lunins and Aurenders I auditioned.

Almost 3 years ago, I dumped everything USB, got rid of the music server that was in my audio room, and went with Roon running on a dedicated Mac mini hooked up using ethernet to a ps audio DS sr dac. Hands down, much better than the prior setups. I have done different tests using a sacd/CD player and the network connection sounds the best. 

Keep it simple with high SQ returns
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tonykay
1,301 posts
 
"...I dumped everything USB, got rid of the music server that was in my audio room, and went with Room running on a Mac mini hooked up using ethernet to a ps audio DS sr dac."

I read stories, like the ones above, and it reminds me why I am content to stick with my CDs, cassettes and vinyl. Digital audio seems way too complicated.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,440 posts
 
“I read stories, like the ones above, and it reminds me why I am content to stick with my CDs, cassettes and vinyl. Digital audio seems way too complicated“

@tonykay,

Please give me an example of plug n play Vinyl setup that requires no adjustment or tweaking and I will gladly tell you how to stream digital files with one simple device.
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