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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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
audphile1 OP
(remember the Marantz player is over 20 years old)
.
I have faith in the Marantz, but should have at least evened up the playing field a little as far as age goes, and got a Cambridge CXC to do this A/B with instead of the 20 year old Marantz as a transport.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cambridge-Audio-CXC-CD-Transport-NO-DAC-Brand-new-sealed-in-box-/153876732980?hash=item23d3c49c34%3Ag%3Aq2YAAOSwKW5ee3pf&nma=true&si=REtmC8y9XffDyp8pqqsHonjk6m0%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cambridge-Audio-CXC-Silver-Cd-Transport-Brand-New/264625467039?hash=item3d9ce82e9f:g:N3MAAOSwGshePD1P

Cheers George
gelle
80 posts
 
I'm using a Oppo 105 fed into my Marantz SR7005 for CD's. Comparing it to streaming was pretty close. However, Just picked up a MHDT Orchid. I was so impressed with the SQ when streaming, I decided to hook the Oppo up to it and bypass the internal DAC. Now my CD's sound amazing! SQ noticeably better than streaming. Probably wont go back to full time CD's, but its nice to know its an excellent alternative. 
audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
5,402 posts
 
@georgehifi
George I also have faith in the Marantz. I know what I’m looking for from the player and I have a pretty good idea of my system‘s capabilities. We’ll see how it goes.
decathlon1991
220 posts
 
This is my thought. I understand in the audio world that you can’t put a band-aid on equipment that is subpar. It is only as good as the limitations of the electronics. It took me a while to figure this out. I’m currently using a Cary Audio DMS600 DAC/Streamer that does both Tidal & Qobuz. I run it with a Cary Audio SLP-05 Preamp with the upgrade and with the Cary Audio CAD805 AE (Anniversary Edition) Monoblock amplifiers. My Turntable is a Clearaudio Reference with an Ayre PX5e Phono Preamp. My CD Player is a Sony SCD1 ES. I’m happy and love the sound all three sources put out. My Cary DMS600 gets as close to my other sources and I’m extremely happy. Streaming is coming along as technology improves. Pick a system you will be happy with and enjoy the music.
fundsgon
150 posts
 
Audio streaming. It’s a good place to find new music, or provide background, other than that? Meh. I prefer the simplicity of physical media.

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