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CD vs.same CD ripped to HD

Hi all,

So I hope this seemingly simple question doesn't star a war.  

The background is that I have a ton of CDs and am considering getting a Bluesound Vault 2i so that I can rip them to the Vault's HD, and play them from there. 

The simple question is: how does the SQ compare between the two?  The CD player is a Marantz SA-8004 digital out to a Denefrips Ares II DAC.  I would also use the digital out of the Vault 2i through that DAC.  

FWIW, I prefer vinyl (though it is getting closer and closer).  But more than anything I'm a music fan, with a whole lot of great music on silver discs.

Opinions??

Richard


rnm4
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,753 posts
 
Usually a ripped cd sounds better

Why is simple a stored data file has no read errors

Optical playback may  have read errors when playing 

So the ripped cd is presenting an error free data package to the dac

You may want to look at a higher end server the vault is a starter level server which doesn't offer usb which sounds better
melm
1,068 posts
 
We have different hardware, but I feel confident in saying that SQ can be better after the rip than playing from a CD drive. In my case it was an Oppo 105 going to a new DAC. After the rips, it was a USB hard drive to a desk-top running JRiver and out to the DAC. Many subsequent changes, hard drive, dlna bridge,, etc.

Add to that the convenience. I run my whole digital library from my phone.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
I got tired of swapping disk, vinyl and everything else, at a get together.

I stuffed it on a DAC/server/streamer/ripper/THING. Cocktail.

I looked at the build quality of the unit. I was impressed.  You aught to hear it with a little Puffin phono stage and a Cary V12R hooked up via XLR. One of the quietest vinyl rigs I've ever heard. All with the mellow sound of EL34s. The little Puffin has some really neat features.

Couple a good server and that phono stage.. Little over 2K

The old Thoren TD124s never sounded better.

The overall quality is better, the convenience is just a snap..

When I set down for a different listen. I go back to vinyl, CDs, and tapes. That combo for the money or with or WITHOUT the phono stage makes playback and convenience well worth it.. The Cocktail comes with a MM phono stage onboard.. I'm waiting on a Decware ZP3, about 3 weeks. I'm Second from the TOP on the build list now.. Actually in testing now.. 6 months 1 week.. LONG wait..

Pick a good server, this little jewel almost bettered my hot rodded Macs.. and for an "ALL in one" kind of thing.. It was better..

Regards
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