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Can Streamed Music Sound Better than any other source?

I am about to make the leap. Jumping into a Server or is it a Streamer? To use existing DAC-Oppo 203- or upgrade? I love the concept of access to all the music on line. So I don't actually own any of it-thats fine. Buying downloads adds up quickly. $20/month sounds like a bargain.  Roon's system looks appealing. I can add Tidal and be done, right? I get a lot of great counsel from my old school expert at the HiFi store I support locally but he can't even spell stream.
I was born in the 50's and want to use this listening option now. As this technology is still evolving, I am not inclined to overspend on gear that may be as valuable as a VCR in a year or two.
In the end I want to know if I can have this new source sounding better than CDs and LPs. I am not going back to reel-to-reel so if that is best source, please ignore it as it regards my purposes.
Thank you. I look forward to learning from the responses!!
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audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,007 posts
 
Hell no.....
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
I have a much superior system than I might otherwise because I did NOT expend thousands on an analogue rig, and further thousands, and perhaps tens of thousands, on a vinyl collection. I do not believe I would enjoy the gratification I have now had I pursued aggressively an analog setup. It would have killed the means to achieve a wider experience of systems, which is my true joy. That may not be true for everyone, but if I am the sole exception, I am content to be it!  :) 

Comments about sources made out of context of particular audio systems imo are of little value. 


rlb61
742 posts
 
As I have gotten older, I have placed a premium on quality versus quantity. To me, streaming doesn't sound particularly good at all, but you get the convenience of access to a large quantity of recorded music, and running a playlist from a tablet. OTOH, physical media sounds best to me (I'm a shiny silver disc guy), and provides a much higher quality listening experience in all respects. 
david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@douglas_schroeder   One could make the same point about any aspect (accessory / peripheral / component) of a system or the room. Can you explain? Thank you. - David.

Comments about sources made out of context of particular audio systems imo are of little value.

david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@rlb61   +1 on placing a "premium on quality versus quantity."

Regarding:

To me, streaming doesn't sound particularly good at all

It's in the implementation and execution. Streaming can rival the best vinyl based systems. The same applies to physical media.

One can have a preference for and choose one over another, but to say [streaming]: "doesn't sound particularly good at all" is not accurate.
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