I have some CDs I don't sell, due to good sound (Like Dr John plays the Duke) or if they are unavailable or special. Also, my SACDs, that I occasionally play on an Oppo player. But mostly, I play from CDs copied to my hard disk. I have had few problems after I installed ethernet cabling from my main pc server down to the listening room, with a Teac nt-505 that works well as a combined dac/streamer solution. It is easy to play the CDs I have copied to my hard disk, and stream from the main services. However, in my system, vinyl rules (all else equal). I won't sell my LP collection, even though I have recorded the best LPs to digital (DSD), and they sound very good, compared to streaming and CDs. Some people find that with DSD there is virtually no difference from playing the vinyl direct. In my system (somewhat sadly), there is. Direct analog playback rules. But then, I have invested much more in my analog playback chain, than in my digital chain.
Who is ditching their shiny disc spinners?
I want to upgrade my digital side … (currently Bluesound Vault 2i feeding the DAC of Oppo 105) … plan to spend around $2k … since I’ve ripped all my CDs to the Vault, thinking of spending it all on a DAC, and retire/sell the Oppo while it still has some value. I do have a few older CDPs I could retain as backup, but not sure why I would ever need.
Alternatively, was considering a better combined CDP/DAC like a newer Marantz or Yamaha … upgrades DAC performance some, and a reliable spinner for quite a few more years … but I have very few SACDs, so feeling like this would be the tail wagging the dog.
In what direction have you been migrating?
Alternatively, was considering a better combined CDP/DAC like a newer Marantz or Yamaha … upgrades DAC performance some, and a reliable spinner for quite a few more years … but I have very few SACDs, so feeling like this would be the tail wagging the dog.
In what direction have you been migrating?
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My go to for CDs is a fully loaded Pioneer PD-F1009 300 + 1 unit. This thing is for outdoor listening with adult beverage and a cigar, for parties out by the pool, etc. It runs 1 bit DLC, has no other DAC and well, it feeds a mini-monster 120 w Pioneer and 4 Polk atrium 7s. Get compliments on this all the time. No plans to replace anytime soon! |
I made the decision to go to streaming. My CD player was broken. I gave up records long ago. It simply would cost too much to do all three media right. I find streaming to sound good. I spent about $1100 on a DAC and streamer. Big debate about buying higher end streamers and DACs. The Audio GD is all the rage lately. Denafrips Pontus, Audio Mirror are also good examples. So there are flavors AKA tubes. |
@johnspain I can relate, but I tried out the X45 and found it very interesting. I did not like the fit and finish too much, but did like main features - a biggie for me is simple access to “network shares” vs a requirement for a UPNP server running in yet another computer, or one that can run on the NAS (Minimserver is always recommended) but that makes a tosses salad of my music library… I’m testing the rave-reviewed Technics SL-G700 right now and the souls is quite good playing SACD/CD and streaming, but the controls are dismal - the app, remote control and tiny display all do disjointed things. And the thing here is getting any support is absent. Since it was an open-box unit it was an acceptable price-point, but is likely going back. This seems to be the state of the industry- disjointed, over-priced and disappointing. So I’m a “John’s pain” member also 😳 |
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