CD transport vs.streaming

russ69 What?

My ripped files played locally sound better than the files received from the streaming service. Original source? Ha ha ha.

Copy a CD to a gold blank and check your hypothesis.

I had the slide rule and the TI-50. Now I have 6 streamers.

This post was not about telling anyone what to do.

Then again there was no question merely an "I wonder "

I don't..

@mofojo

That’s why I want that fancy 4K pro ject transport instead of a new streamer.

I can assure you that you’ll be thrilled with the Pro-Ject RS2 transport. It’s simply fabulous in my audio system . And no it is not analogous to a slide rule for goodness sakes. Why can’t we simply accept the coexistence of Redbook CD playback and digital streaming. Does every audio decision have to devolve into yet another pissing contest?

A good friend is completely committed to streaming. He just recently has purchased the mighty Taiko Extreme music server. I’m ecstatic for him just as he is for me when I acquired my Pro-Ject transport. We both genuinely appreciate each other's  respective choices and paths. Finding music listening joy and fulfillment is about as individualistic as anything can be. Simply to each their own. Do we really need yet  another turf battle?

Charles

If a CD is perfect, there should be no difference in sound between it and a file ripped from it (preferably using EAC). But many CDs have minor (easily recoverable) flaws. Some have worse flaws. If you are playing a CD, there is only a limited amount it can fix in real time, When you rip a file from it, you can take a lot longer to ensure the errors are fixed.

I fail to believe the two sources really do sound the same in any system.

In my experience, the issue is a question of detail & dynamics v's emotion & engagement.These two qualities in sound always seem to be competing with each other.

Essentially, our choice of source will be decided (either actively, or passively) on these qualities. If anyone prefers a detailed and dynamic sound, then generally speaking they will prefer the higher resolution programme delivery. If anyone prefers an emotional and engaging sound, then most likely they will enjoy 44.1/16 CD better. 

Often the difference is close, but there IS always a difference.

If you are a real music fanatic CDs and ripped CDs are the best option because for some albums I have ten or more different remastered versions of the original plus loads of bootlegs which aren't available on streaming services. I know it's completely anal but that's my thing.