CD transport vs.streaming

In these streaming versus physical media discussions I think we should also consider that the reimbursement rates (pennies) to the artists for their creativity and work are such in most streaming options that the artists can not make a decent living. It is especially hard when ability to offer live concerts is being thwarted by Covid restrictions. Besides fairness issues it may well result in much less  new artistic material being made over time.

Play Hard Copy SACD’s and CD’s? (I’ve got a whole hellofa lot of them).

Beyond the digital source, after content and recording: it’s a recipe of various: Processor(s); Over clocking, Over sampling; Anti-Jitter, .... that you hear.

I think of ’Preferred’ and ’BETTER’.

1. BETTER: Get thee a Sony xa5400ES (SACD and CD).

Improves the sound of Every CD and processes SACD DSD without PCM conversion.

me: "FUNDAMENTALS. I think there is a tighter, firmer, more solid, ... start to the fundamental of Each and Every Note. Improved overtones, volume and time decay all follow that BETTER start. I have never heard a CD sound so good anywhere.

before I found the Sony:

Preferred: CD

2. Onkyo Integra CDC-3.4 Mark II Changer

I highly recommend the sound of this with it’s dual Wolfson processors and all of Onkyo/Integra’s tricks applied.

How to describe the difference: Like my AT33PTG/II cartridge, compared to any cartridge with less tight channel balance, EVERYTHING is a speck more distinct. Not bright, not sharp, a very thin veil removed allowing refined clarity. Imaging is the same width, but within that, main vocal, backup singers, specific musicians, simultaneously more precise.

A small improvement to EVERYTHING, is a LOT!!!

3. Preferred SACD and CD, I chose Yamaha DVD-C961 DVD Changer

me: "The DVD-C961 has four two-channel Burr Brown 192kHz/24-bit DACs for the stereo and 5.1-channel output sections to provide absolute sonic transparency."

It sounds terrific, as good as the former winner, Integra CDC-3.4 mark II which I will now sell. Different Processors, Different OEM Bag-O-Tricks whatever they are."

...........................................................

the quest

Sony xa5400ES

 

DSD converted to PCM???

 

Better CD Sound

 

 

@elliottbnewcombjr 

Thanks for your post but I think you completely miss the point of this discussion. This isn’t a discussion about CD vs SACD or DSD vs PCM:-) 

Missed points, a common occurrence around here.

charles1dad on the money 

Enjoy the music.

 

 

Hello,

I think the reason the streaming and the CDT sound the same is they are going through the same DAC. I have heard that you can run a $27 DVD player through a good DAC and it sounds really good if not great. So many of us have a BlueSound Node variety and the DAC is pretty good I have to admit. I have done tests in the past and it was keeping up with $500-$600 DACs. When I ran it through the Oppo or even better a $14k DAC I was blown away. Borrow a really nice DAC. Like $2k or more. The Denifrips Pontus 2 might be close but is a great test. You will get why a lot of people drop crazy money on DACs. I still say the Preamp is still the most important. Especially since I have heard the $30k Ayre KX-R in my home. That being said the DAC is the second most important to me. Third would be speakers. I might be alone on this but times have changed. Still have my BS2i. Too good to let go plus I love the app. I think they should take a cue from Schiit and make a killer linear balanced version or maybe just start with a killer streamer transport to run into a nice DAC. I’m not alone in this thinking. Honda and Toyota stared out as inexpensive cars but now have Acura and Lexus which can cost into the six figures. I would still like to get a Node and do the LPS upgrade to run into a killer DAC some day.