CD transport vs.streaming


Many have stated on this forum that the SQ from their CDs is superior to the sound from streaming sources. Others have said the opposite. Weirdly, in side by side identical tracks the sound from my Cyrus CDt sounds identical to my Cambridge CXN v2 streamer. I wonder if anyone else has this experience.

128x128rvpiano

Having owned Aurlic Aries G2, Aurender N100, auditioned an Aurender N10, and now  Aurender W20SE, as well as using PCs, Macs… and other devices, the differences in sound quality among these is huge. Maybe, it doesn’t sound logical, but they are just like other parts of the audio chain.

Allow an observation pleze.

At least one professional seems to think that CD’s and lossless streaming sound similar enough, as do I.

The co-founder of an audiophile record label and an online Redbook plus file sales site pulled all of his stuff from Tidal and Qobuz while leaving the mp3’s on Spotify because he doesn’t want to hurt sales:

David Chesky.

Yes the CD blows Spotify away.

On $135 worth of RC Chinese amplification.

 

That's the beauty of streaming, you can make it simple or complex, both can work. I just happen to like complexity, I'm one to change out capacitors, resistors, etc., this may sound like work to some, for me this is fun.

People I know who are into streaming report listening experiences more aligned with @ghdprentice than @mapman . They find very distinct differences and improvement as server/streamer quality rises. Just my observation. 

Charles