The problem with streaming

Once streaming on my system equaled analog, CD, and stored files it became apparent the overwhelming cost and listening advantages of streaming and consequently it’s future. I have over 4,000 albums… typically I used to buy a few albums a month… that adds up over time.. so implementation a high quality streamer and for the cost of $15 / month my library almost became infinite.

You can justify a really good streamer and DAC as the least expensive solution over time… and unlimited access to music, no storage cost… and less getting up and down (I get lots of exercise). And honestly my discovering and enjoying soooo much new music has been incredible. I probably listen to one or two albums a week that I owned before streaming now. 

Digital and streaming are two separate issues. DIgital is fine. Streaming from your own computer library of hi res file is great, no networks involved. If you check out my system page I am as digital as you can get and I have full Roon capability, I just don't use it. Online streaming? You have to be out of your mind. Listening to that will powder coat your ear drums. Next thing you know you will be trying to eat online.

 Streaming is for lazy people.

This is a ridiculous comment to make, even more absurd to be repeated three times.  As though deliberately making something more difficult on one's self is a sign of being industrious.  And flipping a record isn't quite the same as an hour of Orange Theory.  Perhaps if you powered your TT with a pedal-cycle.  

That's not an attack on analog.  I have over 2000 records and an even larger CD/DVD-Audio/SACD/BD collection. There's nothing wrong with physical media.

Streaming can be frustrating in that typically very little provenance information is provided. But that is not true in all of digital - you can sort through all the masterings and pressings you want just like analog and get similar results. 

Digital requires skills that don't equate to analog.  So many audiophiles use analog logic that just doesn't apply, and then assume that digital isn't as good.  It takes a totally different skill set.  

Besides, the number of times I have to reboot Roon or my Auralic Aries to keep the music flowing can sometimes be similar to flipping vinyl.  Lazy indeed. 

As of last week, I have two close friends who are using dedicated Dell laptops as servers (Linux) with high end/quality DACs with high end/quality USB connection.  The media are CDs of theirs (about 3,000+ each of them) downloading them to thumbdrives using EAC.   The sound is spectacular and they retain ownership of the media and accompanying booklets.   They (and I) am not interested in streaming most of my music.  I've already stated why previously.   If it weren't for the time loss and complicated filing of 7,000+ CDs that I have, I would join them.   Plus, I have organized drawer filing for CDs (and 28,000 LPs).

After reading all of the comments on this thread, I decided to dive into the streaming world. I bought an Audio Quest Dragonfly Cobalt with a nice cord and I'm using my laptop with Qobuz and Audirvana.

I have to say that I'm blown away with the sonics while streaming! About 70% of what I play sounds better than my vinyl. Not a ton better but there's a noticeable improvement.

I still love my vinyl. The 30% of my vinyl that sounds better than what I've been able to find streaming gives me a sense of pride. I'll be upgrading my cartridge next to try and improve my analog setup. Streaming doesn't give me the joy of playing, holding and looking at the special pressings of my albums.

Someday I'll buy a real DAC and I know the sonics will improve even more.