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Why are server setups so costly relative to CDP's?

I have a Rega Planet cdp that makes great music. It was about $1k new. Why do server setups cost so much more? A cdp must read a digital medium, correcting for errors and so forth, convert it to analog and put it out to an pre- or integrated amp. These are all things that a media server or some other digital solution a la Sonos-DAC must do, yet it seems that to match my cdp quality I have to spend a lot more. I figure there is a logical explanation for this and my ignorance is preventing me from seeing it. Can anyone help?
128x128wsomers
krell1's avatar
krell1
250 posts
 
Because it's the latest direction for multi room play and people pay for it. It will drop over time and become better but the latest doesn't mean "better sound forever"......remember CD?
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,208 posts
 
A CD player is a driver mechanisms, D/A converter and an analog output stage. A server is all that plus a computer CPU, memory, disk storage space, software, wireless connectivity and a display. For equivalent sound the server will cost more, but then again it does much more.
s7horton
1,077 posts
 
a mac mini with itunes and a musical fidelity v-dac will set you back 850 bucks. i would bet that will beat your rega without any trouble.
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