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Who has found happiness giving up cd player?

My system consists of Amati Anniversario speakers, Boulder 865 integrated amp, and Esoteric X-03 player. I like it. But I want to move to computer based sources. And if I do that, I'd like to go completely computer based, trade in my X-03 while my dealer will still give me full credit for it.

I've explored a lot of options. I know about the options with Mac or PC, through XLR or asynchronous USB or firewire, but I still don't know what to do. Go with something relatively cheap like the Ayre QB-9, and wait for the SOTA to advance? Invest in a dCS dac, upsampler, and clock, and expect to keep that for a long, long time? I like the idea of investing for the long term, but I don't want to end up enjoying my ripped CD's less than through my X-03.

It doesn't help that auditioning opportunities are somewhat limited, especially with my speakers and amp. Or that my dealer is adamant that I won't be happy replacing my X-03 with any computer based source, for redbook.

So my question is, has anyone found happiness replacing a mid range player like mine (or better) with an entirely computer based source? Anyone miss their transports?

Thanks!
Daniel
daniel_a
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
gave up compact disc; replaced by those strange looking large round black things with grooves on both sides, which make many shake their heads in wonder and amazement.
I am amazed as well - at the significant sonic improvement over nasty digital quantization
jax2
3,031 posts
 
My discs have remained archived in storage for years now. Ever since I got a Modwright Transporter I find no need for them beyond initially ripping them to my library. It is so much more convenient having my entire library at my fingertips and to be able to build playlists, or play random selections within a genre or several genres. No turning back. No regrets.
brite61
11 posts
 
Using a Weiss Int 202 firewire interface to a Scarlatti DAC I get no loss compared to an Esoteric transport to the same DAC. I keep the transport simply for SACD's.
mingles
796 posts
 
Who has found happiness giving up cd player?
I like Bob_bundus's reply, but it means I have to get up every 15 minutes.

I've been extremely happy with a Mac Mini connected to a DAC using toslink. My laptop serves as a remote via screen sharing. Alternatively, you can use an iPhone to control an Apple TV which connects to a DAC. There's no doubt this is the future.
jdoris
972 posts
 
I'm very happy I made the switch from CD to computer based; hard to say about particular comparisons, but in my experience it is certainly possible to implement computer digital that competes sonically with a good CDP. Additional pluses are convenience and hi rez formats. John
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