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
Jax2 is correct in his thinking in my experence.

Bun is also correct but for some of use turning to PC audio has been a very positive move as Jax2 stated.

My setup kills the ex Lector Mk3 I had.
Brite61, thanks for your comment, one question, in your setup, do you also have the Scarlatti upsampler and master clock?

Thanks,
Daniel
de gustibus non disputandum 9hope i spelled it correctly)

i think a cal tempest is prefereable to any other digital source.

what's the point here ? it's all a matter of taste.

one man's rupture is another's rapture.
I hardly ever use my CD player. I file my CD's in winamp and have constant music generated by the computer.
I come not to dispute tastes, but to inquire of them :-) If no one was happy, I would worry about that, when thinking about my own choices.

-- Daniel