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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
bar81
791 posts
 
Herman,

My comments were not questioning how good your system can sound. My comments were directed at your reference to tone controls/EQs which are not generally associated with quality reproduction and neither are streaming radio stations and other streaming music. That level of reproduction quality is a long way from SACD and even CD for that matter.
herman
2,251 posts
 
Oh, for sure, streaming radio is not audiophile quality, but it is fine for background and discovering new music.

As for tone controls and EQ and I will have to differ. While many audiophile snobs turn up their noses they are powerful tools when properly implemented. They don't have any qualms about using a cable to tune their system but are shocked when someone suggests they do it another way, and a much easier and effective way. With my crossover points and slopes now selected in software I can fine tune them in ways impossible to do with passive ones. I'm afraid many are stuck in the past and don't have any idea how much software has improved and teamed with the computing power of todays computers it's time has come. Even using 64 bit calculations, a 3 way crossover, and time alignment my computer is just loafing.

It is indeed now state of the art sound.

.
camelboy
50 posts
 
Bar81,
CD playback is good enough for me. I could care less
about high resolution computer based music downloads and the like. I hope they never stop making CD's.
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
Camelboy: Never is a long time.
bryoncunningham
890 posts
 
I have found happiness giving up my cd player. I use Sonos and an Empirical Audio reclocker, and I've been very happy with the sound quality. As for the convenience, it can't be beat. When I listen to music, I like to sit in the chair and stay there. For me, there is no going back.
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