cd player or computer with dac

Herman:

http://www.northstar.it/english/Dac_USB32.html

This thread sums up the dilemma for many of us considering moving from CD player to hard drive/DAC. There seems to be no agreement at all on where we are with the development of discless digital.

This comes down to the basic question. Are we yet at the point that $ for $ you are better off continuing with standalone players or going discless? What is the comparitive sound quality?

I know all these questions are discussed, ad nauseam, but I can deect no consensus at all.

Related to this, but a different point, Are we yet at the stage that using a server or PC/mac, is sufficiently user friendly, that non computer experts like me, can really contemplate the change? Looking at some of the posts on this and other sites, even one box solutions like Olive, ripping and playback is not simple, with frequent manufacturer upgrades to software.

The final point for me is, should you go for one of the purpose built HiFi servers like Naim for example, or the much cheaper Mac/PC route? Is there a difference in sound quality and ease of use between the two options.

Herman: You stated: "Just an FYI for anybody new to the forums.....

Audioengr and Jtinn both are selling something. I've never dealt with either but it is incomprehensible that someone who is selling a product in this category wouldn't have a biased opinion that favors what they sell.

Both are probably swell fellows but take what they say with a grain of salt.
"

I don't think either Steve or I made it a secret about who we are. I certainly made no mention of my DAC being the only solution or even mentioned my own product.

There is really nothing that anyone needs to be warned about here.

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Jtinn,

If I recall correctly at one time your were registered as a private user and posting high praise about things you were selling with no mention of your affiliation. With that in mind I did think a warning was in order. I see now that you changed your status to commercial user. Even so, I see no harm in pointing out your status to those who may be unaware.

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Herman: Not true at all. When I was registered as a private user, I was a private user. Not only that, if you look at the earlier post by me I fully disclosed my affiliation as did Steve Nugent.

I guess we can never have enough police, but thanks for protecting everyone from us and our evil ways.