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Am I in the minority?

I was perusing some older posts today about computer audio and one that got me thinking was, "Once you go the computer audio route, you'll never want to listen to a CD player again." I've tried using only a computer as my transport into a USB DAC, and while it sounded great, I found I wasn't listening to digital music as much as when I had a CD player. For me, I actually enjoy selecting a CD from the rack, placing it on the tray, and watching the display read "Track 1". Unlike some I don't mind getting off the couch to replace the CD with another when it's done. That's one of the reason why vinyl is a better medium for me, also. I like watching the record spin as the tonearm is being lowered. Am I the only one who feels this way?
doc_stereo
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Computer front ends can be very nice when setup properly, however a high quaility CD Red book system can sound fabulous. There`s nothing "so yesterday" when it comes to good sound, simply choice.
afranta
180 posts
 
I tried computer audio for awhile, and still really like streaming internet radio, but in the end I missed the ritual. And my 8-year-old just mastered the cd player, so it seems like the wrong time to make the switch! That said, I think my current cd player will be my last.
doc_stereo OP
31 posts
 
My intent wasn't to debate which format was better, although we all know which one sounds the best. Hint: it doesn't involve 1's and 0's. I was merely expressing my preference for physical media instead of computer files. I think my music sounds just as good from my Mac into the USB port of my AMR CD player as compared to actual CDs.
tgrisham
1,291 posts
 
I get my "physical fix" from CDs and vinyl and my music listening from the computer files. I enjoy the physical sense of putting a disc into the CDP and an album on the turntable, but also the immediate satisfaction of cueing up an album via computer. With the right DAC the music just flows and it is worry-free. Choose your pleasure.
kbarkamian
647 posts
 
I get the whole physical media thing. I converted to discless playback about 2 years ago. My CDP collected dust for almost the entire year and a half I had it before I sold it.

Why does everyone assume you'll never see or buy a CD again if they go the computer route? iTunes sucks, and hardly anything I listen to is available in high-res. Even if that wasn't the case, I'd still buy everything in disc form.

I have all my CDs ripped to an external hard drive. The CDs are in a few easy to get to boxes in the basement. When the mood strikes me to dig out the CD, no problem. However, that mood has struck me far less often than I thought it would. After the first few listens with the liner notes in my hand, I get passed it. Why, I don't know.

So I guess I'm saying that you don't have to give up physical media when going the computer route. I keep all mine in case of a hard drive failure.

And for the record (no pun intended), I really miss my vinyl. It's also in the basement, due to my current apartment's layout. We've been here a year, and hopefully we won't be here too much longer, not that it's a bad place at all.
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