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Are Disc Players Dead?

How important is a disc player anymore? I think that stand alone DAC's have far eclipsed the stand alone disc player in importance over the last 3 years with the rise of server based music.

Only an SACD really needs a disc player anymore. In what instance can you get better sound from a disc player than when you download the music, CD or HiRez, then play it back through a new stand alone DAC with the latest technology?

I really only use my very humble disc player to watch movies that I own now. I download most movies to rent through AppleTV, and if I buy a CD (rare) I download it to the server, where it takes up residence in iTunes for playback in AIFF format.

So, disc players on their deathbed, as DAC move to the top of the digital mountain?

I say yes.
macdadtexas
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
This topic seems to reappear every few weeks. There`s such a large volume of music available in the Red book format at very reasonable prices new and used.

My passion is jazz and fortunately much of it was recorded well. My large jazz CD library continues to grow, I`m always finding something new to buy.

A high quality, well set up Red book playback system is capable of beautiful music reproduction,I sure enjoy mine.
Best Regards,
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,687 posts
 
Everyone hasn't jumped on the server bandwagon Mac(myself included). CDPs will be around a long time, just like LPs.
4est
507 posts
 
Disc players will not die until:
A- they completely better servers
B- servers get very cheap

Meaning, that on both ends of the scale music servers can still be beat. Furthermore, music servers can be effected by player programs and file types. Until it is discovered why and how to ameliorate it, there will still be assurances in using a SOTA transport.
jafreeman's avatar
jafreeman
689 posts
 
A high-end player is still the redbook gold standard--it is quiet, more linear, more original to the source. Computers and DACs are nice for those who like the convenience, storage, purchasing options for music--lots of things to like. I'll still take my Wadia directly into my amps. Can't get any closer.
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,611 posts
 
.
These audio debates are hilarious. I love it!

The disc player guys versus the server guys.

....and the vinyl guys think that both of you are nuts!
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