Computer vs CD/SACD discs

I think archiving your CDs and downloading higher-res music on your computer is the way to go. The next question is which computer--Apple or PC--and how you're going to play it back.

My choice has been to use a PC, rip and download in FLAC format, and then transfer the music to a 500 GB USD drive and play back through the Bryston BDP-1 outputting to a NAD M51 DAC. I also have the option of playing discs--CDs, SACD, and DVDA--through my Oppo outputting to the NAD M51 with HDMI.

Is there better sound? I'm sure there is but I really like this solution. I control the Bryston with MPOD software on my IPhone and IPad and it's a cinch to use. I compared this with outputting to the NAD M51 via USB on my computer and I think the Bryston sounds better. I also think CDs ripped to lossless files on FLAC can sound better than the original CD, my theory being the error correction while ripping produces a more stable file (but don't have a shred of engineering background to prove this).

My two cents.

For me, the main factor is convenience. I still have to death match my CD player (Simaudio Moon Nova) vs server>Slimdevices Transporter> Audio-gd Master 7, but I really doubt that I will bring the CD's up out of the basement and give up user friendliness of the Slimdevices sotware if the Nova wins.

I think the main consideration is how much fiddling you want to do. I'm fairly computer literate, so I have very few problems that I can't solve on a timely basis. If you hate dealing with computers, keep the CD.

I've not gone to computer based audio. I have two Sony 300 disc changers linked, and a Sony 595 five disc player for SACD's. Works well for me, does away with all the downloading. Computers? I have a few, mostly built myself, and did not find the time consuming transfer process very productive use of my time.