Are music servers the future?

Mitch4t, are you sure that streaming hi-def video is a difficult as hi-def audio? I certainly have never heard at CES any streaming demonstrations that were close to high definition audio, such as PCM 192/24 or native DSD.

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Tbg...no I am not sure which is more difficult. It just seems that since I get a hi-def video image via Netflix streaming, it stands to reason audio should be available too. Maybe I'm over simplifying things here, but aren't hi def streaming video files larger than hi def audio files?.
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Mitch4t, I guess it is pixels versus sample rate, which is kind of apple v. oranges. But I don't know either.

Audioengr, Last night I compared several cds on my server as well as several HDTracks, and three DSD downloads from SACDs. I each was played in PCM for whatever sampling rate they were in to double DSD. In the case of the SACD it was there cd counterpart. Frankly I was shocked at how superior double DSD was over even HDTracks PCM.

Live with your PCM and I will with my double DSD.

THere are many reasons why the same digital recording in multiple formats could sound different.

Beyond the usual hardware related reasons why any two sources might sound different, with digital throw any possible number of software related factors/differences that could come into play in any case comparing any two.

It's way harder to identify cause and effect with computer audio for certain compared to anything before it.

Luckily, when done well, the differences will often be subtle and not significant for many, but I feel sorry for anyone predisposed to account for any difference in sound perceived when they hear it, because it is pretty much an impossible chase.

It's easy for me to understand why traditional audiophiles often despise computer audio. There are so many more variables and unknowns to deal with. And so many ways to draw fast conclusions that might not turn out to be accurate. Can definitely drive a control freak crazy.