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Why does my computer sound better than my CD player?

My system consists of a NAD C340 integrated amp,Cambridge Audio D500 CD player,Onkyo Integra CD changer and NHT 1.5 speakers. I use Kiber Kable 4PR speaker wire and Audio Research Pro interconnects. The problem is my system sounds too bright and fatiguing for me and my friends when used with either sources. Don't blame on the NHT because when I switch source to my computer through a cheap freebee mini-jack to RCA plug wire,the sound is much smoother and crystal clear with improved soundstage and great balance(defintely non-fatiguing).My computer sound card is SoundBlaster Live! Could you explain the reason?-Sylvester
sly
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,788 posts
 
Two reasons come to mind: 1. Your sound card may be truncating information that your other system doesn't.
Your main system is revealing noise (RF? Bad AC?) that the computer can't. 2. The sound card may be have pure DC as its power source. Ever notice how good a (relatively) tiny car stereo sounds? Many think it's due to being battery (DC) powered. Them's my two cents!
plato
1,543 posts
 
Then it would seem that your Onkyo changer is at fault. Why not try a better CD player, or add on a decent DAC, or simply use your computer as the CD source?
davewavaolcom
193 posts
 
I agree with dweller and plato, this is a good example of down sampling. Get an old cd player w/2 times oversampling and a laid back cable (audioquest). Can you hear differences between cambridge,onkyo, and pc cd?
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