File format, software and settings?

Hi Steve, used direct, Kernel Streaming and Wasapi..
KS & Wasapi were both better than direct... these things are so close, I had to listen long and hard to finally figure what the differences were in my system. KS was more absolute (maybe analytical is the right word) Wasapi had equal detail, but had more of a flowing feel to it. Depending on the music I might like one over the other, but quite frankly, it took so long to realize just what I was hearing with the differences that I'd be happy either way. I will look into XXHighend. As alway, I appreciate your advice. Tim

Timlub - are you using an active preamp in your system? If so, this will reduce or mask many of these performance gains IME.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Any preamp will do it. Replace it with a transformer line-stage or buffer if you want to improve things significantly.

BTW, I use Coda amps in my HT setup.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

I am a little dissappointed that there isn't really a definitive answer to the best way to rip CD's, as asked by the OP. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed reading the opinions posted so far, but it seems that we don't have a concensus on what is best. Shouldn't we at least know the answer to this seemingly simple question?