I don't think that older CD players and DACs are inferior and take second place to the new stuff! The proliferation of ever more expensive DACs and transports appears to be driven by clever marketing to appeal to the "golden ears" crowd to increase profits.
CD Alternative
At present I have around 1200 CD's which are played on a Cal Audio/Benchmark DAC 1. I am looking for some guidance regarding the potential use of high res streaming or ripping and having a server. I have no idea which option/equipment to pursue or if there is another option to consider. This all started when I recently went to audition speakers with a few CD's but discovered this was the old fashioned way and instead used a "Roon Streamer" I think. Secondly the Cal Audio is about 25+ years old and the DAC 1 is 16 yrs old. Thanks in advance for your responses as I am absolutely confused with the digital path to take.