Do you have a lot of CDs? One thing to consider would be a streamer that incorporates a CD ripper that can also just play CDs. Melco N100 is a streamer with 2TB storage and if you get their CD ripper it can be used as a CD player. Total cost around $3500. The N100 can also be used as a server for other servers that may be on the network, such as in a second system elsewhere in the home
CD and Network Streamers
I've ben out of the audio hobby for some time and just now getting back in.
System - Bryston 4B ST amp, ARC LS 25 MkII preamp, Aerial Model 8 speakers.
I likely need a decent CD player but these streaming pieces sounds really interesting. The 3 to 5K price is honestly more than I'm willing to spend though as I won't lister to the system more than occasionally. Does anyone know:
1. A decent CD/ Streamer combo for $1,500 or less
2. A $1,000 Streamer seperate they'd recommend
Thanks!
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A wise choice at this juncture of your journey into streaming. Vault 2i will allow you to stream with a very good user interface app (iPad recommended) and doubles up as a ripper/storage for your precious CD collection. Take your time to settle down with Vault, get acclimated with your choice of streaming service and see what’s worth ripping from your CD collection. I started off with Vault, enjoyed it for 5 years before upgrading to Aurender ACS100. I figured, I couldn’t live without my rare CD collection that is not available on streaming or them sounding superior to the version available on streaming. Plus, I still buy CD’s (selectively) that are mastered from analog tapes so a CD ripper in my system is indispensable. It was a long drawn out process to rip my entire CD collection but it didn’t bother me as ripping process doesn’t interfere with streaming or your listening. The internal DAC within Vault is its weak point. It’s listenable but not engaging enough for many. So I recommend buying a nice DAC to pair with your Vault down the road. I also recommend wired connection for best SQ and stability. |
@mahler123 I recently got the 6 TB Melco server along with their CD ripper. Superb sonics. I stream thru my Teac dac and a Synergistic ethernet switch. The cd and the streamed files sound close but not exactly the same. Nevertheless, one does not sound better than the other. I am slowly loading my 10,000 cds on the Melco drive. I am also storing my CDs. Life is good. |
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