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DAC vs CD Player for cd playback with computer audio - Help old timer out

Getting back into the game after along time away.  So much has changed!

I think I want to stick with Audio Research for a number of reasons, nostalgic and otherwise.

I want to play CDs and also to play files from my computer. Streaming would be nice.  How would that work out with the following setups?

1. If I have a CD player is it POSSIBLE that I could use the DAC in THAT CD Player to play my computer audio?  For example an Audio Research CD 8 from 2008.  

2. Can I use a CD transport (like the Audio Research CD2 from 2002) with an Audio Research DAC 8 (from 2012) AND run computer audio into that DAC?

Which option makes more sense for CDs and Computer audio?  How about CDs, computer audio AND streaming?

I have a headache just writing all of this out.  

Thanks in advance!

kublakhan

Showing 1 response by paleo12

paleo12
45 posts
 

Hi,

It is possible to use the DAC in a CD player for other sources provided the device has digital inputs. I found the manual for the AR CE8 online and it does not mention a digital input.  In my experience, digital inputs on CD players are relatively recent additions.

You can connect several sources to a DAC such as computers, streamers, CD transports and what have you, but you are limited by the various inputs the DAC has.  There will be an input selector knob or switch.

ghdprentice is absolutely right in suggesting getting a dedicated streamer for best results,and using Qobuz.

 
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