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

I’m an old timer as well. Also, a big fan of Audio Research, for simply performance reasons. My main system is all Audio Research. You can see photos under my User ID. I use an Audio Research Reference CD9 SE as my DAC. It is simply outstanding and actually performs against much more expensive DACs.

While you can use a PC. I would recommend getting a streamer. Even if it is a cheap budget Blue Sound to start with. It will sound better than a PC and avoid the conversion from USB to coax. This will let you get familiar with the world of streaming. 

In todays world streaming can easily provide the same or better sound quality as a CD or vinyl. In my system CD redbook = stored files = streaming (better if higher resolution) = vinyl in sound quality. To get all the way there you will need a very high quality streamer. Like a good Aurender. My rule of thumb is to match the investment level of each component to get the most out of your system. So, phonostage = preamp = amp = DAC = Streamer... roughly. You have to do the research to get the best of class of each. I just say this for longer term thinking.

The service to get is Qobuz. For $14 / month you get access to over 10 million albums with over half a million that are high resolution. This is a game changer and fantastic for us retired folks that have time to explore the world of music and really enjoy it.

Feel free to send me a private message if you want to talk off line. George

Qobuz is so worth the money.   I do a yearly plan and it's the best entertainment money I spend all year.   

I have Qobuz on my PC for convenience and when I travel but I seldom use it.  While the USB connection to my amp sounds OK it doesn't compare with the sound quality of my Bluesound  Vault.   A stand alone streamer is a good purchase. I have an Aurender in my main system, the Vault in system two.  Both are great for what they are in price/ performance  

I value George's advice with respect to upgrades and how to avoid lateral moves.  I think he is spot on with the cost / investment of each component in a system.  

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.