Digital with same soundstage as analog

I have used the Hana SL as both a work horse Cart, and as a A/B Cart' against other Cart' and a Digtal Source..

Both experiences had reinforced my understanding, the SL was not for me. 

I have a bespoke built Valve DAC used with CD and to date, the experience had is enjoyed as much as Vinyl. I don't concern myself with such things anymore. 

Is the CD Source better?, Is the Vinyl Source better? 

I was first introduced to Steaming through dedicated set ups for Streaming as the Source in a few very expensive systems, both Valve and Solid State. At the time of these demo's there was no option to carry out A/B comparisons to other Sources.

My assessment was that I could not but feel the system was being sold short with a Source that is streamed material only.

Later down the line, I was in a position where I could experience Streamed Data and FLAC - WAV File Data, as Source Medium replayed on Audio Systems I was very familiar with. These experiences have even allowed for comparisons of other Sources inclusive of CDP > CDT + DAC and Vinyl LP using the same Album Tracks.

The outcome of such experiences for myself and as a result of only experiencing a very limited range of dedicated streaming devices, is that Streaming is not a contender for a CD or Vinyl Source.

That does not mean it is without attraction, as the music produced in these later demo's is very listenable for long periods, definitely not fatiguing. Combine this with the convenience of accessing preferred music as fast as a click of a thumb, along with immediate access to a vast range of music genre's and different cultural music is an attraction that is difficult to be overlooked.

At least I'm not with a first encounter being 'Steaming Sauces', that would be a interesting wording to cause total confusion.

I have a notoriety for being a Thread Killer.  

The most recent 2024 Streamer Demo' has been a Linn Selekt with Upgrades, in comparison to a few CD Sources, being a EAR Acute and a Wadia. The Vinyl Source has been the SP10 R > Glanz > Miyajima Lab MC > Bespoke Built Valve Input / Output Phonostage. 

Is the Linn Selekt a Streamer that competes comfortably in the end sound production area, with the other Brands of similar purchase value, or is it a poorer performer.

I would own a Selekt, if there was a better sonic quality to be achieved for less monies, from a new or used alternative device, I would be keen to learn of such models.   

Keeping my assessment limited to my experiences encountered, I will add to the statement made in the earlier post.

"The outcome of such experiences for myself and as a result of only experiencing a very limited range of dedicated streaming devices, is that Streaming is not a contender for a CD or Vinyl Source." will read better if as the following:

 The outcome of such experiences for myself and as a result of only experiencing a very limited range of dedicated streaming devices, where demo's given are using Steaming Devices up to £6K as a purchase price and experienced in use in systems that range at the top end up to £150ishK in Value. Is that Streaming is not in my view a contender for a CD or Vinyl Source.

I stand by this statement more so in relation to the Audio Systems I have been able to experience the Streaming Source used in conjunction with a CD and Vinyl Source. As already made known there have been demo's where streaming was the only Source available.

In this context, the statement remains bold and definitive when within the constraints of not having a broad experience.

I would be interested to read comments from others who do have a Broad Experience of Streaming devices used on a range of audio systems. 

When / If the interest fully develops to discover a Broad Range of Streaming Devices.

I'm sure I will be my usual self, and do a reasonable amount of footwork, to ensure I experience a substantial amount of Streaming Set Ups. In a Broad Range of Audio Systems, from Home Demo's through to Commercial Events or at a Commercial Entities Premises.

Such an extension of experiences 'may' have the potential to create the influence that encourages a change of thought on the impression a Streamer Device as a Source to replay music can conjure up.

Both my outlook on Vinyl Replay Sources and CD Replay Sources has evolved to a very perceivable betterment. Through ensuring extended experiences are encountered outside of the Home System. Where the focus is on what can be attained from others making their own choices are able to achieve. This attitude to interact with others, has been the key to new horizons for end sound production and been instrumental in lifting both Sources to very satisfactory levels of performance in my own system. 

How would I ever have learnt after multiple years of not being impressed by and not having a CD replay Source, that a Bespoke Built Valve DAC would transform my whole belief system on a CD replay.

Without my arranging to meet with an individual and experiencing a Bespoke Valve DAC in use in their home system and having first hand experience of the impression that can be made. With the outcome being, the device is  loaned to be experienced in my own system, and my learning CD as a Replay Source can really impress and is one that is enthusiastically wanted to be maintained. 

The question is will a close mimic of above experiences be able to be created with a Streaming Device used as a Source to replay received Data that is 'hired' for usage as the Source medium.    

There was 34 Years separating Vinyl as a mainstream medium and CD becoming the fledgling medium in the Marketplace.

It is now approx' 42 Years since Vinyl was to claimed to have become obsolete / superseded.

It seems extremely strange that 42 Years in, that there are pockets of Audio Enthusiasts who are forming the view the digital medium, is now able to present as a competitor capabilities that questions the use of the Vinyl LP as the medium for storing and replaying recorded data.   

As stated in an earlier post:

 "I don't concern myself with such things anymore." 

"Is the CD Source better?, Is the Vinyl Source better? "

Any prejudice I once carried for CD is now reconciled.