I would think something is amiss in your system. For me the Mac Mini playing Apple Lossless files sounds better than the CD playing from a transport. I think that it sounds marginally better to use a USB-SPDIF converter such as the Bel Canto USB link as well. The cables can have an effect as well. I don't think that the optical connection sounds as good but still can sound pretty good. Even 320 MP3s sound really good and there is a small improvement with FLAC or ALC files. I think something must be set wrong for you if you are hearing night and day improvement via CD transport. It's frustrating how many options we have regarding computer playback but the benefits I think outweigh the negatives.
How is there Apple Lossless Debate?
Ok, so since I got my 'hi fi' system about a year ago my goal is to get a music server set up, with either a mac mini connected directly to my Bryston Dac, or a Macbook Pro streaming music over Airtunes and an optical connection. After reading all Id read about Apple lossless it seemed there was much debate as to whether or not there was any noticeable loss. I know how most "audiophiles" are and I know a lot of times they/we like to think we hear a difference when we really don't.
So I took it for granted Apple Lossless was just as good as cd and Ive started burning my cds onto my new MBP in AL format. I got my airtunes set up with the optical in to my Bryston Dac and I thought it just didnt sound right. "Must be that USB is better I thought" ... So i connected it through USB too. No difference. But it still didnt sound right. So i popped a cd in to my (make sure you are sitting down) Onkyo DV-SP405 dvd/cd player that I am using as a transport in to my Bryston through a SPDIF connection. WOW. What a difference. It is huge. Much more open. Much more "air". Much more space.
SO.. either I am doing something wrong with my Mac setup or there are some people out there that should just stick to mp3s because if you cant tell the difference between Apple Lossless and a CD through the same set up.. you are wasting youre money on equipment.
Any input is greatly appreciated. Next up I am going to burn a few songs on to my Mac in .wav format and test again.
So I took it for granted Apple Lossless was just as good as cd and Ive started burning my cds onto my new MBP in AL format. I got my airtunes set up with the optical in to my Bryston Dac and I thought it just didnt sound right. "Must be that USB is better I thought" ... So i connected it through USB too. No difference. But it still didnt sound right. So i popped a cd in to my (make sure you are sitting down) Onkyo DV-SP405 dvd/cd player that I am using as a transport in to my Bryston through a SPDIF connection. WOW. What a difference. It is huge. Much more open. Much more "air". Much more space.
SO.. either I am doing something wrong with my Mac setup or there are some people out there that should just stick to mp3s because if you cant tell the difference between Apple Lossless and a CD through the same set up.. you are wasting youre money on equipment.
Any input is greatly appreciated. Next up I am going to burn a few songs on to my Mac in .wav format and test again.