2. digital
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I Sold my CD Player!!! Streaming sounds so incredible!!!

Several years ago, was the very first time I had the opportunity to hear a very high end, high quality, streaming audio system.  Once I heard it, I was smitten, and I knew right then and there that this was me all the way!!!  I was absolutely blown away by the handy convenience of the little iPad (or cell phone) used as remotes to control the otherworldly access to a virtual ocean of music via Tidal, Qobuz or downloads.  I immediately recognized this new technology as the future of my own audio system, especially with all the new hi rez stuff out there that was now made available. I gave up vinyl when CD came on the scene (yes, I'm an old guy), and, now, perhaps, it would be finally time to retire my beloved CD player.  Long story short:  What put my streaming audio system over the top, as far as sound quality is concerned, was the assemblage of these core streaming devices-----( #1) A superb DAC, by Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty streaming DAC  (#2)  An outstanding music server, by Roon Nucleus Plus  (#3) An outstanding Audio Switch, by Pakedge Devices   (#4) Excellent Ethernet Cables, by Shunyata Sigma.  I also utilize numerous other tweaks and filters that further purify the streaming audio signal within my room and audio system.  At this juncture in life, I am just mesmerized by the combination of sound quality and convenience that I get through my streaming audio system.  I'm also happy and pleased to report that, I don't miss my old beloved CD player one bit.  Happy listening.              

kennymacc

Showing 1 response by brauser

brauser
529 posts
 

Streaming is awesome and so are CDs for me. There is...one thing that can make it better...and in some cases much better. You do need a CD player and a low-cost disc.  Ayre, which is a respected high-end company, came out with a System Enhancement Disc some years ago dubbed 'Irrational but Efficacious'. Ayre doesn't know exactly why it improves system performance but was so impressed with the results that they made the disc available to the public. Since then, several other companies have come out with similar products. 

I rarely listen to CDs these days on my main system, but the idea came to mind to use Track # 7 to see if it made a difference even though the CD player had been turned off for several weeks/months. After playing the Ayre disc, everything in the system improved...and not just a little bit.

Conclusion...Don't ditch the CD player, if for no other reason than to tune up the system occasionally so I can better enjoy the very excellent streaming results I am getting through Qobuz.

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