2. digital
  3. 190994-85501

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 3 responses by ghdprentice

ghdprentice
7,496 posts
 

Yes, advances over the last ten years have completely eroded the advantage of vinyl or physical media based digital. With high resolution low cost streaming like Qobuz the unbelievable restrictions of owning physical media have been laid bare.

For generations people interested in musical fidelity have had to focus on carefully assessing and buying a tiny amount of music and listening it to it over and over again. Once the sound quality advantage goes away it is simply shocking the freedom is to explore all music. A completely new paradigm. Having 10 million plus albums at your finger tips. At first you listen to the same old stuff… then start opening up to the huge world of music you have not heard. It is overwhelmingly compelling. I seldom listen to anything that was in my 4,000 album collection. If I do, I stream it.

ghdprentice
7,496 posts
 

@irjones 

Streaming is very solid. The worst case you loose your internet connection for a little while and access to the 10 million + albums for a short time. 

ghdprentice
7,496 posts
 

Congratulations. I to listen to streaming almost exclusively, and all media (given the same master) sound the same, but I have retained my vinyl and CP players.

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