An interesting thread. I didn't realize that there were a large number of people who had sampled C.A., found it wanting, and went back to CDPs. If one reads audiophile mags, particularly the British ones, you would never get that impression.
I suspect that a lot of pressure has been placed on listeners by manufacturers that have invested in DACs and other computer based playback. They want to sell their new technologies and they greatly influence what the journalists write. Thus the word has gotten out that Physical Media will dissapear, that we all had better make the switch, etc.
I've dabbled in C.A. and only recently become to think that it may become a more often used format for me. Unfortunately my MacAir that is my server died, and I have a trip to the "Genius Bar" later today.
The first issue is sound quality. It should be at least as good as the CDs that I rip. USB has left me unsatisfied, and I've tried several ofthe work arounds. What did it for me is when I went to a firewire dac. I now believe the sound is at least as good, if not better, than the original.
The second issue is tagging. I listen exclusively to Classical Music and as others have noted it's a problem. It would be a good retirement project, but I'm about 10 years away.
The third issue is the computer itself. I hate being told that I need to download the latest version of itunes, that I haven't done a back up in the last 4 hours, or whatever. It detracts from the conveinence of the format.
It can definitely be a space saver. I am very attached to my thousands of discs and lps but realize that when I am on a fixed income and possibly spending sometime as a snowbird that I will be in smaller living quarters. The idea of having my whole collection on a hard drive or two tha I can transport if I wish is very appealing. I am trying to digitalize now and just hang on to my few hundred SACDs and Blu Rays but my purchases of CDs are still exceeding the removal rate.
The bottom line is that my collection has never sounded so good. Whether I'm playing CDs, SACDs, or C.A. via firewire, I feel very fortunate. Downloads are amazing as well but to many hassles for me. It really comes down to ease of use and what suits your lifestyle the best.
I suspect that a lot of pressure has been placed on listeners by manufacturers that have invested in DACs and other computer based playback. They want to sell their new technologies and they greatly influence what the journalists write. Thus the word has gotten out that Physical Media will dissapear, that we all had better make the switch, etc.
I've dabbled in C.A. and only recently become to think that it may become a more often used format for me. Unfortunately my MacAir that is my server died, and I have a trip to the "Genius Bar" later today.
The first issue is sound quality. It should be at least as good as the CDs that I rip. USB has left me unsatisfied, and I've tried several ofthe work arounds. What did it for me is when I went to a firewire dac. I now believe the sound is at least as good, if not better, than the original.
The second issue is tagging. I listen exclusively to Classical Music and as others have noted it's a problem. It would be a good retirement project, but I'm about 10 years away.
The third issue is the computer itself. I hate being told that I need to download the latest version of itunes, that I haven't done a back up in the last 4 hours, or whatever. It detracts from the conveinence of the format.
It can definitely be a space saver. I am very attached to my thousands of discs and lps but realize that when I am on a fixed income and possibly spending sometime as a snowbird that I will be in smaller living quarters. The idea of having my whole collection on a hard drive or two tha I can transport if I wish is very appealing. I am trying to digitalize now and just hang on to my few hundred SACDs and Blu Rays but my purchases of CDs are still exceeding the removal rate.
The bottom line is that my collection has never sounded so good. Whether I'm playing CDs, SACDs, or C.A. via firewire, I feel very fortunate. Downloads are amazing as well but to many hassles for me. It really comes down to ease of use and what suits your lifestyle the best.