Is computer audio a bust?

Haven't tried it, spend a lot of time doing other tasks on computers at work and at home. So, I put in a CD, sit down, listen, look around--and grab the laptop this is what it has come to.

Wired Ethernet network has had the most impact on sonics by far of any other computer-based configurations.

A network connection from computer server to sound making device/streamer is usually a good idea to help isolate sound making components from noisy computers.

My approach to since 07. Quarantining the electromagnetic radiation and other nasties from the computer is the "theoretical" advantage although people make arguments about similar issues with wireless.

07-14-14: Lindisfarne
Computer-driven audio is convenient, nothing more, nothing less. I really enjoy streaming Spotify but I'm not fooled into believing that it will ever replace a record played on a decent TT. And, yes, I also like physical CDs better than ripping.
Lindisfarne (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

I am in the same camp. Call me lazy but I listen to a lot more music than the laborious CD or LP spinning days.

07-14-14: Jfrech
I've bailed on it for now...the promise of DSD or DXD downloads might change my mind soon...

Why did you bail? I am about to take the DSD plunge myself. Am looking into the Auralic Aries for wireless transport duties.

07-14-14: Ghosthouse
Don't know your frame of reference. They might not be "high end"
enough for credibility with you but computer audio is working for me.

I have heard a lot of cheese whiz systems sound better than more blinged out systems simply due to proper implementation and setup....

07-14-14: Kr4
No promise. Running two server systems, both with full, multichannel DSD/DXD capabilities and files. The convenience is a given but the sound quality amazes.

What servers platforms are you using and what is your source materials for multi-channel tunes?

Most....If not all the music you listen to was mixed and mastered on a computer. I'd rather listen to my master sessions directly from my 2 track mixes via computer than burned to a disc. As a matter of fact....With hd so cheap I no longer save anything to disc and barely listen to disc.

However, for recreational listening I prefer vinyl. I wish I was engineer on a level that afford this option but I will have to stick with high rez masters for now.

No promise. Running two server systems, both with full, multichannel DSD/DXD capabilities and files. The convenience is a given but the sound quality amazes.

I finished my career at a specialty audio/video retailer. I witnessed the introduction and success of HD video, with larger and less costly flat panel displays and the attempt of sacd to be the best quality audio. CD playback improved along with better mastering and vinyl was resurrected to some degree. Now computer based playback of audio is the trend and people watch video on small screens - phones and computers. The computer industry is the only industry where failure is accepted and tolerated - the infamous crash. We all know the poor quality of mp-3 audio. In other words, size and convenience have taken over to a significant degree. Some of this reminds me of the poor quality of AM radio sound of my youth. Being retired, I am going to listen to the recordings in my collection rather than use the time to rip them to a computer based system. That being said, I am exploring hi-res downloads. I also use my I-pod as the main source of music for my car. I use apple lossless to get my cds into the I-tunes library and provide good quality sound. My younger customers grew to appreciate improved quality audio as they grew older. I believe this trend will continue with computer based playback. Many realize what they are not hearing when they are exposed to even modestly priced 2-channel and multi-channel audio systems. Overall, I just won't trust computers to take over my audio system. But, that's just my opinion.

Not a bust for me. After starting out skeptical and not hearing the benefit, I've
recently been very pleased with excellent sound quality and great listening
sessions with CDs imported to iTunes and played back via Seagate External HD
>>USB 3>>MacBook Air running BitPerfect>>Kimber USB 2>>V-Link 192>>DH
Labs Coax>>Schiit Gungnir DAC>>Stager Silver Solid IC>>Amp). I attribute the
recent improvement mainly to the Gungnir DAC (+ coax & power cable) finally
burning in. CDPs are Upgrade Company mod'd. Denon 2910 and TEAC CD3000.
Don't know your frame of reference. They might not be "high end"
enough for credibility with you but computer audio is working for me.

I've bailed on it for now...the promise of DSD or DXD downloads might change my mind soon...

I'm beyond happy with my computer transport but I couldn't listen to it before I got JPLAY. Could you go more in depth about what your/your friends' computers give up to the transports? If it's that digital glare or grain I'd recommend trying the demo of the aforementioned program.

Computer-driven audio is convenient, nothing more, nothing less. I really enjoy streaming Spotify but I'm not fooled into believing that it will ever replace a record played on a decent TT. And, yes, I also like physical CDs better than ripping.

I've had consistently good results using spdif for several years now and with various devices.

Not much with USB to-date but I do expect to investigate this more thoroughly very soon.

A network connection from computer server to sound making device/streamer is usually a good idea to help isolate sound making components from noisy computers.

Those are the main caveats I know of to get good results using good quality gear. Keeping noise and jitter to a minimum and using a good sounding DAC are keys in all cases regardless of the actual source device used.

Definitely NOT a bust if done right. Need not cost a fortune to do it well either.