Lossless Files Vs CD's

>2.5mm scratches along the disk are very likely causing interpolation of data. Scratches longer than 8.5mm (12000 bits) would result in clicks. I'm not sure how audible is the difference between brand new CD and server, but data stored on the server's hard disk doesn't deteriorate and has no timing.

Server driving DAC directly might be subject to timing variation caused by computer and playback program but when data is delivered in packets without timing (Wireless, Ethernet etc) the only thing that counts is quality of the clock used by remote device (assuming bit perfect transmission like with my Airport Express). When this clock is jittery it might require stand alone reclocker or jitter suppressing DAC.

Another thing I like about server is ease of use. I can find CDs much faster but also search whole database by artist, composer etc. I also created playlist for different uses like "Party Music" or "Dance Music". Backups protect not only in case of hardware failure but also fire theft etc. (wise to keep backup in remote location)

"in the direction that is followed by the spiral track"

Al, that's what I meant by "along the disk". I'm still amazed that it works that well. Once external DAC is involved the choice of transports opens to DVD or Bluray players that have very good tracking and usually (at least with dedicated DVD players) poor analog outputs. Hidden benefit of using DVD player is inherent support for MP3 playback.

My attempts to create separate network failed since OSX allows one wireless infrastructure network at the time while Airport Express does not work ad-hock. I ended up with dual band router (Mac has dual band adapter) serving music at 5GHz and other computer at 2.4GHz. Ralink utility scan shows no networks other than mine on 5GHz. I'm not surprised since 5GHz routers are not common. Also 5GHz propagates poorly thru the walls (blessing). No dropouts ever !!!

Xerox copy might be good analogy, but it is different with CDs. I cannot find any difference with headphones or the speakers between original CD and the CD-R copy. If anything, copy SHOULD sound better than original because ripping program, I use, reads CD as data - meaning it will go many times to the same sector until it gets proper checksum while CDP cannot do that, working in real time (most of them), and at certain point it will interpolate missing data. Of course it doesn't make much difference when CD is brand new but it might when CD has scratches. There is so many other thing involved including ambient electrical noise, that affect playback quality that in each setup you might get different results. Again, IN MY setup I don't hear any difference between CD and CD-R.

I absolutely agree with Al (as usual). Good ripping program can be set to read the same sector forever until checksum is valid. If anything, copy is better than original, becoming exact studio data while CDP often interpolates.

In addition to often better quality, as very experienced Audioengr stated, it is matter of convenience as well, not to mention that digital copy cannot be scratched and can be protected from fire, theft etc. (backup).

Once bit perfect ripping is done the only thing (other than DAC itself) that affect quality is jitter.

I would offer this suggestion to you - when in doubt - read Almarg explanation. All people on this forum can testify to that.

I can pretty much repeat what Al said but I won't bother with someone who makes ugly suggestions.