I second the motions of the folks above regarding going to a server. My experience indicates that you don't take a quality hit - it actually gets better (at least compared to my CD player) as well as much more convenient. I went to a Mac Mini server for the same reasons you brought up - you get tired of changing CD's and you get to hear a lot of music you bought and forgot you had (i-tunes on shuffle - it was the first time I ever "got" the reason why the i-pod is so popular). I started out with a DAC much more modest than yours, but over time I've upgraded both hardware and software (Ayre USB DAC and either Amarra or Pure Music/Vinyl) and now have both the i-pod convenience and the best digital ever heard in my house - you don't have to say "it sounds good for digital" it just sounds good. Direct vinyl playback is still better, but I'm working on that. . . Based on the comments above, I assume your DAC has firewire. If so, a Mac and Pure Music would be a great way to go.
Music Servers vs. High-End CD & DAC--Help Please
Hello Audiogon Experts--I cannot begin to thank you enough for all I've learned from you the past 4 years:-)
I have B&W 800's / Denon 5308CI (a) / HT System / Great Cables / Blu Ray / Furman Conditioner / Sony CDP-1 SACD Player / Weiss DAC.
I like CD music in 2 channel, but dislike having to change discs all the time.
Is a higher-end music server like a McIntosh MS300 or equivalent with all my CDs recorded on it, run through my DAC, or even my Denon 5308CI (a) going to give me as good or better sound that using my stand-alone SACD?
Thanks in advance!:-)
I have B&W 800's / Denon 5308CI (a) / HT System / Great Cables / Blu Ray / Furman Conditioner / Sony CDP-1 SACD Player / Weiss DAC.
I like CD music in 2 channel, but dislike having to change discs all the time.
Is a higher-end music server like a McIntosh MS300 or equivalent with all my CDs recorded on it, run through my DAC, or even my Denon 5308CI (a) going to give me as good or better sound that using my stand-alone SACD?
Thanks in advance!:-)