This is my thought. I understand in the audio world that you can’t put a band-aid on equipment that is subpar. It is only as good as the limitations of the electronics. It took me a while to figure this out. I’m currently using a Cary Audio DMS600 DAC/Streamer that does both Tidal & Qobuz. I run it with a Cary Audio SLP-05 Preamp with the upgrade and with the Cary Audio CAD805 AE (Anniversary Edition) Monoblock amplifiers. My Turntable is a Clearaudio Reference with an Ayre PX5e Phono Preamp. My CD Player is a Sony SCD1 ES. I’m happy and love the sound all three sources put out. My Cary DMS600 gets as close to my other sources and I’m extremely happy. Streaming is coming along as technology improves. Pick a system you will be happy with and enjoy the music.
Network Transport vs. CD Transport
So I decided to conduct an experiment. I pulled the old Marantz cd player circa 1999, around $400 retail, from storage along with few CDs. Using a coax digital cable with a $4.97 rca to bnc adapter from amazon, I sat down to listen. I played the CD, the ripped version (AIFF) of that CD, and a Qobuz redbook version thru my zmac Mini. Long story short...the reason why I did it was because there is something missing in the Mac Mini sound quality and I got tired of trying to figure out what the heck is going on.
Anyways, that old cd player used as a transport into the Qutest DAC sounds considerably better than the Mac Mini that right now I will need a few days break before I can can listen to the Mac again. I figured (assumed) that a dedicated network transport will pretty much better the Mac Mini and be comparable or better than what I heard with Marantz player as transport. Eyeing Auralic G1, Lumin D2 and Lumin U1 Mini as candidates (I need wifi capability), will any of these be comparable or better than let’s say a decent CD transport feeding the Chord Qutest? For example a Cambridge CXC, or a used high end player?
I can go back to spinning CDs, but figured I don’t want to give up on streaming just yet.
What are your thoughts - Auralic G1, Lumin D2, Lumin U1 Mini, or a dedicated CD transport for high quality playback. Forget convenience, let’s talk purely sound quality...thanks!
System:
Rogue RP-1, Rogue ST-100, Martin Logan Montis, Chord Qutest dac.
Anyways, that old cd player used as a transport into the Qutest DAC sounds considerably better than the Mac Mini that right now I will need a few days break before I can can listen to the Mac again. I figured (assumed) that a dedicated network transport will pretty much better the Mac Mini and be comparable or better than what I heard with Marantz player as transport. Eyeing Auralic G1, Lumin D2 and Lumin U1 Mini as candidates (I need wifi capability), will any of these be comparable or better than let’s say a decent CD transport feeding the Chord Qutest? For example a Cambridge CXC, or a used high end player?
I can go back to spinning CDs, but figured I don’t want to give up on streaming just yet.
What are your thoughts - Auralic G1, Lumin D2, Lumin U1 Mini, or a dedicated CD transport for high quality playback. Forget convenience, let’s talk purely sound quality...thanks!
System:
Rogue RP-1, Rogue ST-100, Martin Logan Montis, Chord Qutest dac.
Showing 3 responses by decathlon1991
Audio streaming. It’s a good place to find new music, or provide background, other than that? Meh. I prefer the simplicity of physical media. What type of DAC and streamer are you using? I believe streaming has come a long way. Your gear definitely depends on the quality of the sound. If I was to pick, definitely prefer listening to music on my turntable. With the Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement Cartridge, very tough to beat. Some audiophile specialist did comment on my DAC/streamer was impressed how well it sounded. Some never thought it was as possible. At the end of the day, like I said, equipment combination makes all of the difference when it comes to the sound you’re looking for. Happy listening😊 |
“Audio streaming. It’s a good place to find new music, or provide background, other than that? Meh. I prefer the simplicity of physical media,” “the only thing I’m missing is a NAS to replace my laptop as the source for ripped cds. And an MQA compatible dac. And maybe better file management. Don’t forget a linear power supply. All that and more. streaming has too many nits that need picking for me to get too deeply involved with it.” @fundsgon, “It appears you have not explored all the available options. Streaming couldn’t be any more easier with a high quality dedicated audio servers. This is where ‘rubber meets the road’ and one gets to enjoy superlative SQ of streaming files. What you need to do is simplify your existing setup and go for one box device that allows streaming from Tidal / Qobuz, onboard internal storage for your rips and built-in internal DAC”. “You were seeking advise on DAC’s to eventually replace your Simaudio Supernova not too long ago. If you’re serious about digital streaming, I would look into Aurender and Lumin brands that offers one box players with built in DAC and internal storage”. This is why I asked the question earlier and offered a simple solution with the Cary Audio DMS600. It’s not cheap but neither is buying multiple items just to try to reach the the same goal of Hi Fidelity. It is a Hi End Streamer and DAC all in one. Check it out for yourself. https://www.stereo.net.au/reviews/cary-audio-dms-600-network-audio-player-review https://www.stereophile.com/content/new-cary-dms-550-and-dms-600-network-audio-players-sli-100-integ... https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/dms-600-owner-review |