2. digital
  3. 156079-7401

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. 
audphile1

Showing 4 responses by fundsgon

fundsgon
150 posts
 
Letch,
me too. My wife and I play albums and cd’s while sitting on our couch. We like looking at the covers and album notes, we find it very relaxing, and we connect. Streaming is good for background music so I’ll want to keep it as an option.
fundsgon
150 posts
 
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.

fundsgon
150 posts
 
Decathlon,
i stream from my Moon Mind to my Moon Supernova CD player’s digital input, so whether streaming or playing a CD, the DAC is the same. Source material for streaming is either my laptop (ripped cds) via Ethernet connection, or tidal via Ethernet. I also stream radio paradise and some jazz channels.

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. Just call me Dino, I’m okay with it.
fundsgon
150 posts
 
Thanks Lalitk, 
we’ll be looking for a replacement for our Supernova in the not too distant future. I would prefer to have a separate CD transport, and a DAC with streaming capabilities. Perfection would be a CD/SACD transport.

all the best.
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