SACD v Streaming

a nice cd player will outperform a streamer easily until you start getting into the $20K and up streamers and even then they can still be better

You can do both streaming and use a disc player as well.  A couple years ago, I had one of the top Esoteric SACD players and of course, it was awesome sounding.  Prior to that, I had one of the modded out Denon universal players and it was absolutely awesome as well playing SACD and DVD Audio discs, etc.  Over the years, I’ve owned several pretty incredible disc players and thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them.  However, once I discovered just how incredible streaming at a high level was capable of sounding, I eventually sold the disc players and put together a much more simplified, high quality, streaming only audio system.  Now, I stream my music exclusively via Qobuz and enjoy it immensely as well.  I just love the new amazing sounding technologies in high-end audio!!!  Happy listening         

mattsca

Nice place to start with SACD! As above, a nice CD/SACD player will out-perform a streamer. I concur, $20K and up, server/streamer(s) improve.

Happy Listening!

The equation for equal or better sound quality from streaming has been changing rapidly over the last few years. If you carefully choose components then Streamer ~ = DAC… which should = preamp or amp. I’m not sure of your system… but I would guess a $5K DAC and a $5K streamer. They a used Aurrender N20 or N200 streamer. I’m not that familiar with DAC’s in that price range… it must be of the flavor you like. Esoteric is pretty analytical sounding if I remember correctly. Can it be a DAC only? If so, then only a good streamer is required.

SACD can sound amazing.  I have never had a streaming experience that can begin to rival the best of SACD.  Not all SACDs are that quality, however.  It depends on many factors and as always the quality of the original recording is the biggest determinant 

The mastering of the material and the DAC that's performing the conversion to analog matter more than what the source media is. 

If I play a SACD on my Oppo player, it's not going to sound anywhere near as good as even a 44/16 file of the same song will through my streamer and DAC.  The DAC in the Oppo can't come close to my DAC.

However, if I send the 96kHz data from the SACD, using the Oppo as a transport to my DAC, it will sound wonderful, provided it's well mastered.  In general, SACDs are well mastered and intended for the "audiophile" crowd.

Ok big_greg explain how you send 96kHz from your Oppo (used as a transport) to your DAC? What is your DAC? Are you using HDMI cable?