Streaming an aid to enjoyment

@antigrunge

• "My experience meanwhile is 180 degrees opposed to the OP. Anyone claiming that ripped CD sounds better than a Qobus HD stream most likely hasn‘t spent sufficient effort in tweaking their streaming setup. There are numerous threads here on improving streaming quality and inserting filters in the ethernet connection, using short high quality cables between filter and streamer, tweaking the router and obviously ascertaining you got enough bandwidth will result in streaming beating ripping by a coutry mile"

Agreed. Upgrading to an Innuous Zenith MK3, a separate gigabit ethernet switch with an Ifi low noise power supply, supra cat 8 ethernet cable, and an AudioQuest USB, improved my streaming immensely, way better than CD alone. Of course my dac and the rest of the system has a lot to do with that -- but I love it. Currently auditioning the ISO REGEN by Upton Audio. So far so good, the Bill Evans Trio is all but with me now.

Agreed!! Some tweaks worked, some made no difference, some couldn't hurt. All researched here, through reviews and a couple dealers I like. Ultimately, however, all components and tweaks were purchased  for my room and preferences. I didn't even know I could experience such good music/sound with a system I could afford before I found this forum. In my case, relying on local highend dealers would would have robbed of the pleasure of researching and experimenting  with this stuff.