I appreciate your reply. I hope that you continue to enjoy your streaming audio system for years to come,
Charles
Showing 16 responses by charles1dad
I have zero issue with your intention to add as you put it balance to this discussion. I suspect that most following this thread feel the same. I've inquired several time out of genuine curiosity for you to cite or describe these credible people who dismiss digital streaming path noise as a factor affecting sound quality. I have listed previously the names of highly esteemed manufacturers who do believe that noise is a real and present issue. They have produced and offer ultra quality streamers/servers based on this concept. I'm simply asking you who are the designers/developers/builders (Credible as you put it) of these type of components who believe noise is a non factor? What have they produced? Thanks. Charles |
Fair point and observation, I readily acknowledge there are conflicting perspectives. Referring to those with alternative views or outcomes as "mythology" is smug and pejorative in my opinion. My main point is that the really upper echelon streamer/server manufacturers seem to have identified signal path noise and power supply quality as the glaring weak links. Most say products from companies such as Taiko, Antipodes, Grimm, Pink Faun and so on have achieved superb sound via this focused approach. So if they are mistakenly attributing fault to the wrong "focused" on factors, what explains their high level of sound quality as a result of their efforts? For those who say noise is not an issue, what do they believe accounts for obvious different tiers of sound quality amongst various servers/streamers? Or is there denial that sound quality differences even exist? Charles
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My thoughts exactly. The Audiolab 6000 CDT is very nice for 500.00 USD. But to be perfectly candid, you can go substantially above and beyond with upper tier CD transports. Far higher CD playback sound quality via transport is easily achievable. Charles |
"Mythology" ? There are always differing opinions and experiences especially with regard to High End audio. It appears to me reading comments from very credible and experienced members on this forum and say WBF that these additional parts/accessories used in streaming are in fact beneficial and improve sound quality. I suppose it is easy for some to write this off as "mythology" expectation bias, delusion and all the usual fallback dismissive/mocking terms for those who do hear results with these products. What makes those who claim streaming signal noise is not a problem (Non existent) and the noise addressing products (Switches/filters/cables etc.) aren’t necessary anymore credit with their contentions? Charles
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Hi,, Again no disagreement with your comments. My point is that Taiko Audio is an example of a company with a very committed and focused approach to tackling the inherent noise issues associated with streaming. I didn’t intend to suggest that they have completely solved the problem and that “all” noise has vanished. Some manufacturers are further along this path than are others. Charles |
Good point and I think this is precisely what all out efforts like Taiko Audio with their Extreme music server is an example of addressing the noise and power supply issues. By all accounts its sound quality is sublime.It seems to eliminate the need for multiple digital streaming component/parts signal path add ons. https://taikoaudio.com/taiko-2020/ Charles |
Thank you very much. I do not disagree with a word you wrote. I do not stream but I have no doubt that it is capable of excellent sound quality. It just requires more work due to hunting and eliminating many noise entry points. CD transports are an older and now mature and sorted out medium. as @nonoise wrote above, engineers know how to get disc playback right if they are committed to putting forth the effort. Much easier and simpler to get it right with CD transport relatively compared to digital streaming at this point in time. Routers/switches/ethernet/optical/optional LPS/ etc. Lots to consider with streaming, but if done right the listener is rewarded for his painstaking effort. Thus my firm belief that either chosen route can sound superb if using high quality components and a clearcut plan of approach. Charles |
I have not heard the Audiolab 6000 CDT but it receives consistent positive comments for sound quality at a very affordable price. @bkeske @mksun congratulations! I hope at some point you all are able to hear the Pro-Ject RS2T and Jay’s Audio CD transports. 1 Much attention addressing vibration/resonance of the spinning drive unit. 2 Fully discrete analog output stage circuit (They eschewed op-amps). 3 Serious focus on power supply quality. No doubt this device does justice to playing disc media. Charles
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The truth. This is a repeated topic on this forum. The answers do not change. Setting up a good streaming system is very doable but can (Potentially) be finicky and sometimes complex with numerous digital signal path pieces and cable hookups. Depends on individual effort and commitment, Streaming I'll concede can be utterly convenient and offer vast library access to all music genres. In terms of sound quality I'd readily put up a very high quality CD transport like the Pro-Ject RS2T or Jay's Audio CDT 2 or CDT3 against any streamer option mentioned thus far. These transports are not cheap but they offer very high sonic performance from Redbook CD. Very high. My stance is you can achieve excellent sound quality with either digital source option tied to a good DAC. CD transports and streamers can peacefully coexist. Charles |