Streaming vs Physical Media


I have a decent digital front end with a Lumin U1 Mini (w/ external power supply) and a Border Patrol SE dac.  Have some CDs, but no transport.  Would a CD transport sound better than a streamer of similar quality/price?  

mdonda

Showing 1 response by singingg

I became an "audiophile" in 1968 when all I knew was that a very good system would enhance my love of  "listening to music". Hence, over the years, I have collected 6000 LPs, 4000 silver discs, and a few dozen cassettes. In addition I have perfected my streaming setup to reside as an equal to the physical media. I also use a tuner.

Any of the above formats, excluding cassettes and tuner with their obvious limitations, offer a wide range of sound quality. Take CD, which can sound from sublime to absolute digital screech!?! LPs, from sublime to noisy, warped, non-concentric, indistinct hash!?! Streaming, from sublime to you have to take what they give you, which is often mediocre and not a lot of fun to listen to!?!

If I was new to the hobby today, would I invest in physical media? Probably, but you have to store it and move it, but you own it!! And hands on has its own tactile joy. An evening playing LPs, with all the steps of flipping and cleaning, and reading album notes, is an evening well spent!!!