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Sound Quality of red book CDs vs.streaming

I’ve found that the SQ of my red book CDs exceeds that of streaming using the identical recordings for comparison. (I’m not including hi res technology here.)
I would like to stop buying CDs, save money, and just stream, but I really find I enjoy the CDs more because of the better overall sonic performance.
 I stream with Chromecast Audio using  the same DAC (Schiit Gumby) as I play CDs through.
I’m wondering if others have had the same experience
128x128rvpiano
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,465 posts
 
Brayeagle,

The good news is most streaming services I looked at amazingly carry multi performances of the same work. If you’re into classical, there’s one that’s far above the rest:  IDAGIO.  It has numerous search engines to find anything you want, and is devoted solely to classical. Only $10 a month!
Another good one is Qubuz, but it’s not just for classical and it’s more expensive.
wolf_garcia
6,631 posts
 
I use streaming for background music with the same DAC used for the CD player (my DAC has 2 sp/dif inputs), and CDs for serious listening. Redbook CDs have been getting some props lately from interesting people like Alon Wolf among others. A good spinner with a good DAC can sound great, and I think the rumors of a "CD Revival" fad are pretty funny.
sorlowski
236 posts
 
In my experience good quality CD transport sounds better then good media server see thread: "Aurender N10 and audiophile network devices ". But Aurender when streaming from Tidal sounds excellent. I do not have explanation why. It is just what me and my audio-buddies are hearing on our sessions. IMHO even best digital is inferior to similarly priced turntable which is inferior to similarly priced R2R. Which is a pity because of inconvenience.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,465 posts
 
What’s an R2R?
brayeagle
362 posts
 
rvpiano

Thank You!

George
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