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Network Transport vs. CD Transport

So I decided to conduct an experiment. I pulled the old Marantz cd player circa 1999, around $400 retail, from storage along with few CDs. Using a coax digital cable with a $4.97 rca to bnc adapter from amazon, I sat down to listen. I played the CD, the ripped version (AIFF) of that CD, and a Qobuz redbook version thru my zmac Mini. Long story short...the reason why I did it was because there is something missing in the Mac Mini sound quality and I got tired of trying to figure out what the heck is going on. 
Anyways, that old cd player used as a transport into the Qutest DAC sounds considerably better  than the Mac Mini that right now I will need a few days break before I can can listen to the Mac again. I figured (assumed) that a dedicated network transport will pretty much better the Mac Mini and be comparable or better than what I heard with Marantz player as transport. Eyeing Auralic G1, Lumin D2 and Lumin U1 Mini as candidates (I need wifi capability), will any of these be comparable or better than let’s say a decent CD transport feeding the Chord Qutest? For example a Cambridge CXC, or a used high end player?
I can go back to spinning CDs, but figured I don’t want to give up on streaming just yet.
What are your thoughts - Auralic G1, Lumin D2, Lumin U1 Mini, or a dedicated CD transport for high quality playback. Forget convenience, let’s talk purely sound quality...thanks!

System:
Rogue RP-1, Rogue ST-100, Martin Logan Montis, Chord Qutest dac. 
128x128audphile1
thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 
OP @audphile1 : thank you for coming back to your thread and giving an update to everyone. Not many people do so, as they disappear once they receive nice gents’ feedback and help.

Since you already have Roon, it will be a no brainer to let your Mac Mini handle the Roon Core duties and let your new “toy” handle the streaming duties. Then your issues with the proprietary Auralic streaming protocol will go away.

Enjoy!
audphile1's avatar
audphile1 OP
4,361 posts
 
@gelle I thought about the Nucleus. However, I needed a wifi capability. Didn’t want to run more wires for an access point, EtherRegen, etc.

@thyname I felt like I owe you all an update.
Things I’m not in love with right off the bat...
1 - Lightning DS interface. Decent and would do if I haven’t seen Roon. 2 - Qobuz on Lightning DS...can’t see different versions of the album. Can’t see bitrate until you start playing the album or track. Also the artist and album info is not always available. 3. With the HDD connected to the back of Auralic, missing bunch of album artwork. That was never an issue with Roon. What would it take to incorporate a call to a Discogs API or other source to pull down the metadata for cover art...not much at all. Not sure why Auralic chose not to go down that path. Other than that, no major faults and as I said before, the sound quality is far beyond what I expected. Both the mac mini and the CD player are out of my system now.
One interesting observation - the USB into the Chord Qutest DAC sounds better than via coax digital cable. 
fundsgon
150 posts
 
Decathlon,
i stream from my Moon Mind to my Moon Supernova CD player’s digital input, so whether streaming or playing a CD, the DAC is the same. Source material for streaming is either my laptop (ripped cds) via Ethernet connection, or tidal via Ethernet. I also stream radio paradise and some jazz channels.

the only thing I’m missing is a NAS to replace my laptop as the source for ripped cds. And an MQA compatible dac. And maybe better file management. Don’t forget a linear power supply. All that and more.

streaming has too many nits that need picking for me to get too deeply involved with it. Just call me Dino, I’m okay with it.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,108 posts
 
“Audio streaming. It’s a good place to find new music, or provide background, other than that? Meh. I prefer the simplicity of physical media,”

“the only thing I’m missing is a NAS to replace my laptop as the source for ripped cds. And an MQA compatible dac. And maybe better file management. Don’t forget a linear power supply. All that and more. streaming has too many nits that need picking for me to get too deeply involved with it.”

@fundsgon,

It appears you have not explored all the available options. Streaming couldn’t be any more easier with a high quality dedicated audio servers. This is where ‘rubber meets the road’ and one gets to enjoy superlative SQ of streaming files. What you need to do is simplify your existing setup and go for one box device that allows streaming from Tidal / Qobuz, onboard internal storage for your rips and built-in internal DAC.

You were seeking advise on DAC’s to eventually replace your Simaudio Supernova not too long ago. If you’re serious about digital streaming, I would look into Aurender and Lumin brands that offers one box players with built in DAC and internal storage.

Hope this helps!
fundsgon
150 posts
 
Thanks Lalitk, 
we’ll be looking for a replacement for our Supernova in the not too distant future. I would prefer to have a separate CD transport, and a DAC with streaming capabilities. Perfection would be a CD/SACD transport.

all the best.
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