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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
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
5,098 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.
decathlon1991
212 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”. 

This is why I asked the question earlier and offered a simple solution with the Cary Audio DMS600. It’s not cheap but neither is buying multiple items just to try to reach the the same goal of Hi Fidelity. It is a Hi End Streamer and DAC all in one. Check it out for yourself. https://www.stereo.net.au/reviews/cary-audio-dms-600-network-audio-player-review
https://www.stereophile.com/content/new-cary-dms-550-and-dms-600-network-audio-players-sli-100-integ...

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/dms-600-owner-review
letch
105 posts
 
Interesting thread. I'm getting my system setup again after years of sitting in boxes. Lots of traveling and a move. With WFH likely to be my new normal it seemed time. I've been listening to CD's in rental cars until the last few months when I've been unable to get one with a player. I listen to ripped CD's on my workstation while I do work from home, or Photoshop (I'm a photographer) or Davinci Resolve, etc. I work in tech so work with server, databases, etc. As I'm setting up my listening room, I was looking into redbook players and found this thread about streaming. After reading the histrionics required for streaming I'm definitely going to stick with physical media. The other issue is that I'm thinking that a "no-internet zone" would be good for sanity in these times. I've always preferred the singular experience that comes along with an LP or CD that needs to be changed. Keeps me listening to the thing I've chosen rather than a stream of content flowing in the background. Probably another focus approach to keep me sane.

The idea of what sounds better is a concept that lost interest for me years ago when I realized that I was spending more time listening to the same few reference CD's to try out all manner of: cables,  power conditioners, gear, pucks, what have you. These days I just want to kick back and listen. Now excuse me while I go and obsess over what cheap redbook player to buy since my Micromega Stages haven't survived the move.
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