Best solution to send digital files to my DAC


Hi All,
I’m a novice when it comes to digital audio, so:
I have a very good DAC feeding into a good preamp. I have many digitized CDs and hi-rez files stored on my computer, but I would rather transfer them to a better audio device.  What is the best device(s) on which to store all my digital music and send it to my DAC. I don’t care about connectivity with any other devices; I just want to know what’s the best thing to use. Is it a streamer? A server? What’s the difference? What is the simplest way to get the best possible quality from a storage device to my DAC?
Thanks in advance.
Rustler
Ag insider logo xs@2xrustler

Showing 2 responses by kahlenz

I use a CD player, digital out to DAC.  I also stream wirelessly from any Apple device to an Apple TV or an Airport Express.  I also have a Chromecast Audio that works well.
This works for me because I can't really hear any difference between 16/44.1 and any higher resolution.  Jitter may be a problem for some, depending on your DAC (you can always try out a re-clocker).
I know my opinion is controversial.  I have taken super hi-res files downloaded from HD Tracks and listened to them direct with headphones, and then listened to the same source through the AEX (which downsamples to 16/44.1) and my accuracy at identifying the source (blind testing) is 50%.  If there is a difference, I cannot discern it with any of my equipment.
Another thing to consider is streaming services.  I use both Tidal hifi and Idagio.  Most anything I want to listen to is available from those services, so the need to go out and buy music, either physical or downloaded, is greatly diminished.  I will buy an occasional obscure recording, and I will buy records (another story for another time), but I have significantly downsized my collection of CDs.  I have about 75 CDs ripped to a hard drive (mostly alac, some Flac, about 50GB), but stopped when I realized most of that material was available on Tidal.  My 500 or so CDs do not take up much room, and I enjoy reading the liner notes!
Again, my approach works because I am completely satisfied with Redbook quality.  If you are pursuing higher resolutions, your life will become considerably more complicated and expensive.  I am blessed that I cannot tell the difference!