This thread sums up the dilemma for many of us considering moving from CD player to hard drive/DAC. There seems to be no agreement at all on where we are with the development of discless digital.
This comes down to the basic question. Are we yet at the point that $ for $ you are better off continuing with standalone players or going discless? What is the comparitive sound quality?
I know all these questions are discussed, ad nauseam, but I can deect no consensus at all.
Related to this, but a different point, Are we yet at the stage that using a server or PC/mac, is sufficiently user friendly, that non computer experts like me, can really contemplate the change? Looking at some of the posts on this and other sites, even one box solutions like Olive, ripping and playback is not simple, with frequent manufacturer upgrades to software.
The final point for me is, should you go for one of the purpose built HiFi servers like Naim for example, or the much cheaper Mac/PC route? Is there a difference in sound quality and ease of use between the two options.
This comes down to the basic question. Are we yet at the point that $ for $ you are better off continuing with standalone players or going discless? What is the comparitive sound quality?
I know all these questions are discussed, ad nauseam, but I can deect no consensus at all.
Related to this, but a different point, Are we yet at the stage that using a server or PC/mac, is sufficiently user friendly, that non computer experts like me, can really contemplate the change? Looking at some of the posts on this and other sites, even one box solutions like Olive, ripping and playback is not simple, with frequent manufacturer upgrades to software.
The final point for me is, should you go for one of the purpose built HiFi servers like Naim for example, or the much cheaper Mac/PC route? Is there a difference in sound quality and ease of use between the two options.