Extremely problematic to make blanket statement about superiority of streaming vs. cd transports. Optimizing streaming is likely the most complex undertaking in audio, I doubt there are any two optimized streaming setups exactly the same. So many variables, and every single little thing matters.
In any case my original streaming setup was bettered by my PS Audio PWT, eventually with upgrades to streaming setup, streams and rips better than transport. Took many upgrades to turn the tables here. And I preferred my Mark Levinson No.37 transport (Phillips pro, much attention to mounting to chassis, less vibration) which unfortunately died some months prior. I'm quite sure I would have still preferred streaming vs the 37 ultimately, as I've since optimized streaming further from the point I preferred streaming vs PS transport. Almost forgot, I had modded my PS PWT, can't recall everything, remember using much better caps in critical areas. Anyway mods improved the transport, still not up to ML.
Also, keep in mind, dac inputs optimized differently. I have no doubt transports or streaming may be best, depending on situation. I also assume we'll see further developments in streaming, really in it's infancy. For me, streaming is the most exciting thing to come along in audio for ages. For content alone, even the largest cd or album collection can't beat it.
Still its good to continue to develop cd playback, my only concern is how much longer cd's will continue to be offered. Many releases are already streams only.
As for Mystique, Mojo dacs always been on my short list of dacs to upgrade if I ever felt the need. I like Benjamin's designs and implementation, he also understands the improvements boutique parts can make.
In any case my original streaming setup was bettered by my PS Audio PWT, eventually with upgrades to streaming setup, streams and rips better than transport. Took many upgrades to turn the tables here. And I preferred my Mark Levinson No.37 transport (Phillips pro, much attention to mounting to chassis, less vibration) which unfortunately died some months prior. I'm quite sure I would have still preferred streaming vs the 37 ultimately, as I've since optimized streaming further from the point I preferred streaming vs PS transport. Almost forgot, I had modded my PS PWT, can't recall everything, remember using much better caps in critical areas. Anyway mods improved the transport, still not up to ML.
Also, keep in mind, dac inputs optimized differently. I have no doubt transports or streaming may be best, depending on situation. I also assume we'll see further developments in streaming, really in it's infancy. For me, streaming is the most exciting thing to come along in audio for ages. For content alone, even the largest cd or album collection can't beat it.
Still its good to continue to develop cd playback, my only concern is how much longer cd's will continue to be offered. Many releases are already streams only.
As for Mystique, Mojo dacs always been on my short list of dacs to upgrade if I ever felt the need. I like Benjamin's designs and implementation, he also understands the improvements boutique parts can make.