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Who has found happiness giving up cd player?

My system consists of Amati Anniversario speakers, Boulder 865 integrated amp, and Esoteric X-03 player. I like it. But I want to move to computer based sources. And if I do that, I'd like to go completely computer based, trade in my X-03 while my dealer will still give me full credit for it.

I've explored a lot of options. I know about the options with Mac or PC, through XLR or asynchronous USB or firewire, but I still don't know what to do. Go with something relatively cheap like the Ayre QB-9, and wait for the SOTA to advance? Invest in a dCS dac, upsampler, and clock, and expect to keep that for a long, long time? I like the idea of investing for the long term, but I don't want to end up enjoying my ripped CD's less than through my X-03.

It doesn't help that auditioning opportunities are somewhat limited, especially with my speakers and amp. Or that my dealer is adamant that I won't be happy replacing my X-03 with any computer based source, for redbook.

So my question is, has anyone found happiness replacing a mid range player like mine (or better) with an entirely computer based source? Anyone miss their transports?

Thanks!
Daniel
daniel_a

Showing 1 response by hodu

hodu
312 posts
 
You can find happiness, but only *after* you've ripped your entire CD collection. And you'll have peace of mind only after you've backed everything up. If you've got lots and lots of CDs, the process can be not a little daunting -- and exceedingly tedious. And you won't want to do it all a second time. If you've got a thousand CDs and rip, say, 10 each morning before work, you are still looking at more than three months. So, try doing 10 in the morning and 10 more in the evening, and maybe 30 each on Saturdays and Sundays.
And did I say to be sure to back everything up?
Then, though, you'll find happiness. I haven't turned my CDP on in over a year. Holding onto the discs, though. 'cause you never know.
-- Howard
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