I have had a different experience. I have owned some great CD spinning transports from CEC, Teac, PS Audio and others, but my music has never sounded better than it does now. I ripped my 1200 CDs to my Innuos Zen 3 and stream from Tidal and Qobuz.
My CD spinners sounded no better for sure. It all depends on the care and attention you give to the small details with non-CD digital front ends. I use top grade ethernet cables from SOTM, a SOTM Switch/router powered by a nice LPS, LPS on my modem, top grade USB cables and an Ideon 3R Master Time USB reclocker.
I am not convinced or agree with blanket statement that “CDs always sound better”. They don’t always. They can and cannot depending on the system and set up details. With digital front ends everything really does matter.
My CD spinners sounded no better for sure. It all depends on the care and attention you give to the small details with non-CD digital front ends. I use top grade ethernet cables from SOTM, a SOTM Switch/router powered by a nice LPS, LPS on my modem, top grade USB cables and an Ideon 3R Master Time USB reclocker.
I am not convinced or agree with blanket statement that “CDs always sound better”. They don’t always. They can and cannot depending on the system and set up details. With digital front ends everything really does matter.