SACD v Streaming

Just thinking this through, my disc-based front end is maybe ~$9,500 ($5,500 MCT 500 and call it no more than $4,000 for the DA2 portion of the C53).  But a few of you suggest that matching this SQ might take $20K for a streamer/DAC combination?  I suppose from a consumer value standpoint, the convenience and flexibility of streaming versus discs accounts for the additional expense.  200 SACDs might cost $7,000, whereas Qobuz is $160/yr....

Nevertheless, it also seems there is a wide middle ground between my current streaming front end and a $20K setup.  I guess Christmas is coming, lol!

Ripped SACDs will sound just as good as a SACD player.

If you are going to change your setup I would suggest getting a good streamer that can also store CDs, SACDs, DVD-A etc.

Whatever streamer you buy it will need some type of isolation device, I use Ediscreation.

Then you will need an audiophile router and maybe an audiophile switch too, plus some decent network cables.

I've dialed back on the streaming and mainly listen to my music collection which has been ripped. There isn't enough time in my life to hear it all.

If you are sticking with your player and ripped music I would strongly suggest buying SACDs, SHM-CD, Blu-spec CD, HQCD, MQA CD and others from CD Japan and/or Discogs.

If your SACD player costs ~$10K then you should be able to get similar sonic performance (by carefully choosing) for around $10K - $12K.

I have never heard a streamer in the 10 K range but I am highly sceptical that spending into the stratosphere on a streamer will best SACD.  The key here from my standpoint is the DSD.  Perhaps if the streamer is used for DSD downloads it will rival SACD but otherwise I think it’s just chasing the asymptote.  I personally haven’t been able to tell much difference between a good $3K and a $10K streamer into the same DAC with FLAC

To equal the Marantz SA 10 SACd player on streaming , probably you have to spend a lot more. I listen to my friend house who is pure streaming, using good audio mirror dac and good streamer , it’s sounds good but I prefer my SA 10 , on good SACD recording it’s hard to beat.