My SACD Transport feeds so much better signal to my DAC compared with streaming end...

@cleeds I am pretty sure, at least the drive that companies like dCS, PS Audio, Wadax, etc are using.

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/d-m-will-end-production-m3-optical-transport-at-the-end-of-july-2024.38956/

I am not sure about their other product lines, but it does have significant impact on those independent transports. PS Audio's Paul McGowan also confirmed that their new PMG Signature SACD Transport will only have a few hundreds of supply due to the end of production. Hopefully they can figure something out or some other manufacturers (Luxman, Esoteric, for example) would be able to fill the gap. (I have no clue about that though.) 

@ghdprentice I agree with most of what you said. Streaming is certainly my primary chain which I spend most of my time with. I am planning upgrade my DAC to a MSB Discrete or Premier with Renderer V2 and I2S module so that SACD playback can be unlocked and I will get a much better streaming experience.

On the other hand, I still play CD for nostalgia, collection habit, and fun. I do see a strong value in CD playback, especially for classical music. I get too easily distracted when streaming! And the lack of booklet for most albums is plainly annoying. Some combination of physical and non-physical playback is ideal! 

I, too, am one of those who, after extensive comparisons, went to a streaming music exclusively audio system.  Oh, I still have all my old CD, DVD Audio, HDCD, and SACD discs sitting on the shelf collecting dust, but I no longer play any of them (just looking at them harkens me back to my youth).  Why?  Because I discovered that streaming, done right, at a high level, either matched, or trumped (mostly), the sound quality of my old physical media, whether it be via a transport/DAC combo, or a stand alone player.  I even stopped ripping CD's and just stream them, except for those that aren't available on Qobuz.  In over 30 years in the hobby, I've never been happier!!!  Happy listening.               

@kennymacc 

+1

I have found the key is streaming done right. I used to channel surf when the sound quality wasn't there. Then, when I achieved great sound... each album was captivating... and my desire to change completely disappeared. 

@kennymacc @ghdprentice Happy for your results. What streamer/DAC do you use?