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

@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?

I use an Aurrender N100H with an Ayre QB-9 20 DAC for my headphone system. My virtual systems are posted under my UserID.

I use an Arrender W20SE and Audio Research REF CD9se for my main system. I have also tried other streamers and DACS like dCS, Grimm, Berkeley. 

I recommend Aurrender, even if used. Outstanding sound. I have tried others in lower tiers and have not found them as good. The DAC is no less important and I have found tends to have a greater impact on tonal balance, the streamer on detail.  fullness and noise. 

There are lots of good DACs available. I assume you are in the market for a less expensive ones than I have. Just be careful to make sure it is musical. Comparing sonic characteristics using AI is a great way to help you zero in on one. You’ll are unlikely to  be captivated by the sound if the components are over detailed and analytical sounding... it is the midrange warmth that conveys to emotional content.