I bought a NUC and set up Roon on it and then burned all my CDs to a hard drive. I have a hard time believing that there is a difference in in bits and bytes from one format to another. Does a good streamer, DAC, clock make a difference, I think so but at the end of the day are you feeding them the same bits and bytes?
My CD-player stopped working. Does it make sense to invest in a new CD-transport?
My older CD-player stopped working, so I am considering whether I should go now for a new CD transport. Most of the time I stream audio (Qobuz) and I have a many €€€€ streamer and DAC. So no need for a CD transport?
However, though I haven't bought a CD for at least 10 years, some people say that a CD still sounds better than streaming. And I have a huge collection (classical, jazz, blues, pop). I was looking at the front loader Teac PD 505t or the newer model PD 507t (about €1000-1300). Does that make sense? Or just forget about CDs and CD-players, keep or rip some for the good memories when buying them, and donate or sell the rest? What do you think?
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Good idea. But putting together an analog system of comparable performance can be a real rabbit hole. There is more to it aside from exercising. The “ceremony of playing vinyl” is absolutely a big part of the appeal. There’s something about the physicality: pulling the record from the sleeve, brushing the dust, setting the clamp, lowering the tonearm. It slows you down and puts you in a listening mindset. You don’t just listen to music, you commit to it. Sonically, digital can be cleaner, quieter, and more convenient. But vinyl gives you that tactile, intentional experience that no streamer or transport can replicate. For a lot of people, that ritual becomes part of the enjoyment, sometimes even more than the sound itself. I grew up playing vinyl, and that ritual is a big part of my memories. |
I agree with @ghdprentice . I stream 90% of the time. Older recordings on CD’s are constantly getting remastered at higher bit and sample rates, and they usually sound better on Quboz. Laser drives don’t last- most have plastic gearing that wears out and the lasers also seem to get misaligned. My Aurender N200 is the best audio investment I’ve made, next to my Yggdrasil. |
My 1st CD Player was awesome, loved it, collected over 4,000 cds over a lot of years. https://www.hifi-classic.net/review/onkyo-dx-7500-430.html Eventually the drawer gave me trouble, I fixed it myself half a dozen times. Next, I gave it away out of frustration, and ended up with mediocre players, then a highly respected Oppo, then re-discovered Vinyl, didn't play CDs for a few years then I wanted an SACD player, asked here, took advice and got a lightly used Sony XA-5400ES, It sounds so good I re-discovered my SACDs,, CDs, and have even bought some used ones. Don't waste your time compromising, go for something a cut above, with low hours on the laser. |
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