To those with Digital Libraries - Some Questions...

@fire_water  -- not sure what's so confusing. I stream from Qobuz and also use my local collection (65k tracks) which is always available even if the internet is down, though that's a rare event for me.  

The big question for you is how to create your local library.  Generally, one either rips CDs or you download files.  You'll need to rip CDs on your computer and copy to the storage drive, or download them and move them to the storage drive. (And don't forget you'll want backups in case something happens to the primary storage device.)  My understanding is the the Pulsar's Sense app works with an external USB drive, however I don't have an Innos product so can't offer any further details.  

@mlsstl thanks for the info. When I said "confused" I was implying if one method is better than the other in terms of sound quality.  Whether it's a purchase of a digital file or an actual CD I'm still purchasing music.  A digital file is quick vs a CD which you have to wait for. At this point in the game I'm just interested in sound quality but which is my understanding that this also depends on the master itself, correct?

@fire_water -- personally I find no difference between a CD rip, a download, or internet streaming with the one proviso that they are all from the same master. Obviously, a remaster will often sound different from the original release. For example, some of the more famous classic rock albums have been remastered multiple times, each sounding a bit different from the others.  And the remaster can sound worse, especially if it was a victim of the "loudness wars".  

However, other people disagree and will state the CD sounds best, or vice versa. I'd suggest that you do some experimenting and decide for yourself. 

@mlsstl 

+1

No difference between rip and CD on my system. If you hear a difference between those of the same mastering the difference is in your equipment. 

This thread couldn't have come at a better time. I'm at cross roads - so do I build a digital library of local files, or add a CD transport or a turntable.  Currently my only source for music is streaming through my Innuos Pulsar which works phenomenal but it's limited to the internet and when the internet is down in rural Ontario Canada I have no music. 

From the research I did building a local library of curated albums looks simple using a WD Red SN700 with 500GB, 1TB,  2TB  or more depending on how much music you want to store.  The WD Red is then inserted into a Sabrent EC-SNVE enclosure that plugs into my Innuos Pulsar with a USB (the Innuos Sense app is designed to include local files).  My library will be small and consist of only a dozen or so albums that I absolutely can't live without and to help get me through when the internet is down. Storing your local library in 24-bit/96kHz FLAC is generally the sweet spot for high-end digital playback. It gives you an excellent balance of immaculate fidelity and storage efficiency, letting you comfortably pack around 5,000 tracks (roughly 300 to 400 full albums. That's a lot of music! Qobuz and ECM have a lot of Hi-res albums that I've already started selecting. 

Or do I get a CD transport to work hand in hand with my Accuphase DC-1000 DAC.  And who doesn't like a beautiful turntable to look at amongst their components! Plus a turntable definitely adds a different FLAVOR to what I've currently adapted to. 

Honestly for a small curated collection of albums I could go with any of these 3 options.