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Computer, CD transport or Network Player?

I currently have most of my music downloaded on my computer as FLAC files and listen to it through JRiver or Signalyst HQ (audio players for Windows) on my Dell desktop. The sound is amazing but I have a question and it is this:

Which do you find to have the highest sound quality;

1.  Redbook CD's directly played in a high quality CD transport?
2.  Ripped FLAC or Apple lossless files played through a high quality PC or MAC computer based audio player (such as JRiver or Signalyst for Windows or Vox or Clementine for MAC)?
3.  or music (from one's own private CD collection) loaded on a network player?

Using a DAC of course.
mewsickbuff
hgeifman
1,193 posts
 
If you decide on a computer, or a music server (like the Aurender), the device needs to be connected to the Internet using an Ethernet connection and NOT a Wi-Fi connection.  An Ethernet connection is especially important if you plan on streaming music using Tidal or something similar.  

In my case, I had to run an Ethernet cable under my house to my router that is located on the other side of my house.   I started using an Ethernet over power connection but discovered the sound quality was not solid and so I switched to an Ethernet connection.   My Ethernet connection is working perfectly and the sound quality is much improved over the Ethernet over power connection.
ejr1953
542 posts
 
The first option might have better control of the "timing" than the other two, and apparently the human brain can detect timing errors fairly easily (what some people characterize as "digital glare" or "digital sound").
mewsickbuff OP
124 posts
 
So, everest_audio, I'm understanding a dedicated music server is superior in sound to a computer and the music server doesn't need a DAC, correct? How is that possible? And randy-11, I'm understanding optical or WiFi eliminates computer jitter problems and also doesn't require a DAC, correct? The DAC is the most expensive item in my system. It seems going this route would be complicated (and expensive) to transition to. And I would still need a computer to rip CD's or download music purchased online.

It seems I'd need to purchase
1. a network music player probably with an upgraded PSU. (Takes the place of a computer). Does the player automatically playback HiRes, DSD or DXD files at their original resolution? If yes, it would take the place of JRiver and HQPlayer, too.
2. a media controller (probably an iPad (I don't care for i anything) with an app to browse and control music playback). (Takes the place of a monitor, mouse, keyboard and JRiver and/or HQPlayer)
3. a Network Attached Storage (NAS) where all my music files would be stored (Takes the place of a computer).
I already have a (wired/wireless) WiFi network connection. Again, STILL I'd need my computer to rip CD's or download music. So I'd be trading 2 expensive boxes (NAS & music player) for 1 computer and 1 DAC (or would I still need a DAC)?  Also trading 1 iPad and app for 4 items-mouse, keyboard, monitor & JRiver). Is this correct? If not please let me know because this new technology is just so complicated to me. Please keep in mind my number one priority is superior sound quality.
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