AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => The HiRez Music Circle => Topic started by: Early B. on 10 Oct 2017, 08:05 pm
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Generally, has digital surpassed CD sound quality within the same budget?
I'm not asking to start a flame war or anything. I'll admit that I'm an ancient relic and I've simply been out of the loop for a while. A few years ago, many audiophiles argued that a digital setup wasn't necessarily an improvement in sound, but the main value was convenience. And in those days, it cost a lot more to do digital right. I just want to know where we stand today with regard to establishing a digital system that does four things:
1. exceeds CD sound quality
2. cost is comparable or lower than a traditional, high quality CDP or Transport/DAC setup
3. doesn't require spending money to download hi-rez tracks in order to get better sound
4. doesn't require a freakin' computer science degree! (let's just keep it simple)
Thanks.
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Do you mean streaming digital files from a computer (music server) vs a high end CD player? If so, then yes, digital files and servers and DACs surpassed spinning discs quite a while ago.
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Tyson +1.
I stopped spinning the silver discs going on 7 years ago. With 24/96 downloads from native 24/96, 24/176 or 24/192 digital recordings, the source itself is inherently better than a 16/44.1 CD source. In my case I found that files ripped to 16/44.1 WAV and played back via a PC was better than CD.
At this point I use a HAL MS-2 PC Music Server running WIN 10 Creator using jRiver to kernel stream all sample rates up to 24/192 as well as DSD 128 and 256 to an Auralic Vega.
Obviously YMMV, but computer playback works for me.
Scotty
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OK, thanks for your responses. That's very helpful. I'm listening.
Now let's talk about cost because that's a huge factor for me and probably for many others.
Let's say that I can buy a used, high quality CDP or transport for $1,500. With that budget, can I buy a comparable or better sounding music server? What other hardware would I need, i.e., an upgraded power supply, a USB interface, etc.???
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I have to disagree. With a well recorded redbook cd with my new redbook cd player. It surpasses what I have heard from a top end digital player and dac. I wouldn't say the difference is huge just slightly more transparent.
Having heard HiRez recordings I am not convinced it is better than a well recorded redbook cd. By redbook cd I mean 44.1/16 bit which could be used as a digital wav file on digital player or transferred to cd-r and played on comparably priced hi-end cd player.
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I'm not sure it's going to work out to make generalizations, but assuming all else is equal high rez files can definitely sound better and DSD better vs high rez PCM imo.
So everyone is right, it just depends on the particular gear in question. But it is not easy to beat a very good cdp or transport/dac, it wouldn't be cheap and an average computer w/USB into a DAC isn't going to come close.
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Even if a $1500 high quality CDP or transport can beat computer based player, if you use it a lot the transport will crap out in a couple of years and you are left with an unrepairable $1500 door stop.
I would never buy a used transport, no matter what the seller says there is a reason they are selling. As an example the Sony DVD player in my shop plays regular CD's but the CD's I made at home from .wav files no longer play and they used to play just fine.
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Early B., I believe that the HAL MS3 PC Music Server is still $799.00. It looks like all you may need is a USB cable and you are good to go. According to the GD Audio website your DAC has a USB input.
You can PM HAL for more information about the MS-3.
I think WIN Creator 10 is probably a game changer for a Windows based system, as this is the first time Windows has ever supported 24/192 playback with a OS level driver. This allows you to bypass factory ASIO drivers for all playback applications 24/192 and lower. I have also been able playback DSD 128 and DSD 256 DSD-DSF files with jRiver 22 using 24 bit integer setting.
At the end of the day, when all is said and done, you are listening to software when you listen to music using a PC as a source. The better the software is, the the better the music sounds. It appears that a factory supplied ASIO driver may not be the best possible alternative to an OS level driver doing the same job. Does the factory ASIO driver sound better than the OS level driver. In every instance this is a comparison that needs to be made and a question that needs to be answered.
The player software chosen also has an audible impact on the music and is avenue to potential future improvements in sound quality. Without spending a lot of money.
Scotty
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Even if a $1500 high quality CDP or transport can beat computer based player, if you use it a lot the transport will crap out in a couple of years and you are left with an unrepairable $1500 door stop.
I would never buy a used transport...
I just use a cheap CDP with coax out as a transport, works fine. No need to go "high end" if you merely need to spin a disc for an external DAC.
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Yes digital has surpassed CD, check this article: MQA is the best, the DXD master is 2, and CD is at the bottom:
https://www.audiostream.com/content/supplementary-listeners%E2%80%99-notes-2l-test-bench
The moral of the story is get the new iFi MQA Black Label DAC when it becomes available. :)
Yo can always use your CDP as a transport.
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The potential downsides of MQA are available in James Tanners posts in this now binned thread.
First post in thread http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=151245.0
and Post #93 http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=151245.80
Scotty
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James Tanner has stated he is still evaluating MQA, the Guys at 2L own a studio, create their own masters, make it available in every format, and published this study. I recreated the study in my own system at home by downloading the free tracks available on their test bench. I suggest anyone interested do the same, it's free and takes about 30 minutes. :D
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There's no question a server is more convenient. There is potential for a server to perform better than a cd player, but it's not a given and system specific. It can be a lot of work, and frustrating as well if you're not comfortable with computers. Some of the network players will allow you to stream Tidal if you wish (Sonore Rendu, SOTM network players) as well as playing your files.
Perhaps the easiest to implement are DACs with network connectivity like the the PS Audio Directstream Jr. They're plug and play. No software hassle. The Jr. has a network bridge (player) built in. MSRP is $4k, but they can be had for about half that. You'll still need music stored somewhere on your network, either a PC or a NAS. There may be other brands I'm not familiar with that are less expensive.
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(http://www.salksound.com/gallery/StreamPlayer%20Mini/a.jpg)
A Salk Sound StreamPlayer mini is only $1195, it's as close to plug and play as you will get. Salk has two more StreamPlayer models with even more options.
http://www.salksound.com/streamplayer.php?model=StreamPlayer+Mini (http://www.salksound.com/streamplayer.php?model=StreamPlayer+Mini)
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There's no question a server is more convenient. There is potential for a server to perform better than a cd player, but it's not a given and system specific. It can be a lot of work, and frustrating as well if you're not comfortable with computers. Some of the network players will allow you to stream Tidal if you wish (Sonore Rendu, SOTM network players) as well as playing your files.
I really appreciate the great responses, guys. Yeah, I'd definitely be more interested in a plug & play option. Also, the majority of the music I listen to isn't available in a hi-rez digital format, so I'd be copying CDs. May not be worth the trouble. I dunno.
The technical stuff that Scotty is talking about may be simple for some people, but I just want to hear music, not fiddle around with software and settings and such.
I think WIN Creator 10 is probably a game changer for a Windows based system, as this is the first time Windows has ever supported 24/192 playback with a OS level driver. This allows you to bypass factory ASIO drivers for all playback applications 24/192 and lower. I have also been able playback DSD 128 and DSD 256 DSD-DSF files with jRiver 22 using 24 bit integer setting.
At the end of the day, when all is said and done, you are listening to software when you listen to music using a PC as a source. The better the software is, the the better the music sounds. It appears that a factory supplied ASIO driver may not be the best possible alternative to an OS level driver doing the same job. Does the factory ASIO driver sound better than the OS level driver. In every instance this is a comparison that needs to be made and a question that needs to be answered.
The player software chosen also has an audible impact on the music and is avenue to potential future improvements in sound quality. Without spending a lot of money.
Scotty
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I really appreciate the great responses, guys. Yeah, I'd definitely be more interested in a plug & play option. Also, the majority of the music I listen to isn't available in a hi-rez digital format, so I'd be copying CDs. May not be worth the trouble. I dunno.
The technical stuff that Scotty is talking about may be simple for some people, but I just want to hear music, not fiddle around with software and settings and such.
That's why I bought a Sony HAP-Z1ES. I'll use that while the server/streamer/ethernet/power supply/etc/etc/etc nonsense gets a little more mature. You won't beat it without spending a lot more, I thought it was just as good as an Auralic Vega, better in some aspects (more accurate and neutral), and is a total self-contained unit.
However, these days there are getting to be better options mostly because of Roon software. If I remember right ELAC has a nice Roon based music server, if I was to go away from the HAP it would certainly involve using the Roon software... but it'll still cost more than the HAP.
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For me the process of ripping and storing CD's just got to be annoying. I had a PC based system but hated having to deal with it. Look at ALL the after market doo dads for same from USB devices, SOTA cables, FEMTO cards, and on and on. Any device that needs this much tweaking is inherently weak. I bought a SONY UHPH1 univeral player that has a USB port. I can plug a thumb drive/usb drive into it and have instant access to content, video or music files.It has a ton of apps for streaming. will play every format under the planet, disc or file based. I love the Sony HSEE DX which attempts to make standard files sound closer to hi rez. One box that sounds great, plays everything, and was around $300. Blows my computer front end away. The player they replaced it with for 2017 does native 4K but lost the RCA outs. This player is focused more on audio and upscales to 4K but does not play 4K discs.
https://www.whathifi.com/sony/uhp-h1/review
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bump
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Personally, I think using Roon with Tidal is pretty much end game for me right now. I take USB out of my PC, into a Mutec, and out to my DAC. Sounds good, is easy to use, and I can control it headless from my phone.
I too got tired of ripping my CDS, so I just stopped. Tidal is good enough for now.
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Personally, I think using Roon with Tidal is pretty much end game for me right now. I take USB out of my PC, into a Mutec, and out to my DAC. Sounds good, is easy to use, and I can control it headless from my phone.
I too got tired of ripping my CDS, so I just stopped. Tidal is good enough for now.
+1
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After taking everyne's comments under consideration, sounds like I'd be better off just sticking with my transport until it dies. Then I can re-evaluate my options. The main reason is that I'd have to seel my transport in order to purchase a digital front end, and I don't want to roll the dice.
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After taking everyne's comments under consideration, sounds like I'd be better off just sticking with my transport until it dies. Then I can re-evaluate my options. The main reason is that I'd have to seel my transport in order to purchase a digital front end, and I don't want to roll the dice.
Do you have an old computer or laptop laying around? If so you can try it out for yourself on the cheap. Just download Jriver onto your old computer and get a decent DAC with USB input for a 30 day trial. Then you can hear, definitively, in your own system, if PC audio is the way to go for you.
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If you go the PC route, I strongly recommend the use of a Schiit Eitr (USB to SPDIF), providing the DAC you choose has SPDIF. Small investment ($179.00) that provides a big return.
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Agree with Tyson. Even an old Netbook running Windows 7 or Windows 10 will sound really good if you optimize JRiver.
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Do you have an old computer or laptop laying around? If so you can try it out for yourself on the cheap. Just download Jriver onto your old computer and get a decent DAC with USB input for a 30 day trial. Then you can hear, definitively, in your own system, if PC audio is the way to go for you.
OK, I'll give it a try.
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If you have questions about setup on jRiver you can ask for help here or look in the FAQ section on the jRiver forum.
Scotty
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If you go the PC route, I strongly recommend the use of a Schiit Eitr (USB to SPDIF), providing the DAC you choose has SPDIF. Small investment ($179.00) that provides a big return.
What exactly does this do and what is the big return?
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Agree with Tyson. Even an old Netbook running Windows 7 or Windows 10 will sound really good if you optimize JRiver.
I did notice a big difference in sound between my two laptops - a 2010 Dell with Windows 7 and a 2015 Asus with W10 (better) - same JRiver software.
For free software, https://www.dbpoweramp.com/ to download and playback (no sound difference compared to JRiver) http://www.foobar2000.org/
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What exactly does this do and what is the big return?
Its function is literally in what you quoted:
"USB to SPDIF"
-Jim
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The OPs DAC appears to have a USB input saving him the cost of a USB to SPDIF converter.
Scotty
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The OPs DAC appears to have a USB input saving him the cost of a USB to SPDIF converter.
It seems that jseymour might be implying that the Schiit EITR interface would improve on the DAC's built-in USB input (?), and while that is certainly possible with some DACs, in the case of the Audio GD SA-2 I would tend to doubt that.
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I do not know the Audio GD SA-2, but what I have heard using the Schiit Eitr has me recommending it to anyone using a USB output from their PC. It is far superior to the Yellowtec PUC2 lite it replaced at less than half the price. True isolation, data and power, between the PC and DAC.
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I did notice a big difference in sound between my two laptops - a 2010 Dell with Windows 7 and a 2015 Asus with W10 (better) - same JRiver software.
For free software, https://www.dbpoweramp.com/ to download and playback (no sound difference compared to JRiver) http://www.foobar2000.org/
I run Foobar2000 on my PC with great results. Others like JRiver. Just depends on the interface you like. Foobar2000 is free.
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After taking everyne's comments under consideration, sounds like I'd be better off just sticking with my transport until it dies. Then I can re-evaluate my options. The main reason is that I'd have to seel my transport in order to purchase a digital front end, and I don't want to roll the dice.
Probably a good decision. Servers aren't a necessity for everyone. The technology is changing at lightning speed and the hottest thing today is obsolete by next week and therefore valueless and/or no longer supported. If you have friends with servers, spend time fooling around with them to see how you feel about the set up and control, as well as the sound quality. I'll be surprised if network attached DACs and integrated equipment don't become the norm.
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I dont think there is any question playing digital with an optimised CAPS computer with high end USB card running HQ player and quality DAC will kill any redbook player. Using HQ player and upsampling your files to 352 PCM or DSD raises this to even higher level, but it is a HUGE rabbit hole. :)
I agree, better to play your redbook machine into the ground. Im not to sure a basic laptop will better your CD player but certainly don't judge that as the end.
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Depends on what you use. If one is interested in state of the art redbook as opposed to computer audio there are some options. Budget is certainly a major consideration.
Lets put budget aside for the moment. May I suggest a modular design that never goes out of date. As new discoveries are made one only needs to obtain a new module. Yes at a cost but ya still have your original investment covered. I use an AQUA Formula DAC and Aqua Vida dedicated transport. Also have an Innuos Zenith mk2 music server. I use the I2s connection between DAC and transport over SPDIF. For Music server USB.
To date no computer generated music has yet to surpass the Trans/DAC combo. I am willing to try any computer to get more music. If your in NY area bring your best computer over and we can have some fun comparing. If this happens I will post results.
charles
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I know this thread is about comparative sound quality, but for me as a classical and jazz enthusiast the quality of my audio experience is inhanced by those little booklets included with physical CDs. It's usually no big deal when listening to popular music, but with classical in particular I love reading about the works I'm listening to, and for me there's no substitute for a physical booklet as opposed to reading the same thing on a screen. I'm probably a dinosaur for preferring physical booklets, but then I'm 60 years old and I tend to be a dinosaur in general!
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I know this thread is about comparative sound quality, but for me as a classical and jazz enthusiast the quality of my audio experience is inhanced by those little booklets included with physical CDs. It's usually no big deal when listening to popular music, but with classical in particular I love reading about the works I'm listening to, and for me there's no substitute for a physical booklet as opposed to reading the same thing on a screen. I'm probably a dinosaur for preferring physical booklets, but then I'm 60 years old and I tend to be a dinosaur in general!
No, us dinosaurs play vinyl because the notes are in larger print!
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No, us dinosaurs play vinyl because the notes are in larger print!
Dang it, beat me to the punch! Haha.
I will say this - if you have an iPad, then using Roon is perhaps the next best thing to large vinyl books/jackets.
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No, us dinosaurs play vinyl because the notes are in larger print!
:lol: And yet some of us still need a magnifying glass.
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I dont think there is any question playing digital with an optimised CAPS computer with high end USB card running HQ player and quality DAC will kill any redbook player. Using HQ player and upsampling your files to 352 PCM or DSD raises this to even higher level, but it is a HUGE rabbit hole. :)
I agree digital is superior to CD (in my case ethernet cables w/ a remote PC music server & a mini PC Network Audio Adapter) esp. w/ HQ Player upsampling. But it is "a HUGE rabbit hole" indeed ...
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There are also PDF's of the booklets with a lot of downloads of HiRez from HDTracks, HDTT and others for that reason. Nice on a 23" LCD monitor to read the notes.
I still have all my CD's. Just find they sound better on replay via PC. That and $5 will get you a cup of coffee. Listen to what you like. All media can be well done, just depends on the investment you want to make.
I still have vinyl as well, but have not used the rig in years. Oracle Delphi MKI with MKV upgrades table, SME 3009 Series 3 arm with Shure Ultra 500 cartridge, feeding a DSA Phono One unit. Decent vinyl rig, but surface noise, pops, clicks and mistracking are all part of the analog sound. Yeah, I have a record cleaner as well, have a lot of vinyl. Still prefer HiRez digital done correctly.
And if I do play vinyl again it will be via A/D at 24/192KHz with a minimum phase front end.
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Hi Res audio can be very affordable, if you think outside the box.
For example, youtube has some his res videos. In fact, many of the official and VEVO music videos are hi res (however, streaming knocks the sound quality down a tad).
Also, there are tons of DVD-Video (not talking about DVD-Audio) (and also Blu-ray) music video and concert discs available, both new and used. The minimum standard for DVD-video is 48khz. It can make a world of difference and sound head and tails above CD's. Search your favorite music store........under music, search "DVD". See what you find.
As a bonus, you get video too! What's not to like?! :D
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Well it depends. Depends on what you use. For me CD is better with transport. Transport feeds DAC with Ethernet cable. Server feeds DAC with USB cable. CDs ripped into server sound great. CD played on dedicate transport sounds better. Hi-Rez unless recorded in Hi-Rez sounds like crap to me. DSD recordings mastered in DSD sound excellent in SACD better yet. Using a 31K modular future proof digital front end. USB cable TWL, Ethernet cable TWL
charles
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Depending on your source, digital can easily beat any CD player or transport and DAC. Adding a good reclocker between the transport and a DAC without reclocking in it (such as a Metrum DAC) brings things more in alignment however. The main problem is jitter, as it has always been. The digital source depends a LOT on the player software. You will probably not get there with Roon or Jriver IME.
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Well it depends. Depends on what you use. For me CD is better with transport.
Many years ago, I hardwired my home instead of relying on a wireless network. Glad I did. To this day, I'll choose hard wired over wireless, in spite of the technological advancements wireless has made over the past 15 years. IMO, it's the same with digital.
To get digital to sound decent , you have to add extra components such as reclockers. Plus, you gotta be a damn near software engineer to control it all. The primary value of digital is convenience, not improved sound quality. Keep it simple -- a CD and a transport.
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I never owned a high end cd player, but did use outboard DAC's.
Since moving to 100% digital music leveraging a Rasberry Pi/Allo transport, and using my Grant Fidelity TubeDAC-11 I'm still happy.
Too long ago that I spun discs, so I cannot comment on fidelity - but the ability to access an entire ~50K FLAC collection from my phone and play it is excellent to me.
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To get digital to sound decent , you have to add extra components such as reclockers. Plus, you gotta be a damn near software engineer to control it all. The primary value of digital is convenience, not improved sound quality. Keep it simple -- a CD and a transport.
Re-clockers are needed to achieve good performance, but only for transports and jittery sources, like Sonos. Not needed for good USB or Ethernet digital sources.
Steve N.
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I found Srajan's 6moons review of Jay's Audio CDT2 Mk. II transport to be an interesting take on his perspective of physical vs. virtual media playback quality. (Yes, we know many hate 6moons and suspect their integrity because of their "pay for play" editorial ethos.) For what it's worth: http://6moons.com/audioreviews2/jaysaudio/1.html
I think a fair paraphrase of his conclusion was that high resolution files could eclipse the sound quality of physical media, but only under ideal circumstances with well mastered material. Even then, the margin of superiority was slim. To quote, "For Cd resolution files, USB/networking decks like the recently reviewed LampizatOr Superkomputer (6,000 euros) or Lumin X1 (13,000 euros) do compete head on with the CDT2 Mk. II disc spinner. To my ears, the simply don't outperform it. They just match it."
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Re-clockers are needed to achieve good performance, but only for transports and jittery sources, like Sonos. Not needed for good USB or Ethernet digital sources.
Steve N.
Music servers as well benefit from re-clockers. I do have a clock input on my DAC. Neve tried it. The server used will be getting a clock shortly. We shall see I mean hear.
charles
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After upgrading I find there is a lot of life left in CD. All depends on the quality of the original performance, and the mastering / remastering.
Nothing matters nearly as much as that.
I have performances on CD, that sound like I am in the same room as the performer(s). Other sound like the singer or musicians are playing in a bathtub to an old kiddie 3" tape recorder. And all sorts of places in-between.
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I think a fair paraphrase of his conclusion was that high resolution files could eclipse the sound quality of physical media, but only under ideal circumstances with well mastered material. Even then, the margin of superiority was slim. To quote, "For Cd resolution files, USB/networking decks like the recently reviewed LampizatOr Superkomputer (6,000 euros) or Lumin X1 (13,000 euros) do compete head on with the CDT2 Mk. II disc spinner. To my ears, the simply don't outperform it. They just match it."
I hate to quote 6moons, but the sentence I would pay attention to is this:
"If any conclusions can be drawn from so isolated a test, I'd suggest that production/mastering quality trumps sample rates by a fierce margin."
And I would add that in order to "outperform" physical CD, they would have to figure out a way to get rid of the USB cable from server to outboard DD converter/bridge and also the spdif cable from bridge to outboard DAC. Then, it can be done IME :thumb:
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After upgrading I find there is a lot of life left in CD. All depends on the quality of the original performance, and the mastering / remastering.
Nothing matters nearly as much as that.
+1
If I thought that screaming and yelling that would make a difference in the music world, I would. But they don't give a s.... mostly and wouldn't listen anyway.
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I hate to quote 6moons, but the sentence I would pay attention to is this:
"If any conclusions can be drawn from so isolated a test, I'd suggest that production/mastering quality trumps sample rates by a fierce margin."
And I would add that in order to "outperform" physical CD, they would have to figure out a way to get rid of the USB cable from server to outboard DD converter/bridge and also the spdif cable from bridge to outboard DAC. Then, it can be done IME :thumb:
There are already two ways to do this:
1) Ethernet with a good Ethernet cable and Switch
2) USB regenerator:
https://sotm-usa.com/products/tx-usbultra-regenerator (https://sotm-usa.com/products/tx-usbultra-regenerator)
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As I mentioned when the USB re-clocker arrives I will let ya know the difference. Using an Ethernet cable from transport to DAC as mentioned before.
charles
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I don't know why anyone is looking for digital to "surpass" cd quality. It will at best be equal with identical source material given that the actual cd transport is in good working order. If the cd transport is subpar the digital transport will be better.
I hate to quote 6moons, but the sentence I would pay attention to is this:
"If any conclusions can be drawn from so isolated a test, I'd suggest that production/mastering quality trumps sample rates by a fierce margin."
And I would add that in order to "outperform" physical CD, they would have to figure out a way to get rid of the USB cable from server to outboard DD converter/bridge and also the spdif cable from bridge to outboard DAC. Then, it can be done IME :thumb:
I second what audioengr said about Ethernet. You could also use a broadcast / audio engineer level sound card like:
https://www.lynxstudio.com/products/e22/
OR
https://www.digigram.com/production-and-sound-cards/vx222e-stereo-pcm-sound-card/ (I own this one. AES out to my dac)
The Hegel H360 I own has a Ethernet input that allows the H360 to output a digital to any dac. This is also better than any of the dozens of USB solutions I tried over the years. I owned a Rednet D16 AES (Ethernet) a few years ago and that was better than any USB I had heard but not on the level of the cheaper Digigram on direct comparison.
A DigiOne signature will also get you there without resorting to USB.
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To clarify my point, I am talking about getting rid of Physical cables altogether, e.g. USB cable, ethernet cable, spdif cable.
Case in point, witness those $$$$ audiophile ethernet cables that promise huge improvements, not to mention $$$$ USB cables, which to my ears still sound FAR from transparent when compared to a simple USB connector/adapter.
A huge problem with those "pro" sound cards is their Craptastic DB25 breakout cable looms which completely degrade transparency. I still have several DIY breakout cables I had to make in order to make my Lynx sound card half way decent.
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Yes digital has surpassed CD, check this article: MQA is the best, the DXD master is 2, and CD is at the bottom:
https://www.audiostream.com/content/supplementary-listeners%E2%80%99-notes-2l-test-bench
The moral of the story is get the new iFi MQA Black Label DAC when it becomes available. :)
Yo can always use your CDP as a transport.
No offense intended, but that is a press release submitted by partners with a financial stake in the success of MQA.
I'm not saying its not possible, but in the age of false information, one has to consider the source.
Regardless of the delivery of ones and zeros, it still comes down to the talents of the recording engineer. A bad recording is just that.
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I use Volumio on a 2GB Raspberry Pi4 feeding a Topping DX7s DAC via USB playing my collection of ripped CDs, SACDs, needle drops and downloads. I have hundreds of albums in 16 and 24 bit FLAC with bitrates of 44.1 to 192 kHz and DSF at 2.82 MHz stored on a NAS accessible on a WiFi mesh network.
I got rid of my last disc player in my stereo years ago. I believe the sound of my collection easily equals if not surpasses CD quality.
Martin