Going File Based

I get the convenience bit but never heard a file system do anything in terms of sound quality that a decent CD player can't.

As for vinyl was reading this the other day about the quality of record store day vinyl releases - warped pressings, noisy pressings, off centre pressings all at £25 to £40 a pop! Doesn't seem to put them off though forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/2019-rsd-pressing-quality-reviews.830091/ Personally I got fed up with it.

I’ve tried files a couple of times. Something lacking after a while, but it’s the lack of interaction I ultimately didn’t like. I found myself listening less and less. It’s a bit like radio to me. Only for background and even then I’d rather have some involvement.

Down to individuals and what they seek, I guess.

I've heard file sound a bit flat and 2D on the other hand the best 3D soundstage and imaging I ever heard by a country mile was from files from a PC. I think that is all down to the rest of the system mostly. Hash and mush I agree can cause problems with any digital playback. 

All 1’s and 0’s are the same aren’t they, haha!

Jitters not really an issue but there are other factors beside jitter that have to be considered. Different digital sources sound more similar than different turntables that is true but there are still audible differences between at least some CD players so it isn't quite so cut and dried.


Personally I like to sit down and listen to a whole album, I never skip tracks. So there's no advantage there for me.

All 1s and 0s are identical, computers rely on that as fact

Output stages are not identical though...

My experience over the last couple of years is that a well set up streaming system will outclass any CD player fed system per se. The real issue is how you set up the streaming and then what dac and amp processes the feed. PC’s and mac’s are fine for storing and making the music in flac data available. The secret is not to use them for any form of signal processing.

I have listened to streamers currently available from high end Hi-Fi retailers in the £13,000 bracket. IMHO, they offer nothing in terms of performance over a well set up Raspberry Pi based system, one I actually use, albeit now only for streaming Radio Paradise to get around RP data restrictions which they are working on, so it may well become (expected) obsolete shortly anyway.

In the last few years, I have changed my system massively, moving from DIY valve based systems to (through several steps) to a Devialet totally integrated 250 Pro Core Infinity amplifier which in one ‘Pizza box’ has everything any multi-box system has. In the long run, cheaper than a quality multi-box system and the space saving is agreeably enormous.

So, my Pc stores my library, but I use a Green Computers (music dedicated) sonicTransporter (around £600) to process and feed the system using Roon as the service provider. Roon lifetime membership is around £500. £1,100 for the best lifetime streaming system service available with regular free software upgrades always driving towards better sound quality. Furthermore, should your ears not like the sound of the latest upgrade, no problem, revert to any previous software file that meets what you like. £4,000 for a good CD player that does nothing beyond it’s time of sale capability? You must be fucking mad! I’ll challenge anyone to provide a CD player that could make my system sound better. Anyone making such a claim is either cloth eared or in denial.

The real issue is a matter of ignorance where the industry is advantageously milking, or as a certain person would claim is ‘slurping’ the market. A quality streamed music service can be done for a price much lower than the market presents. You just need to do a bit of exploration on the web to find out more.

Classicrock, I know you are in Bristol like me. You are welcome here for any comparison on your views compared to mine. I’ll PM you.

I have gone through three different media players this afternoon & i can see why some people get the wrong impression. I am gonna stick with Media Monkey..

Ah well ive read all about that up sampling & would prefer not to make things Technical, something i said i would do.. I actually think it sounds fantastic as i am so im gonna just continue with the HRT, Media Monkey & that HP all in one im going down to buy.. Leave it at that.

To make things easier looking at that PC spec i see it has a 1TB HDD on board which is massive considering the music i intend keeping, may as well keep em loaded up on there just take a copy on external HD as back up..

My brother is contemplating replacing his bespoke computer, (made for him by a friend approx. 10 years ago) which is used to store and playback his ripped cd's. We contacted Item Audio for some advice and Mark (Item Audio) has been very helpful with various possibilities suggested. One thing suggested was to put a few favourite song on a USB stick, we put on only 5, and use the stick to playback through the Rossini. We are able to do this since the dCS has it's own app, and the idea was to see how much of a negative impact on sound quality the computer has. Well it has to be said, there was a definite improvement using only the USB stick, this with the computer completely removed from the system. Anyone who is able to play a USB stick directly into their dac might like to give this a go.

I have tried googling Shankingndo and variations around that spelling but nothing comes up.
I should have added that this USB stick option was not for permanent use but for a specially built storage unit with LPS. My brother does not like the dCS app which might mean going down the Roon route or alternatively an Innuos.

That looks good Westie, you could easily get a decent bedroom system for £400.

I bet you've still not tried it in your main system. 

Mine's running my main speakers at the moment.