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With an external DAC my PC and CD/DVD players sound identical. Really CD playing devices should sound identical, the whole point of CD (was) to be utterly flat from 20 - 20K and to recreate the waveform "perfectly" with bugger-all noise and distortion, once CD playing devices start having a sound you might as well buy a turntable
Having said that my newish DVD player and Vintage (Onkyo) CD player are different from their analog outputs, measurably so in fact so there goes that theory...
And yet I've seen many more hard drive failures than overall computer failures. I would consider a hard drive a device much more prone to issues than a transport or laser. Going back to another point though, I would agree that many CDPs sound better than most computer as source solutions. It's true they don't have to be, but at the moment I would give CDPs the edge. And just going back to myself, the advantages that the OP cites, really aren't in my case. If anything they are deterrents. And yes, I've mucked around with a computer as source rig.
There's a few things to remember here when comparing CDP to PC/DAC combo...
It's not all about how you -play- things but it's also how you -read- them.
Yes, you can rip your whole CD collection have it on FLAC and then replay it. I for one am of the opinion (and I might be wrong here) the quality depends on a great many factors.
1. Quality of your CD/DVD-ROM in readying the data.
2. Your Rip software/Encoding software.
3. The format/quality of which your saving your stuff in.
Another thing to remember is that CD's were not designed to be read in and converted to digital formats (ie.: flac, ogg, mp3), it just happens that a means was made available to do so.
When CD's were encoded they were/are designed for CD players.
Another thing you have to remember is that a CDP is designed for one thing, playing CD's, and that's it's dedicated function, they have technology to correctly read and transmit the information from the CD to the output plugs/devices. Depending on the quality of the CDP it get's better or worse...
The difference between PC + DAC vs. CDP is enormous if we do a pound per pound comparison.
In some circumstances, it is better to have a CDP + DAC, because some CDP are better transports then players (I remember cyrus has such combinations).
Going back to your original question, I would say without a shadow of a doubt that a good CDP (or a crappy CDP transport + DAC) would always beat a PC + DAC combination, IMO. And I say this through experience...
I have both situations setup at the moment in my room, and the CDP always produces more then the PC/DAC does (quality wise that is).
I still think hard drive based transports are going to eventually take the place of the current CDP, but it's a ways off.
Right now, computers present a less than ideal environment for audiophile listening due to:
- noisy fans
- switch-mode power supplies (yucky)
When I tried my PC based solution via the Opera DAC I didn't achieve a totally BLACK background and with the increased noise floor low level dynamics was lost!
Not to mention the constant battle with Windows (not sure about you fancy Mac users) and the f#$%in kernal .... Right now PCs are machines that do a bunch of stuff AND play music too...
It's so much easier to use a 'dedicated' unit to play my cds..
__________________ Home Rig: Coby mp3 -> Boostaroo -> Bose Triports!
Some people (like me) prefer the more tangible aspect of CDs. I can see myself moving to a dedicated music server at some point down the road though (a long ways down, when prices are reasonable). For now, I have enough crap on my PC without making it my primary music source as well, even with an external drive for my files.
__________________
"If the elevator tries to bring you down, go crazy! Punch a higher floor!'
Although PC/DAC combos are more convenient, they're more distracting, I can't concentrate on my music because of messenger, web sites or fan noise
but a CDP can let me concentrate on my music, and I also like the idea that, play a CD from the beginning to the end with no skipping songs, repeat or whatever in between because I believe most songs are arranged in a way that, will lead your emotion. Your favorite singer or producer wanted to show you what they think or how they feel, that's why the album is organized in a certain way.
Although PC/DAC combos are more convenient, they're more distracting, I can't concentrate on my music because of messenger, web sites or fan noise
but a CDP can let me concentrate on my music, and I also like the idea that, play a CD from the beginning to the end with no skipping songs, repeat or whatever in between because I believe most songs are arranged in a way that, will lead your emotion. Your favorite singer or producer wanted to show you what they think or how they feel, that's why the album is organized in a certain way.
I just close my eyes or turn off the monitor. =)
Although living with 3 other guys... it can be difficult for the computer area to be quiet enough for dedicated listening.
Linear Mode
