Digital Drive

Posted by Todd Krieger (A) on December 12, 2023 at 00:52:31

In Reply to: RE: What if... CD better that streaming 16/44.1? posted by Ivan303 on December 09, 2023 at 16:36:41

I also prefer my Don Allen mod Philips CDC935 (tube output) over my Wiim Pro Plus/Audiophonics DigiRescue reclocker/SMSL D1se2 DAC rig..... But with the reclocker, the streamer performs well enough (with Tidal and Qobuz, no clear preference), to where as long as I do not compare to the CD rig, I do not long for the CD rig...... (The CD rig provides a more palpable presentation, throws a larger soundstage, and I can hear deeper into the mix. But again, not a big difference. Kind of like going from CD to vinyl.)

With most recordings, I cannot disinguish 16/44 from 24/96, I would fail an ABX test here. The biggest problem is if there are multiple pressings on Tidal or Qubuz, they vary so much, I spend a lot of time zeroing in on the best pressings for some albums. (I ultimately have to save to "favorites" or I woll otherwise lose track of them.)

I also prefer the CDC935 (stock) as a transport feeding the DAC over the streaming rig feeding the same DAC..... With the Gustard X26 pro, the stock CD changer as a transport (via an Audio Technica HDSL1 digital converter) and the stand-alone Don Allen mod changer are very, very close. The DAC technologies almost 30 years apart notwithstanding.

Edits: 12/12/23