I don't understand why high end CD players (~$2000-3000USD+) are used over media PC servers. I understand that in the 80s and 90s, computer technology wasn't that prevalent and good CD players had a purpose. However, with the advancement of digital technology, I don't really see why they are necessary.
A CD player is essentially an electronic device that reads digital information and passes it to a DAC. Therefore, if you can get that exact same digital information form a much more reliable source, why not separate the digital source to something like a media PC server and pass it through to a DAC? I see several advantages to this.
1. The source and DAC are separate. If one wanted to update their DAC, or update their source, they can do so without having to update the other.
2. A media PC can store ALL your music. No hassle with changing CDs, only listening to songs from one CD at a time, etc. One could control their entire library of music from a single remote control or ipod/iphone/android phone, etc.
3. The source is more reliable. It only takes 10 minutes to reliably rip a CD to lossless WAV and FLAC and make sure it was a 100% successful rip (with log information). Programs like EAC ensure that you have a 100% bit by bit rip. Every time i buy a CD, i pop it in my computer, hit a button, and then store my CD in its pristine condition on a shelf for use if i ever need it again. Not only does one not have to worry about a cd skipping or jittering while playing (which is where people pay the big bucks i guess), the CDs stay in pristine condition because they are not being worn.
4. The cost of buying a media PC and DAC is cheaper than a CD player. Building a media PC server with 4tb of (redundant) data only costs like $700-800. Pay $1000 and you can get someone to build it for you. You can make an amazing DAC (this is a DIY forum) easily for less than $1000 (or you can buy your own).
So i ask, fellow DIYers, why is a high end CD player necessarily when one can get a media PC + DAC for less?
A CD player is essentially an electronic device that reads digital information and passes it to a DAC. Therefore, if you can get that exact same digital information form a much more reliable source, why not separate the digital source to something like a media PC server and pass it through to a DAC? I see several advantages to this.
1. The source and DAC are separate. If one wanted to update their DAC, or update their source, they can do so without having to update the other.
2. A media PC can store ALL your music. No hassle with changing CDs, only listening to songs from one CD at a time, etc. One could control their entire library of music from a single remote control or ipod/iphone/android phone, etc.
3. The source is more reliable. It only takes 10 minutes to reliably rip a CD to lossless WAV and FLAC and make sure it was a 100% successful rip (with log information). Programs like EAC ensure that you have a 100% bit by bit rip. Every time i buy a CD, i pop it in my computer, hit a button, and then store my CD in its pristine condition on a shelf for use if i ever need it again. Not only does one not have to worry about a cd skipping or jittering while playing (which is where people pay the big bucks i guess), the CDs stay in pristine condition because they are not being worn.
4. The cost of buying a media PC and DAC is cheaper than a CD player. Building a media PC server with 4tb of (redundant) data only costs like $700-800. Pay $1000 and you can get someone to build it for you. You can make an amazing DAC (this is a DIY forum) easily for less than $1000 (or you can buy your own).
So i ask, fellow DIYers, why is a high end CD player necessarily when one can get a media PC + DAC for less?