A discussion about crappy DVD players as CD players

[rrunner]

How do you rate the music from streaming service like Spotify/Apple using a high end Dac to cheap cd player+Dac? Why I am asking this question is that I have recently put a system in place after starting my professional life. But once I ventured out to purchase music, I found the prices to very high as per my standards like good Old LPs costing excess of 4000. Also I couldn't find any good source to procure Cds. So I am at cross roads of whether I can pursue this hobby or not. Streaming services look to be only affordable source.
Spending on equipment was easier as it is one time affair. But procuring music is turning out to be a tuff nut to crack.

A cheap cd player and dac should beat spotify.. It all depends on your system and room acoustics to discern the difference. I have heard spotify sound good on a high end system with Lumin as streamer. I am only talking about extracting max signal quality from easily available options. Streaming is perfectly alright for 90% of users. Extreme setups are for those willing to spend big bucks on a no compromise approach.

 

[COOLDUDE7808]

My Oppo Blue Ray player in terms of scratched CDs does the job very well. Connected through coaxial to either Denafrips or Chord DAC. It never skips and SQ is superb. Recently procured a FiiO DM13 being used as transport only - an interim arrangement till the time I'm able to collate funds for an Audiolab 9000 CDT. Marantz CD 63SE is again a milestone in terms of vintage sound however due to age skips at times.

For scratched CDs a good blue ray player should be the best medium.. My 2 cents

How is FiiO DM13 in terms of SQ and also does it play all the CD's .

 

[souravin]

How is FiiO DM13 in terms of SQ and also does it play all the CD's .

It's very decent and top load- so tray related issues are taken care of. Portable too- headphones can be used and CD ripping is another bonus.

 

[morerajendra5678]

Absolutely agree. My focus initially has been to procure the physical media -both vinyl and CDs.. I stayed with a low fi audio rig and once I felt saturated in terms of the media, I have started upgrading the audio equipment. Anyway keeping in mind the income and family responsibilities, there were no options left for me. Price band has skyrocketed and now insane price is being asked even for a common vinyl or CD. Streaming is the only option, I'm onto Apple Music, and happy too.

I procured highend stuff with respect to amplifier and Dac at first go to avoid any kind of headache related to future upgrade and resale of used equipment. Looks like there are many who had problem regarding building the music part. I will also stick to the route you are pursuing regarding streaming part. I plan to use the money saved in music part to purchase a 805 tube based amplifier from Line Magnetic Audio. My Thiyaga Dac (purchased for easy of service) has good USB input so will stick to dedicated tablet using parametric Equalizer to feed Spotify/Apple Music to Dac.
But I am sure I will miss the pinnacle of music with this approach.

 

[Analogous]

I came across this account comparing SQ of CDs and Hi Res streaming.
No spoilers; watch if you are curious

 

[kratu]

I came across this account comparing SQ of CDs and Hi Res streaming.
No spoilers; watch if you are curious

There is no contest. The Track 1 has more clarity on the edges, tighter bass, more resolving. Track 2 seems to be softened, a bit smudgy and not as resolving as the #1.

 

[Analogous]

Anyone using this?

 

[morerajendra5678]

I came across this account comparing SQ of CDs and Hi Res streaming.
No spoilers; watch if you are curious

I have a point here as in are such comparisons valid even for very high end dacs or are these valid for dacs till certain price point.
I have limited exposure and hence would love to know how things are.

 

[Ninjablr]

Hi Bhaskar,

My 2 cents assuming you are on budget- get a FiiO K11 R2R DAC and a transport like Shanling/ SMSL or FiiO (top loading preferred) with a good digital cable. You will be more than happy. This is the 1st layer. If you want to stretch further, there will be second layer. Do not go for Sony low end BDP- as there is no display and you have to use TV or any monitor.

Hi there, Recently bought a FiiO DM13 as a replacement for a decades old Integra CD player that finally passed on. ( Replacing the lens was very expensive without any warranty etc.) Thanks to a FM, for the advice. So far, very happy with the way it sounds. Different from the Integra, could be because of the internal DACs. For the kind of music I listen to ( mostly classical, 70s rock etc) it is sounds more that adequate!. Using it with a tube pre, a CJ power am and a pair of Harbeths.

 

[Dr Sarkar]

I’m also using Fiio DM 13 as a desktop CD transport with a good 3.5 to coax cable to my DAC and Allo shanti as LPU. Good output. It plays heavily scratched CDs pretty well. A good bargain at that price point.

 

[Analogous]

A surprising trick to making hard choices: Try thinking less​

https://www.npr.org/2025/06/03/nx-s1-5406260/a-surprising-trick-to-making-hard-choices-try-thinking-less

 

[souravin]

Hi there, Recently bought a FiiO DM13 as a replacement for a decades old Integra CD player that finally passed on. ( Replacing the lens was very expensive without any warranty etc.) Thanks to a FM, for the advice. So far, very happy with the way it sounds. Different from the Integra, could be because of the internal DACs. For the kind of music I listen to ( mostly classical, 70s rock etc) it is sounds more that adequate!. Using it with a tube pre, a CJ power am and a pair of Harbeths.

This CDT is really a value for money. Plays scratch CDs without any hiccups and the noise of CD rotation is also very low. Using an Audioquest optical to optical mini (3.5 mm) cable with either Denafrips or Chord DAC. I'm also using sometimes with DIY tube pre (with Mullard ECC 83 tubes). I'm very satisfied. Top loading is also a breather from tray related issues that is frequent with Marantz CDP