http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue22/nugent.htm

There's a lot of agendas going on here. Empirical Audio makes one of the front-runner computer audio DACs around, so it would be in the interests of Empirical Audio to make a case why files stored on a computer are superior to the same files held on a CD. There's also the issue that everyone wants to keep in employment in a time when sales of CDs - and especially CD players - are in steep decline.

Personally, I think if the files are handled equally (but differently) well on both sides, they will sound more or less identical. Some will prefer the sound of a CD player and some will prefer the sound through a PC and DAC. No sleep lost either way.

I think with higher bit rate music coming more into the market and sacd's not being made for a wide range of music a computer orientated system will be the way forward, and obviously due to its easy of use (once set up that is)

The migration is something that will gradually come in as its more so the younger newer generation of audiophiles that are tending to favour music in this format and as they get older and the cd boys start falling off their pegs it will become more widely accepted as the new standard for music

I believe we are still in it's infancy but as more and more start to use the PC it will become better, at the moment computer and audio don't sit well with many audiophiles, but with time that will change with products like what Linn, Naim, Sonneteer to name just three are currently doing, I think your right Dan we are witnessing a shift and in a few years it will more than likely be the norm.

The foo police will also will be happy as it also means a lot of foo will be taken out of the chain.

other than the foo chain will be replaced by a different foo, PC's are better than mac's, no linux is better. You really need this software, not that, this USB cable is better than that. Take a look around, its already happening.

As I have said before, I use computer audio all day in the office, but have no wish to bring it into the listening room at the moment. Myself and the wife where taking about it the other day. If I was to do it, i would be with a squeeze box and dac, being fed by the office server running the server software. My wife said, yes dear, I know you could do it, but if we a had a problem with the system while you where away, I could not fix it, and I would be without music. Its the same as a lot of other stuff, its just a boys toy. You all want to do it because you can, not beacuse it easier or better.

I poinyed out the advantages of play lists etc, especially at family meal times and gatherings. As she said, if I want to listen to mad dogs and englishmen, I want to listen to it, not to two tracks, then something else. And at gatherings any one can, and does get up and change the CD.

I think the thing with pc audio is it hs to be wired for quality reproduction, and as u know ads it is far easier to play a range of tracks from diff albums, one question tho//////what the hell is foo?I see it everywhere but what does it mean?

Just got in from the pub and it is 12:15 so wont jabber too much now but may be stretched to give a few more veiws in the morn guy!

ads...............he called you ...ADS !!!..............ban him for being drunk and taking liberties !

I always call him ads!
Not drunk just sufficiently lubricated! Markeeee mark

Ah those foo-kers I know who u mean now, I have had a couple of those idiots come my way before!

Problem is that some take it all far too seriously, I don't see why people are so worried about other choices in how they want to spend their money, it's one area that has always baffled me, I don't care if they think it is a waste of money to them but I don't get the holier than thou attitude in getting others to repent, it's a real bug of mine.

Its like having a nosy neighbour that will not but out of everyone elses business and they are all negative, malicious moaning gits that have nothing better to do with their lives but to fill their own inquisitive yet one tracked minds.

These guys are probably in their 40's and live in their parents basement watchin channel 52 with a box of tissues!

IMO vertually every cable, component, rack, speakers, power supply etc etc has made a difference on my sound good or bad and people that say it dont are either deaf or so stubborn and one track minded it clouds their judgement and perseption on reality!

whats channel 52?, and why do you need tissue,

Ahhh its a weepy movie channel is ir?

Some of the most tesr JERKING romances on the box!