Originally Posted by Tristan
In your experience, is it possible to equal the sound quality of a CD player using this set-up? Do you think its worth keeping a CD player to experience the best quality the system can provide or is it time to kiss goodbye to the silvers discs?
Although I haven't directly tested an AEX vs a CD player I can give you a few pointers.

If the system is set up correctly, lossless rips of CDs will pass via a wi-fi network through an AEX to a 568 without any loss of quality; the replay chain is bit perfect.

I tested the optical output of a Mac Mini directly with a 506 digital output, both into a 568 processor; there was no discernible difference in sound quality; there may be a difference between the two playing back into a simple DAC, but the 568 really does a lot to minimise any differences.

In theory the computer playback should be better because there will be no reading errors.

You'll have to keep the CDs to prevent breaking the law; you will be able to store them after they are ripped though.

I keep my 506 for listening to CDs I haven't ripped yet.

All the best,

Steve.