Personally, I think the sonic differences between a high end player and e.g. a Squeezebox relaying carefully ripped software are negligible.

They are 2 very different systems, however. With the SB you have to run a wireless network and have a nas or computer running slimserver in support. On the negative side you still need a transport/player to spin DVDA and DVDVs. On the plus side, with SB, you get 1000's of radiostations and your entire CD collection is potentially available at multiple locations in the house.

Personally, I doubt if I will ever buy another high end transport for CD replay, but that's my choice.

Cliff

Main system - Sources (Kodi-HTPC, Vero 4k, FireTV, Sat) into Trinnov Altitude 32 (8-16) (+Roon), Trinnov Amplitude 8 amp & Vivid Audio (Giya G3, V1.5) and REL Stentor III speakers. Others: F80 + Raspberry Pi and other Pi systems.