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Topic: Listening test on CD players (Read 2678 times) previous topic - next topic
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Listening test on CD players

How would I setup a valid listening test with what I have or fairly inexpensive additions?

I am wondering if, when it dies, I could replace my Cambridge Audio type 57 DVD as my source for  CD playing with my LG GP57EB40 portable DVD transport into my Dell 3505 laptop, using Foobar as the audio player. The Dell has fan noise but I have found a spot where the fan noise is mainly absorbed by soft furnishing; also know I could setup, say a fanless Pi, to be the player but this would still use the LG.

My receiver is an Onkyo TX8270.

I can connect the optical out from the CA to the optical in on the Onkyo and the HDMI out from the Dell to the HDMI on the Onkyo. I assume that both these setups send only digital to the Onkyo and its DAC deals with the analogue.

At present I use the LG/Dell setup to rip CDs in FLAC.

I am not sure I am able to tell too much anyway having old ears and I only got 56% on a Spotify Hires to mp3 test i.e. guessing! I only download my offline Qobuz files in 320.mp3.

I have tried comparing both sources but as this means playing a CD in one then taking it out and playing in the other I doubt that is is valid. I have also tried playing a FLAC of the CD ripped on the LG. I really cannot tell much if any difference in all three playing methods. I used my Sennheiser RS185 headphones.

I rarely use the CA these days as I rip all my CDs, but recently I had to use it for a relative. So it will probably last a long time.

I may be over thinking things and should just carry on using the CA till it dies and replace with LG/Dell and say I won't notice any difference.

Any advice please?

Re: Listening test on CD players

Reply #1
[quote[I have tried comparing both sources but as this means playing a CD in one then taking it out and playing in the other I doubt that is is valid.[/quote] It's not a blind test.   And it's harder to hear a difference if you can't switch back-and-forth instantly. 

But, since it's all the same digital data (ignoring the MP3) there shouldn't be a difference (except for possible fan noise from the computer).


 

Re: Listening test on CD players

Reply #2
with my LG GP57EB40 portable DVD transport into my Dell 3505 laptop, using Foobar as the audio player.
[...]
At present I use the LG/Dell setup to rip CDs in FLAC.

To be clear, you are talking about playing ripped FLAC files vs playing the CD?
Not playing the CD from your LG vs playing the CD from the Cambridge?

Using AccurateRip (/CUETools) you can ensure that you get the bits right. CD playback needs to be done in realtime ... and your CDs will get worn.

Re: Listening test on CD players

Reply #3
with my LG GP57EB40 portable DVD transport into my Dell 3505 laptop, using Foobar as the audio player.
[...]
At present I use the LG/Dell setup to rip CDs in FLAC.

To be clear, you are talking about playing ripped FLAC files vs playing the CD?
Not playing the CD from your LG vs playing the CD from the Cambridge?

Using AccurateRip (/CUETools) you can ensure that you get the bits right. CD playback needs to be done in realtime ... and your CDs will get worn.

I thought I would try comparing the LG against FLAC ripped (AccurateRip used) from it. But main question is how to compare the CA against LG. I realise my present method is not blind testing that is why asked for advice,

If I am only sending the same bits to the receiver I might as well just use the LG, when/if the CA dies. Save myself a lot of money on a full CD player; £20 vs £300?

Re: Listening test on CD players

Reply #4
It's supposed to be the same bits. If you rip and verify with AccurateRip, you will know that it is the same bits as someone else got independently of you - and that is as correct as you could get it with CD.
(I've even gotten audibly skipping CDs repaired with CUETools.)

Re: Listening test on CD players

Reply #5
Thank you.

Yes I will use the LG, when the time comes,  and use the money I have saved for more concert tickets.