Streaming. No doubt.

Rip cds from a PC to a NAS (network attached storage) like Synology, much cheaper than a Core, and you can put that cash to a better streamer.

Urm - many variables, I doubt there’s a straight answer to this.   

Just listen, and you get your answer very soon.

Please, forgive my ignorance. I relies that the quality of the streamer will effect the quality of the music. But what about the ripping? Would I get the same quality rip with my I Mac as I would on a dedicated ripper like the Core?

No...( although it depends on what software you are using and what kind of cd drive) Apart from the hassle free ripping out of the Core, the SQ is much better. I could clearly hear the diiference. 

tyendra posted:

Please, forgive my ignorance. I relies that the quality of the streamer will effect the quality of the music. But what about the ripping? Would I get the same quality rip with my I Mac as I would on a dedicated ripper like the Core?

Using a good ripping programme such as dBPoweramp will give a rip just as good as that from the Core. The Core has a standard bought in CD drive, so it’s no different to that in a computer. dBPoweramp will check the integrity of rips against the Accurate Rip database. 

The answer to the question is that a Core and a good streamer or Dac should sound better than the CD5si, whereas the Core and a poor streamer or dac should sound worse. 

Have a look at  

Core vs Qnap Nas, my twopence worth

Rich