New member based in Hong Kong

[Light Dependant Resistor]

Hello all,

I'm from the UK originally, now living in Hong Kong. Have joined this forum as after a bit of a hiatus due to family commitments, my interest in Hi-Fi equipment has definitely returned.

My current core system is about 15 years old, purchased in my early 20's. I still really like the way it sounds but interested in how modern equipment will sound in comparison.

CD Player: Arcam CD72
Amp: Marantz PM7200 (run in class A mode)
Speakers: Quad 11L
Streamer: Sonos Connect.

I've recently subscribed to Tidal and the first priority for me is to replace the Sonos Connect with a better quality product. Trying to do as much background research on streamers, DACs etc. I'm a technically minded person but I'm still finding it a little confusing.

Would also like to get all of my CDs ripped into FLAC. Realised the other day that I don't have a computer at home with a CD drive. So will need to look at options around that.

Looking forward to learning from the wealth of experience on here and very likely getting tempted to buy some new equipment!

Hi Ben
There are many ripper pieces of software in Linux ( both meanings entertained ) linux mint https://www.linuxmint.com/ enables you to use conversion software to FLAC
Here is a screenshot from part of the software packages download page, showing part of what is available. Linux mint is free, but you can donate to them for being so clever. Screenshot from 2019-10-06 13-37-17.jpg
Mint can be installed too on earlier computers, perhaps saving you quite a bit. That's a nice system you have.

[Audio Al]

I Ben , good to have you on the forum , enjoy

[ben_hong_kong]

Welcome to AoS Ben,

Sorry I can't help you with ripping options as I'm so 'old school' (read neo-Luddite ) I still put up with thousands of LPs and CDs.

Nice system by the way. What are your tastes in music?

Enjoy the Forum
Barry

Thanks Barry,

I still think my system sounds good, 16 years after I put it together.
Putting a CD player based separates system was so simple back then. I'm currently trying to add a high quality streaming solution into my system and I'm still no closer to deciding on which way to go. As some have mentioned, it really does seem to be a rabbit hole.

My tastes in music are quite varied but the main genres I listen to are: indie rock, ambient techno, jazz and some classical.