Like I mentioned, there's not many variables as they have all been connected to the DAC in the only way possible. All listened to in the same way, same place as I do all my listening.
Laptop via USB streaming from Tidal, with the correct Tidal App
CXN via optical into DAC
CXC via optical into DAC.
All using the same 44.1kz master on Tidal.
I've done the comparison with just the CXN Vs CXC, streaming vs transport.
The transport feeds into the CXN so they are using the same DAC, the same damn player even.
The CD always sounds better than the identical streamed master, in fact it sounds better than any of the masters.
I spend days swapping things around going back and forth, trying all kinds of streamed tracks, downloaded tracks, DSD, 192, 98, 44.8 ect,... all ends up the same out come.
So the fact it your are not correct, different sources of the same digital stream do sound different, I've heard it myself time and time again.
I do similar comparisons on my friends system, same outcome.
Why would I want streamers and CD's to sound better? honestly? they are expensive. If I had one wish now, it would be for laptop based streaming to be superior. Then all I would need is my laptop and the best DAC I can afford.
I know your statement about guitar amps, but some of these, especially recording devices, some do sound BETTER, more Hifi.
Because I can tell the difference between tonal preference and Hifi, the difference between more life like and just a different coloration.
Back when MP3 was introduced I could tell the difference right away. A friend of mine was playing it in his car, I had no idea at the time but after a while I said to him, "what CD version is this, it sound like shit" to which he replied , "oh it's playing off a stored MP3 file on the stereo unit.
Some people claim there is no audible difference in MP3 to which I just go fair enough, obviously sound just ain't that important to you then.