Digital Source Choices...???

Face · May 08, 2012, 01:58:32 PM

Bob in St. Louis · May 08, 2012, 02:12:34 PM

My work here.....is complete.

bhobba · May 08, 2012, 04:12:15 PM

Ahhh - Mac Vs Windows for audio.

Right now I personally prefer my Mac Mini but I heard a report of a guy that makes Windows PC's for audio that blew a Mac away. Anyway I will be getting one to check out.

Thanks
Bill

StereoNut · May 08, 2012, 05:35:36 PM

Quote from: bhobba on May 08, 2012, 04:12:15 PM
Ahhh - Mac Vs Windows for audio.

Right now I personally prefer my Mac Mini but I heard a report of a guy that makes Windows PC's for audio that blew a Mac away. Anyway I will be getting one to check out.

Thanks
Bill

Keep us posted, Bill.

rollo · May 11, 2012, 07:55:09 AM

SteroNut. If you like I can bring over the PDX USB DAC with Paul L. [ club member] and his laptop for you to get a feel for computer audio.
Opinions are OK and helpfull but the truth is in hearing it in your system as you well know.

charles

StereoNut · May 15, 2012, 11:07:49 AM

Quote from: rollo on May 11, 2012, 07:55:09 AM
...Opinions are OK and helpfull but the truth is in hearing it in your system as you well know.

charles

+1000

The proof is always in the listening! Hearing any new piece of equipment, cable, tweak etc... in your own system is the only way to know for sure! The bottom line comes down to system SYNERGY and one's own personal preferences/taste.

SN

S Clark · May 15, 2012, 09:05:25 PM

Quote from: StereoNut on May 03, 2012, 05:24:55 AM
Thanks, Mike. As far as a computer based front end goes, I'll need to tap into everyone's expertise here. I really don't know what's needed to set-up my system like this. I guess that I'm just an "old school audiofool" that can't imagine a computer nestled into his audio rack for a digital source. Geez, just when I thought the WAF couldn't get any tougher!

At the same time, I don't want to "re-invent the wheel" here. If there's an earlier thread that gives these specifics, please post it and I will pursue the computer audio part of the topic further from there.

SN

For around $500 Rich Hollis (HAL at Audio Circle) has put together a windows 7 based computer with nothing moving but a very quiet fan. I was one of his guinea pigs for the early prototypes- picked because of my computer illiteracy. I've compared to some dedicated Mini Macs, and think it may have an edge in definition. The whole package is tiny- smaller than a cigar box. The price is fair and the sound is top calibre.
Scott

StereoNut · May 16, 2012, 10:52:03 AM

Thanks, Scott.

bmr3hc · May 17, 2012, 04:54:02 AM

I too was very skeptical of computer as a front end. But because I have seen CD's availability get smaller and almost non existence in stores where I used to purchase, I felt the handwriting is on the wall. Not that CD's will disappear, but that online downloads will dominate the way to hear and purchase new music.
I took the plunge into computer audio this past week. Rich was a big help on gettng started. I have to admit I was surprised with the sound quality from HDTracks.com downloads, without a dac or any interface to the computer.
JRiver software was a bit frustrating at first, but I have worked through the learning curve.
I am now looking foward to getting a dac to see how much beter that will improve the sound.
I would appreciate any feedback on which dac is the best bang for the buck, under 1000, that can be useful for the long term.

Henry
Wadia 850 front for over 14 years

rollo · May 17, 2012, 08:39:21 AM

I'm afraid that a budget of $500 is just not enough. However if you could manage a tad more the Musical Fidelity M1 is a real sleeper.
If you can go for even more then a EE DAC or Tranquility would do just fine. Easily modded if desired as well.
There are a plethora pf used DACS on A'Gon. Have fun looking. Unless Richadoo makes ya a Buffalo.

charles

bmr3hc · May 18, 2012, 03:59:38 AM

Thanks Charles. I have talked with Rich, who is always helpful. I will plan to listen to his dac, once I have the interface needed. I also plan to talk to Shane and Carl. Audiogon does have some offerings I may pursue.

Henry

rollo · May 18, 2012, 06:42:54 AM

Tonight we will compare the PDX DAC to a Plinius 101 CDP. The Plinius lists for $5400. The PDX DAC with Dueland VSF output caps and volume control with internal M2Tech OEM board is $4400.
A Mac laptop with PIAudio powercord, and custom USB cable. DAC and CDP powered with Triode Wire Labs.
Should prove interesting. We will try running DAC direct to amps and then through a Miracle Audio Preamp to Arion HS 500 amps. Speakers used will be Lenehan Audio ML-1 and Pipedreams.
Will report our findings.

charles

rollo · May 18, 2012, 06:45:00 AM

Quote from: bmr3hc on May 18, 2012, 03:59:38 AM
Thanks Charles. I have talked with Rich, who is always helpful. I will plan to listen to his dac, once I have the interface needed. I also plan to talk to Shane and Carl. Audiogon does have some offerings I may pursue.

Henry

Cannot go wrong with Rich or Shane. Listen to the AMR CDP and DAC as a reference first. Expensive however a great benchmark . Have fun trying.

charles

bhobba · May 18, 2012, 04:11:53 PM

Quote from: StereoNutKeep us posted, Bill.

Visited the guy Wednesday and ordered one. Will keep everyone posted.

Thanks
Bill

bhobba · May 18, 2012, 04:13:58 PM

Quote from: StereoNut
+1000

The proof is always in the listening! Hearing any new piece of equipment, cable, tweak etc... in your own system is the only way to know for sure! The bottom line comes down to system SYNERGY and one's own personal preferences/taste.

Aren't that the truth. The stories I could tell.

Thanks
Bill