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Author Topic: Computer Audio  (Read 14959 times)

Offline RussL

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Computer Audio
« on: March 31, 2014, 02:17:41 PM »
As many of you know I jumped into the computer audio game feet first in December by purchasing a Mac mini.  i7 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD.  After learning the ins and outs of the Mac world (PC user for 30 years until this purchase  :duh) I proceeded to buy an Apple TV.

For those not familiar with the Apple TV, it's sort of a network bridge.  It attaches to your home network (input side) either by an ethernet cable or wirelessly.  The unit has two digital outputs; optical and HDMI.

With the help of a good friend, we ran a CAT6 ethernet cable from the router in the computer room, down into the basement, and then up into the den where the stereo / HT resides.  The Apple TV is hooked up with this cable.

The next step was to initialize home sharing on the mini, and home sharing on my iPad Air. Home sharing allows the music library on the mini to be seen by my iPad.

Next using iTunes I ripped three CDs to my library using AIFF file format, 16/44.1, with error correction enabled. With the Apple TV optical output connected to my HT processor, and using the Apple Remote iPad app, I opened my iTunes library and selected an album.  Wowsa :rofl:

Sitting in the den I'm able to play any album song in my library.  Life could not be better.  :thumb:  Well maybe, 800-900 rips to go.

I consider this first foray into computer audio an unconditional success and proof of concept.  No where to go but up now.  Next step, before the ripping, is to purchase an external hard drive(s) for the music library. Try it, you'll like it.

Russ
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Offline richidoo

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Re: Computer Audio
« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2014, 06:27:09 PM »
Congrats Russ, that's a big job. It is fun to have control of the library from your listening seat.

At some point check out ways to further improve the sound of the iTunes software player. This is just what I could find quick on google, but there's lots of advice about audiophile players for mac.

http://mac.appstorm.net/reviews/music-reviews/bitperfect-the-audiophiles-dream-itunes-addition/

https://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/39905/bitperfect

http://desmastering.blogspot.com/2011/08/making-your-computer-audiophile-quality.html
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Offline StereoNut

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Re: Computer Audio
« Reply #2 on: March 31, 2014, 06:28:19 PM »
Congrats, Russ!  Eventually, I'll get there.  :thumb:
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Offline tmazz

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Re: Computer Audio
« Reply #3 on: March 31, 2014, 09:45:30 PM »
Way to go Russ!. I think that something similar is going to be my next audio project.
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Offline Nick B

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Re: Computer Audio
« Reply #4 on: April 01, 2014, 11:39:15 AM »
Great that you're so pleased and that it was painless for you    :beer:     Having done this a few years ago, I wouldn't want to go back to using a transport
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Offline RussL

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Re: Computer Audio
« Reply #5 on: April 01, 2014, 04:19:26 PM »
Thanks guys for the good wishes and advice.  My next step is very hi-fi oriented.  I want to purchase a power filter and / or conditioner to use for plugging in the Mac mini, the CD Superdrive, the external hard drives(s) and the router. Would like isolated outlets and single point grounding best case.  :thumb:

Russ
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Offline BobM

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Re: Computer Audio
« Reply #6 on: April 02, 2014, 05:58:41 AM »
For anything to do with digital related power conditioning I can't think of something better suited than an uberbuss.
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Offline rollo

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Re: Computer Audio
« Reply #7 on: April 02, 2014, 08:39:31 AM »
  Hey Russ seems like you have found a new love. A perfect couch potato affair.
   Joe's meeting was a good primer for the interested. Still not sure about which format to choose. Windows or Mac ?
   As  far as power conditioning the PIAudio Uber and digital AC cord are very affective. Then a TWL non plus PC for the Uber buss. If you want to try them let me know.
   The only advantage so far that I can see is Hi Rez music. DSD in native format as well. However only Mietner DACs are capable of true DSD.
    I am weighing a single box player that can play up to 24/192 and DSD. The cost of a Mac Mini, SS hard drive, DAC, cables, power cords adds up.
     The DAC which is still key can cost the most. An Esoteric CDP can handle all and have the future use of computer use.
    SACD through the Esoteric is the best I've heard so far. Redbook is great as well. However cost of entry is $11,000. The K-01 is $20,000. My favorite player so far.
     The new Mietner M1 or MA-1 not sure DAC for $6000 is a well executed DAC with true DSD output.
      I was wondering in direct comparison of dedicated transport vs computer how much difference is actually had vs just convenience and downloading free music ?
     Have fun Russ and maybe some day we can HEAR it.


charles
   
     
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Offline shadowlight

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Re: Computer Audio
« Reply #8 on: April 02, 2014, 09:18:46 AM »
Russ,

Welcome to using PC/Mac as audio source.

Quote from: rollo on April 02, 2014, 08:39:31 AM
   The only advantage so far that I can see is Hi Rez music. DSD in native format as well. However only Mietner DACs are capable of true DSD.

Charles,

Sorry do not know enough about DSD but can you expand on what makes Mietner the only true DSD dac?

I have not used a Mac as audio source so no comment on that.  I use a used/refurbished Lenovo Thinkcentre M92p (with 3rd gen i5 processor, 4GB RAM and 750Gb HD) PC with JRiver for playback and DBPower amp for ripping.  The entry cost was around 350 including all the software (Win7 for OS).  If you include the cost for PS3 to rip SACD it jumps to around 600.  I have found that the PC designed to be sold to business are lot quieter than consumer pc.  I can barely hear the PC running while standing next to unless the hard drive and dvd drive are being used.  I plan to replace the hard drive with msata ssd drive and disconnect the dvd and use my second system to store files and rip cd's with.
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Offline richidoo

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Re: Computer Audio
« Reply #9 on: April 02, 2014, 11:32:55 AM »
ESS SabreDAC accepts native DSD2 stream. Finding a source of DSD is the challenge because the SACD standard does not allow consumer SACD players to output digital stream. For this reason, few commercial DACs utilizing ESS Sabre expose the DSD input. Using the chip in a DIY DAC allows access to the DSD input.

Exadevices USB sound card will output DXD and DFF, so you can play your ripped SACD tracks in native DSD format from PC to the DAC via I2S.
http://www.exadevices.com/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct_Stream_Digital
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_eXtreme_Definition
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Offline tmazz

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Re: Computer Audio
« Reply #10 on: April 02, 2014, 12:26:33 PM »
Unfortunately,the exaU2I has been discontinued.
http://www.exadevices.com/eStore/Store.aspx
« Last Edit: April 02, 2014, 04:53:24 PM by tmazz »
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Offline shadowlight

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Re: Computer Audio
« Reply #11 on: April 02, 2014, 12:36:02 PM »
Thx Rich and Tom.  Time to read up.
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Offline richidoo

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Re: Computer Audio
« Reply #12 on: April 02, 2014, 12:42:44 PM »
Quote from: tmazz on April 02, 2014, 12:26:33 PM
Unfortunately,the exaU2I has been discontinued.
Thanks Tom. Too bad

Their Exasound finished DACs do DSD.
« Last Edit: April 02, 2014, 01:21:03 PM by richidoo »
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Offline hometheaterdoc

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Re: Computer Audio
« Reply #13 on: April 02, 2014, 06:14:02 PM »
the XMOS USB board that they oem to virtually every DAC manufacturer out there will allow you to pass DSD and high rez PCM over USB with the appropriate software/plugin.... 

lots of issues with the latest usb3 connector one though... pain in the a$$ to get it to connect and stay connected or re-establish connection on power down/power up...   been trying out way too many dacs lately... so have experienced it first hand :(

got the little fostex A4 DAC/headamp today to try... was loving seeing the USB 2.0 connector and very well done install msi from them.  not sure it is worth the bump in price over the iFi stuff... but sounding darn good so far right out of the box with a set of Audeze LCD-XC headphones...

as for computer audio, I've been doing it for 20+ years... was no where near as good in teh early days... even 8-10 years ago it was more about the convenience.... today, it's close enough to a good transport that I don't miss not spinning the discs at all.... only a few favorites ever saw time in the Perfect Wave Transport a couple times a year when I wanted the absolute best and was wanting to listen to the whole disk... these days I bounce around too much and much prefer the convenience of being able to swap from the couch or desk chair :)

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Offline rollo

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Re: Computer Audio
« Reply #14 on: April 03, 2014, 08:25:32 AM »
Quote from: shadowlight on April 02, 2014, 09:18:46 AM
Russ,

Welcome to using PC/Mac as audio source.

Quote from: rollo on April 02, 2014, 08:39:31 AM
   The only advantage so far that I can see is Hi Rez music. DSD in native format as well. However only Mietner DACs are capable of true DSD.

Charles,

Sorry do not know enough about DSD but can you expand on what makes Mietner the only true DSD dac?

I have not used a Mac as audio source so no comment on that.  I use a used/refurbished Lenovo Thinkcentre M92p (with 3rd gen i5 processor, 4GB RAM and 750Gb HD) PC with JRiver for playback and DBPower amp for ripping.  The entry cost was around 350 including all the software (Win7 for OS).  If you include the cost for PS3 to rip SACD it jumps to around 600.  I have found that the PC designed to be sold to business are lot quieter than consumer pc.  I can barely hear the PC running while standing next to unless the hard drive and dvd drive are being used.  I plan to replace the hard drive with msata ssd drive and disconnect the dvd and use my second system to store files and rip cd's with.

   A bit technical for me. We need professor Richidoo to check it out.
     Shane thanks for the post. I needed to hear that. Being spoiled by a CEC 01 transport and Weiss Medea DAC the computer can be a bang for the buck deal over the CEC.
   If anything was considering Hals music server over Mac. I'm confused as to the benefit of a dedicated server over Mac.


charles
   
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