Computer as Source

[djdube525]

iTunes also does not play flac files so you would have to use Apple's proprietary lossless compression format called AAC, which other audiophiles do not use.

There are ways for playing flac files in iTunes...

[richidoo]

Good to know, Dave, thanks!

More info:
http://code.google.com/p/flukeformac/

[Lizard_king]

Charles,

You know that I an the Computer audiophile guru and that is why I use a mac laptop. The mac mini is the best computer to use for a transport. You want either the 2010 or 2011 version.  You will need to hook up monitor to set up the mini yet you can control it using a VNC client, Ipod, Iphone, etc.

  OK guys after hearing the PDX DAC need to buy a laptop ? Mac Mini ? Mac laptop ? Other ?
   Will be using M2tech driver for DAC. Is the Mac the best suited for this or is there another manf I should consider. 
   If a Mac Mini is bought what else do I need ? Video display ? Mouse ? Keyboard ?
   I do not use the computer for anything but AN, AC, Audiogon and the Internet.
   Going to Apple store this week so before I go your advice would be very helpfull. Thanks in advance.


charles

[Face]

Another vote for J. River and an asynchronous DAC. 

[bhobba]

There are ways for playing flac files in iTunes...

Great to know.  But its not really a problem in practice because Itunes is no where near as good as other programs like Audirvana Plus that handle Flac anyway.  Nearly all Audiophiles I know don't use Itunes.

Thanks
Bill

[Lizard_king]

Fidelia is the mac program I suggest you use, it sounds like music. Itunes is awful.

There are ways for playing flac files in iTunes...

Great to know.  But its not really a problem in practice because Itunes is no where near as good as other programs like Audirvana Plus that handle Flac anyway.  Nearly all Audiophiles I know don't use Itunes.

Thanks
Bill

[richidoo]

JRiver for McIntosh is coming out in a couple weeks.  From their promo email:



"Good Day,

Next week, on February 22, JRiver will release the First Look (working, but still rough) version of JRiver Media Center for Mac.

Until then, you can purchase a half price license for $24.98.

Purchase: http://www.jriver.com/mac.html

Discussion: http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?board=31.0

If you're a Windows user, and not a Mac user, we still have something for you.  If you own a license for JRiver Media Center 18, you can download the latest build free of charge.

Updates: http://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/Updates

Download: http://jriver.com/download.html

Features: http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=74442.0

If you don't own MC18, please take a look.  Use the Download link above for a 30 day free trial of the full version.

Instructions: http://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/Upgrade_to_MC18

Best regards,

JRiver"

[machinehead]

I use Audirvana. Its really great, lots of functionality. Songs play in memory. Bit perfect integer mode with the Concero DAC.
J River sounds interesting too.

[sleepyguy24]

Sorry for the stupid questions I hope you are all ready to at these.

If you are a non MAC user and you are using your computer as a source which USB output do you use? Do you use the ones where the audio jack is located or do you use the other ones? Me I use whichever one is available. I can't find the discussion on another audio forum but there were some users who swore that the USB port to use was the one with the audio headphone jacks.

[richidoo]

Use a USB port on the rear of the computer because it is soldered directly to the motherboard. Ports on the front are connected by wires, sometimes with slide on connectors. Try each of the rear ports to see if one sounds better than the others.  Maybe the port set to USB1 in OS gets higher priority or something, I don't know, and I don't know how you learn which is which, and whether they change like DHCP.  I would pick one that is closer to the mobo.  I'm sure someone has written about this.

edit: Here's something interesting:
http://www.thewelltemperedcomputer.com/SW/Windows/Win7/USBDAC.htm

[JBNY]

I would try the ones on the back of the PC first, then the ones in the front if the back ones don't work out. The reason for using the ones in the back is not so much being soldered to the MB as opposed to connected by a wire on the front (your USB cable itself is a connection by a wire, and that works just fine). It is because on some motherboards certain USB ports can share resources with other ports, so it is not as dedicated as a different port might be. USB is fairly robust and has the ability to share the bus with relative ease, so it may or not matter what USB port you use. Which is why it makes a difference with some people and not for others.

If you are using an async USB device, what USB port you use may matter even less as the async process both sets a priority flag on the USB data and the control flow of the data is not controlled by the PC but rather the USB device itself. So there should be little if any errors getting the data to the USB correctly.

[_Scotty_]

For those of you using JRiver, be sure to check the box that allows for playback from memory and bypasses playback from the hard drive. It makes a very obvious and worthwhile improvement to the sound.
Scotty

[machinehead]

Do you think JRiver is better than Audirvana?

[_Scotty_]

At this time there is no version for Mac so it would be an apples to oranges comparison. Later this year there is supposed to be a version for Mac. Early Bird Mac Licenses are available now. http://www.jriver.com/mac.html
Scotty

[bhobba]

Do you think JRiver is better than Audirvana?

I have compared the two - no - you need Jplay to get a Windows machine to perform as good as a Mac with its specialist software IMHO.

Thanks
Bill