It is both really. Also there have been reports of USB DAC issues with the most recent version of their OS.
Who? Apple or Roon?
It is both really. Also there have been reports of USB DAC issues with the most recent version of their OS.
Free and open source software has been working great for me.I'm sure Roon will sort things out. That is what they get the big bucks for. However the lifetime subscription would be out for me unless it was much less expensive, maybe something like the JRiver license where you own the software license. But that isn't the new model that every software company wants for us. Now they all want us to pay every year or every month for the use of their software, but there is often a huge hidden hook in that. Stop paying and all you have done with the software, all the work you put into it suddenly is gone too. And it might not even be that you stop paying the subscription, but that they went broke themselves, or something new came along and they are obsolete by the new wave. That is why I dislike subscriptions of any type. However I do wish them well..
You can do the exact same with JRiver also, as long as your DAC can do it. The same can be said for Daphile, which is free. Not as pretty as Roon but it costs a lot less.
So I am well on my way to rebuilding my system. The system so far consists of the following.
Pre Amp juicy Music Peach II
Amp is a single Yamaha PC2002M (for now)
Speakers are JBL 240TI's, (Cant wait to get them back from a refoam/rebuild!)
I have 3 sources for CD and SACD. NC555es, DVP 9100es, and X777es
Analogue project is currently underway and will be a Technics SP10 MKII with Jelco Arm.
My current streaming and Digital end is a newly acquired Peachtree audio DAC ITx along with an old 2009 MacBook Pro. Using I tunes (I know) and Pandora at the moment.
I was really going to pull the trigger on a Sony HAP Z1es to kinda match my other Sony components and because it seemed like an easy way to get to where I want to be. Int this iteration I would keep the MacBook in the system for Pandora and another service like Tidal.
After doing some unrelated reading on another item I came across the ELAC Discovery Series DS‑S101‑G Network Audio Player. Seems this device is married to Roon. Purchase of the unit gives you access to Roon essentials which is a Lite version of the software. Understated in design and cheaper all around than the Sony HAP z, at least initially. If you want a full version of Roon (not required but Nice) you will still have to come out of pocket for it, Not to mention the separate cost of Tidal.
Than there is the Auralic Aries and Aries mini. The Aries is priced competitively to the closeouts for the HAP Z. the Mini is way cheaper And I am still researching to see if it would be a contender. The Aries has a very modern look to it. Not sure how I feel about it.
Last option would be to build a dedicated machine for audio only. Either Windows or Linux based. Preferably Fan less though the Mackbook fan and HD is currently inaudible to me.
I gues I could just save a ton of Money and get an SSD and upgrade the RAM for the MBP. Maybe invest in a dedicated NAS Drive for audio only. So many was to tackle this.
What are your thoughts on this. I appreciate any and all feedback.
I am using a 30 watt class A amp - many would that that is underpowered. It just depends.....
Many of the new remasters are the exact opposite of what you suggest - again it just depends.
I think we're just getting started in what I believe is a high fidelity renaissance. Right now there are too many formats, codecs, etc. and too many links in the chain. Not that you can't get great/pure sound but it's expensive and complicated. Also buggy at times.
There was an article in Stereo Review magazine many years ago named Source and Speakers. The philosophy was modern electronics, amps, source (CD) players, etc. were fairly neutral and had a minimal influence. Except for under powered amps, Source and Speakers determine how enjoyable your hifi experience is. I still believe that but things aren't so simple any more.
I've always attempted to get my somewhat modest systems to reproduce the music as it was intended to sound. Easier said than done without some sort of reference level. We have a tendency to listen to music the way we like it to sound. I try and sometimes fail to do that. (tweaking my gear to get it the way "I" like it) I always go back to my default mode. If the source, recording, master, etc. doesn't sound good I don't listen to it. Too much great stuff out there to waste my time and energy chasing that carrot. I'd rather look for the best source material that sounds good with as little processing as possible.
I think in the next year or so things are going to get much, much better and far less costly. Let the high fidelity battle begin. Also, look for Spotify to go CD quality. All those shitty remasters with zero dynamic range and harmonics mixed to sound listenable with compressed formats will hopefully be a thing of the past. Compressed audio is the worst thing to happen to music in my lifetime. The de-evolution of high fidelity. Things are definitely looking up though. IMO
I would not put too much stock into that Stereo Review article. Amps, sources and all parts of the chain play a large part in how everything sounds. Go and listen to a top notch system and then report back.I think we're just getting started in what I believe is a high fidelity renaissance. Right now there are too many formats, codecs, etc. and too many links in the chain. Not that you can't get great/pure sound but it's expensive and complicated. Also buggy at times.
There was an article in Stereo Review magazine many years ago named Source and Speakers. The philosophy was modern electronics, amps, source (CD) players, etc. were fairly neutral and had a minimal influence. Except for under powered amps, Source and Speakers determine how enjoyable your hifi experience is. I still believe that but things aren't so simple any more.
I've always attempted to get my somewhat modest systems to reproduce the music as it was intended to sound. Easier said than done without some sort of reference level. We have a tendency to listen to music the way we like it to sound. I try and sometimes fail to do that. (tweaking my gear to get it the way "I" like it) I always go back to my default mode. If the source, recording, master, etc. doesn't sound good I don't listen to it. Too much great stuff out there to waste my time and energy chasing that carrot. I'd rather look for the best source material that sounds good with as little processing as possible.
I think in the next year or so things are going to get much, much better and far less costly. Let the high fidelity battle begin. Also, look for Spotify to go CD quality. All those shitty remasters with zero dynamic range and harmonics mixed to sound listenable with compressed formats will hopefully be a thing of the past. Compressed audio is the worst thing to happen to music in my lifetime. The de-evolution of high fidelity. Things are definitely looking up though. IMO
With time you'll dog-paddle your way around most of the pool. Seek an edge and enjoy...soon you'll be kicking and stroking all about an incredible universe of music and options.Playing with ROON and Tidal tonight. I feel like a kid who jumped in the deep end of the pool for the first time. Sound is incredible and the integration is a bit overwhelming. This is going to take some getting used to.