Going Digital!

[Kt77]

A DSD128 capable Lampi would probably be the ultimate dac for me; I am totally taken with what HQplayer can do with any format converted to DSD and I have no need for a PCM dac anymore - I'd love to hear one someday.

I think you made a great choice for a dac and I've seriously consider an iFi - I can't think of a better choice <1k...except for maybe the Canadian made Concero HD . I know many will tell you bs on things like linear power supplies (iUSB) and cable like the Wireworld but I found with a USB powered dac that they can make a difference - I know you'll trust your ears.

Lots of software options and I love Jriver for ripping (to wav) and file management but give the free trial of HQplayer a try - it really is a different animal that is a step above for me and that's ALL about what it can do feeding a DSD capable dac. I bet an iDSD & HQplayer at around $400 (assuming you have a capable computer) is the best deal in digital right now bar none.

Enjoy! HQplayer and a DSD128 dac is the best I've heard my digital music.

Hi billfort,

I happen to be a close friend of Byron's as well, and after viewing your system, it seem that I wasn't the only one using Final Labs ICs, and WE ( vintage NOS 1940/82 ) LS Cables.

Yet, as Brotha B ( as I often refer to him ) and I have been talking USB cables, and seeing that you've mentioned Wireworld, I'm curious as to which model you're referring too?, and since I'm new at trying to venture into this new frontier of computer audio, might I ask your opinion on how would you feel HQPlayer compares to the likes of say Audirvanna Plus or Pure Music as far as interfacing with my primary setup for music stored onto iTunes?, as I've been told JRiver is mostly geared toward Windows uses, what your take if I might again ask?.

Regards,
h

 

[Billfort]

And I've heard that HQ player was fussy and difficult...how true?

Very true - but worth it - just like vinyl.

It IS a little tricky to get going, you need a pretty beefy computer to run it, it costs a few hundred and it can be a challenge to get comfortable with but the sound... Really, by all measures but 1 Jriver walks all over it but that 1, is the reason I love it.

 

[Kt77]

In JRiver you can convert rips to almost any format. I like that!!

Hi Dave,

Here's my chance to say Seasons Greetings to you and your wonderful wife, I'm looking to have a Mac Mini as well as an iFi iDAC/iUSB Power in home when you visit again, as I'm not as advanced at this digital/computer stuff as much as I was with vinyl, I'd still welcome all the assistance you can provide.

In the end, as you're aware of I simply can't get around anymore to enjoy LPs the way I once could.........., but in hindsight, I'm finding much to love about the sound I've now, and can only imagine it's going to get better with this new setup.

Be thee well young man, be thee well.
scar

 

[Kt77]

Oscar,

May you, your wonderful wife and family have a joyous and prosperous New Year!

We do need to get together and soon.

Dave,

Thanks for said greeting, as I know it's heartfelt. And we certainly shall make it as such.

:tears:_oh

 

[Billfort]

Hi billfort,

I happen to be a close friend of Byron's as well, and after viewing your system, it seem that I wasn't the only one using Final Labs ICs, and WE ( vintage NOS 1940/82 ) LS Cables.

Yet, as Brotha B ( as I often refer to him ) and I have been talking USB cables, and seeing that you've mentioned Wireworld, I'm curious as to which model you're referring too?, and since I'm new at trying to venture into this new frontier of computer audio, might I ask your opinion on how would you feel HQPlayer compares to the likes of say Audirvanna Plus or Pure Music as far as interfacing with my primary setup for music stored onto iTunes?, as I've been told JRiver is mostly geared toward Windows uses, what your take if I might again ask?.

Regards,
h

Hi Oscar. I'm using the Wireworld Startlight 7 USB cable (Final Labs dac to pre-amp) and have to admit my reasons for choosing it were not based on initial listening. Quite frankly, I really struggle with the idea that a wire can make any difference transferring digits but I was curious, this piece seemed to be based on good design power isolation wise (considering I am using a USB powered dac) and at $100, seemed pretty low-risk - I figured I could easily flip it if bogus, considering all the glowing reviews it's received.

Funny thing though - it did seem to make a positive difference after improvements like the right software, a network audio adapter and linear power supply came into play. I've only compared it to a few decently constructed low-dollar USB cables I have around and I still have a hard time believing it makes a difference but I keep going back to it - it's staying.

I'm really not a mac guy so have no thoughts towards HQplayer in that environment but it certainly seems popular amongst some mac users over at Computer Audiophile. I'm running it on a big noisy Win7 PC in another room and using a quiet low-power Linux arm based NAA in the music room with a Linux Mint netbook to remote-control the player (using TeamViewer). It's all a little clunky but I'm getting comfortable with it and easily forget all the geeky stuff when I click play.

It has really been a great experience to rediscover all my CDs & SACDs (living as wav and DSD rips on an unRaid server) and I'm finding so much more music to love beyond the vinyl record racks these days.

 

[Kt77]

Hi Oscar. I'm using the Wireworld Startlight 7 USB cable (Final Labs dac to pre-amp) and have to admit my reasons for choosing it were not based on initial listening. Quite frankly, I really struggle with the idea that a wire can make any difference transferring digits but I was curious, this piece seemed to be based on good design power isolation wise (considering I am using a USB powered dac) and at $100, seemed pretty low-risk - I figured I could easily flip it if bogus, considering all the glowing reviews it's received.

Funny thing though - it did seem to make a positive difference after improvements like the right software, a network audio adapter and linear power supply came into play. I've only compared it to a few decently constructed low-dollar USB cables I have around and I still have a hard time believing it makes a difference but I keep going back to it - it's staying.

I'm really not a mac guy so have no thoughts towards HQplayer in that environment but it certainly seems popular amongst some mac users over at Computer Audiophile. I'm running it on a big noisy Win7 PC in another room and using a quiet low-power Linux arm based NAA in the music room with a Linux Mint netbook to remote-control the player (using TeamViewer). It's all a little clunky but I'm getting comfortable with it and easily forget all the geeky stuff when I click play.

It has really been a great experience to rediscover all my CDs & SACDs (living as wav and DSD rips on an unRaid server) and I'm finding so much more music to love beyond the vinyl record racks these days.

Billfort,

Thanks for your response, as I found it most insightful........., once again I'm at lost with some of the terms as they relate to computer software as well as a few of the apps, but like you......., I'm finding much to enjoy musically these days, it's as if I don't miss LPs ( are should I've written that statement to you privately? ) and I do appreciate you mentioned said Wireworld model for me, as I know Byron has mentioned it more then a few time, which caught my curiuosity seeming that a dealer/friend thinks highly of it as well.

I guess, it's time for me to do a little bit more researching - as it seems there's still a few things I can learn after all.

Thanks, yet again.

 

[Catcher10]

My man B....thanks for the PM.

Looking forward to reading about your journey into digi-world. As I said I am pretty happy with what I have it does sound more analog to me than digital, using the Grant Fidelity TubeDAC11 tube out option. But even as direct out I find it smoother than traditional digital, very little to no fatigue factor.

The DSD capability is what is cool you now have.....but man you and I are vinyl people, don't lose the way my brother!!
LOL

peace my friend

 

[tomlinmgt]

Ah, excellent.....more coattails to ride!

I recently got rid of my Musical Fidelity M1 and Rega DACs and was about ready to pull the trigger on the iDSD but happened on a new/used Gungnir (2.0) for a pretty good price so I thought I'd see for myself if all the commotion getting stirred up over Schiit (wait...what?) was warranted. My intention after the M1 and Rega was to go with a DSD capable unit, but I hear Schiit will be offering DSD drivers for the Gungnir shortly....I'll give 'em half of next year or so, but if they don't deliver I'll likely return to my original plan and snag the iDSD. In the mean time I'll be following your journey closely, Byron.

And geez, you cats keep talking it up and my slow retreat from the vinyl rabbit hole is gonna' turn into a sprint. :yes:

 

[enginedr]

Ah, excellent.....more coattails to ride!

I recently got rid of my Musical Fidelity M1 and Rega DACs and was about ready to pull the trigger on the iDSD but happened on a new/used Gungnir (2.0) for a pretty good price so I thought I'd see for myself if all the commotion getting stirred up over Schiit (wait...what?) was warranted. My intention after the M1 and Rega was to go with a DSD capable unit, but I hear Schiit will be offering DSD drivers for the Gungnir shortly....I'll give 'em half of next year or so, but if they don't deliver I'll likely return to my original plan and snag the iDSD. In the mean time I'll be following your journey closely, Byron.

And geez, you cats keep talking it up and my slow retreat from the vinyl rabbit hole is gonna' turn into a sprint. :yes:

I agree with you . CDs ripped into a lossless format played back through a good DAC sound fantastic . I am using a MAC mini and using Channel D pure
music . The detail and sound stage is surreal . CD music is on the cheap these days . I am going to give TIDAL a try .

 

[slippers-on]

In JRiver you can convert rips to almost any format. I like that!!

Jriver is now converting all music to DSD....I like what I am hearing, botrytis!

 

[slippers-on]

A DSD128 capable Lampi would probably be the ultimate dac for me; I am totally taken with what HQplayer can do with any format converted to DSD and I have no need for a PCM dac anymore - I'd love to hear one someday.

I think you made a great choice for a dac and I've seriously consider an iFi - I can't think of a better choice <1k...except for maybe the Canadian made Concero HD . I know many will tell you bs on things like linear power supplies (iUSB) and cable like the Wireworld but I found with a USB powered dac that they can make a difference - I know you'll trust your ears.

Lots of software options and I love Jriver for ripping (to wav) and file management but give the free trial of HQplayer a try - it really is a different animal that is a step above for me and that's ALL about what it can do feeding a DSD capable dac. I bet an iDSD & HQplayer at around $400 (assuming you have a capable computer) is the best deal in digital right now bar none.

Enjoy! HQplayer and a DSD128 dac is the best I've heard my digital music.

The Lampizator is all that and more...and I've had a good listen to Level 5, Level 7 and the Entry level Amber. The iDSD ain't no slouch! Not going to pretend it's a Lampizator, but in combination with the iUSB PSU, I'd say it's hitting well above its combined price of $700. I've less than 30 hours on her, and it's might fine....full Run in by those in the know says it's fully run in between 100-200 hours.

The iDSD is warm side of neutral. I have all cast copper cabling in my system. System is neutral sounding with crisp upper ranges with a full body. The warmth sound helps the iDSD be more analog sounding which I assume was the goal. Also the cabling made for the iDSD , the Mercury as well as the Gemini both are cast copper. Well in my system paired with my tubes, a little to warm and smooth. I've gone into the box of cabling and pulled out a pair of silver RCAs. Balanced out the sound, and brought the warm side of neutral, back to neutral. Fantastic! I've already reached out to my dealer a week ago letting him know I will be purchasing two pairs of Wire World Silver Starlight USB cables, and one pair of Wire World Silver Eclipse interconnects. That's going to be awesome.

After hearing what's capable and what's happening in the music...there is no way I can continue to play CDs in my reference system. I love my Musical Fidelity X-RAY v8. It's a $1500 CDP and its was excellent but this Little two piece iFi DAC system with Jriver can do so much more...even from the listening chair. I'm old school, I'd admit that, but I ain't fooling myself....this is so exciting to be able to listen to music in such a way.

But like I said before...it ain't vinyl... While the iDSD has that analog sound...I suppose one who's ear is not trained can be fooled, but it's still not vinyl. I mean the tone and everything is righteous...but There is just something in the natural sound of vinyl, I remain a vinly lover...and will always and continue to purchase records. But the CDP in my reference system is going by the way side. That X-RAY is going to the wife's office or family room.

Also like to give a shout out to Oscar for giving me the inspiration a while back....and to Lee Harvey for telling me about his travels with digital and how great the iDSD stuff was.

 

[slippers-on]

Very true - but worth it - just like vinyl.

It IS a little tricky to get going, you need a pretty beefy computer to run it, it costs a few hundred and it can be a challenge to get comfortable with but the sound... Really, by all measures but 1 Jriver walks all over it but that 1, is the reason I love it.

Thanks for the reply about HQP. I think I will have to "grow" into HQP as I continue to get my feet wet. Perhaps after I get a little past my knees, I will be ready to swim with the big boys?

 

[slippers-on]

My man B....thanks for the PM.

Looking forward to reading about your journey into digi-world. As I said I am pretty happy with what I have it does sound more analog to me than digital, using the Grant Fidelity TubeDAC11 tube out option. But even as direct out I find it smoother than traditional digital, very little to no fatigue factor.

The DSD capability is what is cool you now have.....but man you and I are vinyl people, don't lose the way my brother!!
LOL

peace my friend

Hahahahahaha! Never shall I lose my way, Mi bro! I've been listen to "Last Dance" on vinyl lately and man it was so full of romance to my heart....I bout shead a tear or two.:thmbsp:

 

[Lee Harvey]

The Lampizator is all that and more...and I've had a good listen to Level 5, Level 7 and the Entry level Amber. The iDSD ain't no slouch! Not going to pretend it's a Lampizator, but in combination with the iUSB PSU, I'd say it's hitting well above its combined price of $700. I've less than 30 hours on her, and it's might fine....full Run in by those in the know says it's fully run in between 100-200 hours.

The iDSD is warm side of neutral. I have all cast copper cabling in my system. System is neutral sounding with crisp upper ranges with a full body. The warmth sound helps the iDSD be more analog sounding which I assume was the goal. Also the cabling made for the iDSD , the Mercury as well as the Gemini both are cast copper. Well in my system paired with my tubes, a little to warm and smooth. I've gone into the box of cabling and pulled out a pair of silver RCAs. Balanced out the sound, and brought the warm side of neutral, back to neutral. Fantastic! I've already reached out to my dealer a week ago letting him know I will be purchasing two pairs of Wire World Silver Starlight USB cables, and one pair of Wire World Silver Eclipse interconnects. That's going to be awesome.

After hearing what's capable and what's happening in the music...there is no way I can continue to play CDs in my reference system. I love my Musical Fidelity X-RAY v8. It's a $1500 CDP and its was excellent but this Little two piece iFi DAC system with Jriver can do so much more...even from the listening chair. I'm old school, I'd admit that, but I ain't fooling myself....this is so exciting to be able to listen to music in such a way.

But like I said before...it ain't vinyl... While the iDSD has that analog sound...I suppose one who's ear is not trained can be fooled, but it's still not vinyl. I mean the tone and everything is righteous...but There is just something in the natural sound of vinyl, I remain a vinly lover...and will always and continue to purchase records. But the CDP in my reference system is going by the way side. That X-RAY is going to the wife's office or family room.

Also like to give a shout out to Oscar for giving me the inspiration a while back....and to Lee Harvey for telling me about his travels with digital and how great the iDSD stuff was.

You are welcome Byron!
I picked up my iDSD at RMAF this year and at first it did not sound all that special but by the time it had 30 or so hours of play time it really started to bloom. It puts my Uber'd Schiit Bifrost to shame now and its less than 2 years old. That's how fast this digital audio world is changing. The Bifrost has been put on computer speaker duty now. I still love my turntable and vinyl but this iDSD & USB power supply has been a lot of fun lately. I am using J River for Mac and have it set to output in DSD mode. Like Byron said earlier the iDSD is a little on the warm side but I like that. The clarity, soundstaging and dynamics are to die for.

 

[Kt77]

The Lampizator is all that and more...and I've had a good listen to Level 5, Level 7 and the Entry level Amber. The iDSD ain't no slouch! Not going to pretend it's a Lampizator, but in combination with the iUSB PSU, I'd say it's hitting well above its combined price of $700. I've less than 30 hours on her, and it's might fine....full Run in by those in the know says it's fully run in between 100-200 hours.

The iDSD is warm side of neutral. I have all cast copper cabling in my system. System is neutral sounding with crisp upper ranges with a full body. The warmth sound helps the iDSD be more analog sounding which I assume was the goal. Also the cabling made for the iDSD , the Mercury as well as the Gemini both are cast copper. Well in my system paired with my tubes, a little to warm and smooth. I've gone into the box of cabling and pulled out a pair of silver RCAs. Balanced out the sound, and brought the warm side of neutral, back to neutral. Fantastic! I've already reached out to my dealer a week ago letting him know I will be purchasing two pairs of Wire World Silver Starlight USB cables, and one pair of Wire World Silver Eclipse interconnects. That's going to be awesome.

After hearing what's capable and what's happening in the music...there is no way I can continue to play CDs in my reference system. I love my Musical Fidelity X-RAY v8. It's a $1500 CDP and its was excellent but this Little two piece iFi DAC system with Jriver can do so much more...even from the listening chair. I'm old school, I'd admit that, but I ain't fooling myself....this is so exciting to be able to listen to music in such a way.

But like I said before...it ain't vinyl... While the iDSD has that analog sound...I suppose one who's ear is not trained can be fooled, but it's still not vinyl. I mean the tone and everything is righteous...but There is just something in the natural sound of vinyl, I remain a vinly lover...and will always and continue to purchase records. But the CDP in my reference system is going by the way side. That X-RAY is going to the wife's office or family room.

Also like to give a shout out to Oscar for giving me the inspiration a while back....and to Lee Harvey for telling me about his travels with digital and how great the iDSD stuff was.

Thanks Mi Brotha,

While I've always saw the writings on the wall, in much the same manner cavemen did, but never understood what it all meant at the time, but knew that it would lead me on a wonderous journey somewhere just north of Oz, and much like Dorothy said " there's no place like home ".

It might take each of us awhile to find our own paths, but in the end if one selects their components very carefully, with an emphasis on synergy, then the end is but a mere inches away - I say reach for it, and don't look back on what might've been, as opposed to what is.

Enjoy the ride Brotha, you've earned it, and as Antonio Banderas once said in the movie - 13TH Warrior, when asked how did he learn their language?, and he responded " I listened ", and therein lies the truth of the matter - in order to get a true feel for the potential of any given component one has to live with it, and listen to what it tells you it needs, and act accordingly - because once you understand it ( much like a woman ) it'll love you and be at your side for life.

Salaam Mi Brotha.

And thanks for being open-minded enough to trust me, as I'd never steer you wrong, because we are Brothas no matter what/where/when - our friendship is deeper then that, it's cosmic.

h

 

[slippers-on]

You are welcome Byron!
I picked up my iDSD at RMAF this year and at first it did not sound all that special but by the time it had 30 or so hours of play time it really started to bloom. It puts my Uber'd Schiit Bifrost to shame now and its less than 2 years old. That's how fast this digital audio world is changing. The Bifrost has been put on computer speaker duty now. I still love my turntable and vinyl but this iDSD & USB power supply has been a lot of fun lately. I am using J River for Mac and have it set to output in DSD mode. Like Byron said earlier the iDSD is a little on the warm side but I like that. The clarity, soundstaging and dynamics are to die for.

Yes, you are right! The iFI DSD & USB is a lot of fun. I've been browsing acousticsounds.com and looking at the hi rez DSD files....lots of good stuff in there!

 

[slippers-on]

Thanks Mi Brotha,

While I've always saw the writings on the wall, in much the same manner cavemen did, but never understood what it all meant at the time, but knew that it would lead me on a wonderous journey somewhere just north of Oz, and much like Dorothy said " there's no place like home ".

It might take each of us awhile to find our own paths, but in the end if one selects their components very carefully, with an emphasis on synergy, then the end is but a mere inches away - I say reach for it, and don't look back on what might've been, as opposed to what is.

Enjoy the ride Brotha, you've earned it, and as Antonio Banderas once said in the movie - 13TH Warrior, when asked how did he learn their language?, and he responded " I listened ", and therein lies the truth of the matter - in order to get a true feel for the potential of any given component one has to live with it, and listen to what it tells you it needs, and act accordingly - because once you understand it ( much like a woman ) it'll love you and be at your side for life.

Salaam Mi Brotha.

And thanks for being open-minded enough to trust me, as I'd never steer you wrong, because we are Brothas no matter what/where/when - our friendship is deeper then that, it's cosmic.

h

Bro....thats the key to it all! That word. It means "magic"! Thats when the synergy kicks in and the "magic" happens between what your system is doing and your hearing! Shoot..... when you get that magic, you be scared to move anything in or out of you system for fear of not getting that magic back! But for the most part, to get that "magic", one has to find that synergy...and once you find her....you know it! MAGIC!

Bro....if I know one can hear, and I know one has audio intel, I listen when one talks. And you and Lee Harvey have been talking and I've been listening. I thank you both!

 

[Kt77]

Bro....thats the key to it all! That word. It means "magic"! Thats when the synergy kicks in and the "magic" happens between what your system is doing and your hearing! Shoot..... when you get that magic, you be scared to move anything in or out of you system for fear of not getting that magic back! But for the most part, to get that "magic", one has to find that synergy...and once you find her....you know it! MAGIC!

Bro....if I know one can hear, and I know one has audio intel, I listen when one talks. And you and Lee Harvey have been talking and I've been listening. I thank you both!

" Magic " indeed......., but then there's the other side of the coin, where some seem to base things upon review ratings, as opposed to actually getting out to hear systems that are functioning as a collective whole - synergy wise that is, and said system as you and I enjoy saying is " clicking ", yet instead of paying attention to what's playing right before their eyes/ears and mimic that exact sound in purchasing these components one by one if need be?, no some would prefer to buy this Source of over here - that Integrated or Pre/Power Amp from over there, and then throw some odd ball Speakers and Cabling Loom into the mix and wonder why the search continues?.

I tend to hear what I hear, and either it moves me emotionally/spiritually or it doesn't, in which case - why bother if it does speak to my inner being?. Anywho, as I can be rather passionate about such matters, I'll cut it short, and just say if you guys didn't catch this one?, shame on all of you:

http://dsd-guide.com/where-can-you-find-dsd-music-downloads

Peace beyond to each and everyone of you and your families and loved ones, and this extends to the young men and ladies fighting what I see as senseless wars for the sake of greed, if very little else.

And lastly, you're more then welcome Mi Brotha.

Salaam,
h

 

[Billfort]

Good link Oscar! Here's another good source; https://www.nativedsd.com/

The cool thing about nativedsd is that they are very big on provenance and provide a lot of info about their offerings - especially source and mixing details. I've found the best sounding dsd recordings are from analog or dsd source recordings with no pcm anywhere along the line. I know this is pretty hard to prove and probably near impossible the way most music is made these days but it is out there and this site seems determined to point it out.

And especially cool - some of these are availabe in DSD64, DSD128 and some; DSD256 (even free samples to hear for yourself!).

 

[Kt77]

Good link Oscar! Here's another good source; https://www.nativedsd.com/

The cool thing about nativedsd is that they are very big on provenance and provide a lot of info about their offerings - especially source and mixing details. I've found the best sounding dsd recordings are from analog or dsd source recordings with no pcm anywhere along the line. I know this is pretty hard to prove and probably near impossible the way most music is made these days but it is out there and this site seems determined to point it out.

And especially cool - some of these are availabe in DSD64, DSD128 and some; DSD256 (even free samples to hear for yourself!).

Hi Billfort,

Thanks - yet I might add that's a very in-depth site you've provided as well, and one that I wasn't aware of - yet does in fact cover several very important factors to which I wasn't aware of in the least - so much appreciation for your willingness to share - as I can admit all of this computer audio stuff is new to me - coming from over 48 years of buying vinyl, yet it's one of those ventures it seemed couldn't or better yet shouldn't be avoided - as over the course of the last 5 years, I've not been able to enjoy LPs due to extremely bad flare ups of Gout to the point walking over to the turntable caused pain merely thinking about such act.

Yet I've found a great deal of growth in music none the less through the mere usage of an iTunes Music Library tied into an iPad/HRT iStreamer and in moving onwards to said iFi iDSD Micro/iUSB Power I believed it would only lead to even better sonics - hence my pursuit based upon a few cats I know in the industry would ears/minds I trust.

So.........., let the DSD64 - DSD128 and DSD256 Music finds its way into my open arms, yet I've to wait until the 3rd of January - it's good to have said extra insight into said knowledge base - and options.

To that - I owe you a debt of gratitude.

Peace,
scar