Going Digital!

[Kt77]

I have a Mac as my home computer which is in a different area of my home from my listening area. So in order to stream music to the Amber i was considering the miniMac or a Mac notebook. Any advice?

After reading the various articles/reviews all over Google, I went with the Mac Mini after thinking about pursuing the Auralic Aries first, but chanced my mind as it's made of plastic which I hate........, another reason why that cute little BlueSound Node only lasted a week in my system before being sold, I just prefer items made from some sort of metal alloy, hence my attraction to either a MacBook Air ( SSD ) or said M Mini ( SSD ) no moving parts and a nice finish to boot.

As mentioned above, I'm not into either Auto Maker in the least and actually prefer Buick's along with Audi's and Infinity's as car makers.........., so yes, I enjoy being different in that sense.

 

[Kt77]

I am typing this on my 2012 MacBook Pro and I love it. But with the way Apple is locking down their machines anymore where you can't upgrade or replace parts I can't recommend them anymore. I was running my iFI rig with an older MacBook but when it came to trying to use J River's upconverting to DSD it just could not do it without stuttering and dropouts in the sound. I purchased a small Acer tower with a quad core i5 and 8GB of ram and Win 8.1 last fall for another purpose. With it I can change out and upgrade hardware as needed. After the Mac became troublesome I pressed the Acer into service as my music server and it has worked out great. There are some differences in the Mac and PC versions of J River. The Mac version can only do DSD 128 upconversion where as the PC version will go up to DSD 512. With the Mac you will have less configuration to get it put out bit perfect sound and with a Windows PC it will take some driver downloads and some extra configuration. Use what you feel comfortable with either types of machines work fine for media servers.

Actually the late model Macs can still be accessed with a small plier tool that's sold through different companies that were used to pry the screens off their iPhones and iPads as I've one in home........, they can still be opened in said case. And I just love their look and feel, choices, choices, choices.

 

[Kt77]

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Eddie Higgins with Scott Hamilton. DSD 128 Venus Records. Tokyo, Japan.

Images like crazy! Back to front depth....tall and wide....The little iFI Micro and iPSU, Canton Vento 830.2 with Ceramic tweeters.

The Little Bamboo Board gifted to me by my friend Lee Harvey. Works great with the BDR Cones.

Oscar, that little mid range problem I told you about, it wasn't the Neutral Cable at all...it was the previous material I had under the iFI Micro. The board with the BDR Cones cleared all that up! As Lee Harvey suggested, I will get another Neutral Cable to replace the Purple one as it still has a few drop outs once a week.

Brotha B,

It's nice to know that it wasn't the Neutral cable at fault after all, as I was beginning to question your ears, seeming that I hadn't heard said lack of anything through my system........., but as you might recall?, I'm very very very much into using isolation devices/platforms under everything as it stands, and add one more BDR Cone please, they're sold separately you know. Speaking of which..........., a pair of Sound Anchors under your Canton's would in fact enhance your listening experience that much more..........., and I'm with you on the Venus Jazz Record releases as I've almost all of them, great ear there.

Salaam.

 

[Kt77]

Wow........, it seems to have gotten very quiet in here very quickly, I'm sorry if I offended anyone?, yet I've to ask those of you whom are new to this thread and devices........, what's your take on the whole PCM vs DSD thing?, what are your ears telling you?.

I'm about to finally commit to doing my entire library over to DSD 128 later on today, so let's see where it takes me Brotha B?, I'm open-minded enough to want to know the truth of the matter.

Ina minute as you often put it.

 

[Billfort]

If you are open minded Oscar, consider leaving all that PCM just as it is - then convert to DSD128 on-the-fly. Your originals stay original and you have massive flexibility to let the conversion process evolve as your tastes, system and technologies evolve around those originals.

Case in point - I love the sound of DSD128 going to my current DAC. I used to use Jriver to do it, now I use something I think sounds better. I change over-sampling and modulator settings pretty regularly and the software seems to get upgraded (often with positive sonic effect) regularly. Some recordings seem to like different settings, system changes can shuffle the deck and as my computer hardware gets better, I'm changing settings. My current DAC goes up to DSD128 but a firmware change might change that, or I might get a new DAC, or a more powerful PC which opens up more setting options - it goes on and on. The main thing to note - those originals STAYED unmolested originals.

A year and half ago I first heard how good DSD128 sounded in my room and I experimented with converting a few of my favorite CDs to that format offline. Sounded fantastic and I was ready to buy a lot more hard-drive space and start spending all the time and effort needed to do it. I tried doing on the fly though and you know, I liked everything about it better. I now go back and listen to those first few converted files I saved and compare to the same source original converted on-the-fly with my crap in it's current state and they don't cut it - I'm SO glad I didn't bother with more.

On-the-fly is the ultimate in flexibility and with this technology changing and evolving at the rate it is, flexibility is a VERY good thing. It's also a 'tweekers' paradise and I know how much you like your tweeks Oscar!

Let your ears decide...but be ready for change - especially on the bleeding edge of digital.

 

[Kt77]

If you are open minded Oscar, consider leaving all that PCM just as it is - then convert to DSD128 on-the-fly. Your originals stay original and you have massive flexibility to let the conversion process evolve as your tastes, system and technologies evolve around those originals.

Case in point - I love the sound of DSD128 going to my current DAC. I used to use Jriver to do it, now I use something I think sounds better. I change over-sampling and modulator settings pretty regularly and the software seems to get upgraded (often with positive sonic effect) regularly. Some recordings seem to like different settings, system changes can shuffle the deck and as my computer hardware gets better, I'm changing settings. My current DAC goes up to DSD128 but a firmware change might change that, or I might get a new DAC, or a more powerful PC which opens up more setting options - it goes on and on. The main thing to note - those originals STAYED unmolested originals.

A year and half ago I first heard how good DSD128 sounded in my room and I experimented with converting a few of my favorite CDs to that format offline. Sounded fantastic and I was ready to buy a lot more hard-drive space and start spending all the time and effort needed to do it. I tried doing on the fly though and you know, I liked everything about it better. I now go back and listen to those first few converted files I saved and compare to the same source original converted on-the-fly with my crap in it's current state and they don't cut it - I'm SO glad I didn't bother with more.

On-the-fly is the ultimate in flexibility and with this technology changing and evolving at the rate it is, flexibility is a VERY good thing. It's also a 'tweekers' paradise and I know how much you like your tweeks Oscar!

Let your ears decide...but be ready for change - especially on the bleeding edge of digital.

Good morning Billfort,

As always, yours is the voice of logic and sensibility, and having just read through a few article just now over on Computer Audiophile that more or less were hinting at the same thing about doing said PCM files on the fly does make sense. I've just been putting things off trying to decide on which software to pursue?, in hopes that A+ were going to introduce their remote app sometimes soon as I'd definitely prefer going headless - and seeming their software like Amarra and D - Channel are dedicated to OS X designs, I didn't want to invest in it and JRiver both.

But it seems that I've finally decided enough is enough, and I've to see/hear for myself what you, Byron and a few others have been raving about since this thread began - so it's nice having a knowledgable guy whom happens to be a fellow countryman share his ideals on said matters, to which I take to heart quite seriously I can assure you. So........., let the evolution of an olde school sort of music lover begin.

Thanks for the encouragement.

Be thee well.

 

[Billfort]

I don't know mac Oscar but the 2 pieces of software I have experience with (Jriver and HQPlayer) live in both worlds, convert on-the-fly and are available as free trials - give them a whirl and see if you think any of this is worth it.

Fair warning though; once you hear what is possible, you might find yourself falling down a very deep rabbit-hole.

 

[Kt77]

Billfort/Byron,

Here's another option I found while reading about such matters of converting offline this morning and merely wanted to list it here for those whom aren't aware of it?:

http://audiventory.com

I'd also like for both of you to walk me through this " On The Fly " method, as I'm still unfamiliar with all of this even after sitting here for the last 4 months gathering music, and reading about software programs and much more......., but as far as actually doing it, or even knowing how to install my external hard drive is troublesome to this olde hand.

Do me a favor if you'd, and break it down for me step by step.

Thanks guys.

scar

 

[Billfort]

<pic snip>

Eddie Higgins with Scott Hamilton. DSD 128 Venus Records. Tokyo, Japan.

Images like crazy! Back to front depth....tall and wide....The little iFI Micro and iPSU, Canton Vento 830.2 with Ceramic tweeters.

The Little Bamboo Board gifted to me by my friend Lee Harvey. Works great with the BDR Cones.

Oscar, that little mid range problem I told you about, it wasn't the Neutral Cable at all...it was the previous material I had under the iFI Micro. The board with the BDR Cones cleared all that up! As Lee Harvey suggested, I will get another Neutral Cable to replace the Purple one as it still has a few drop outs once a week.

Damn that's a nice looking system Byron - would love to hear that mix of components.

 

[Kt77]

I don't know mac Oscar but the 2 pieces of software I have experience with (Jriver and HQPlayer) live in both worlds, convert on-the-fly and are available as free trials - give them a whirl and see if you think any of this is worth it.

Fair warning though; once you hear what is possible, you might find yourself falling down a very deep rabbit-hole.

Thanks again - Billfort,

I'm about to download JRiver in about 5 minutes, and look forward to falling deeply within said rabbit-hole gladly.

 

[enginedr]

I am still sitting on the PCM fence . The IFI micro is performing well .
I have found this on Head Fi
"
Further, with this chip we retain a true Multibit PCM Core, true, only the upper 6 Bits are converted using multibit conversion, while anything below the top 6 Bits goes through a 256FS low order delta sigma modulator, in many ways this particular configuration is the best arrangement currently available, short of using a true 32 Bit Multibit DAC, which realistically speaking does not exist (yet). " This is from AMR

 

[Kt77]

I am still sitting on the PCM fence . The IFI micro is performing well .
I have found this on Head Fi
"
Further, with this chip we retain a true Multibit PCM Core, true, only the upper 6 Bits are converted using multibit conversion, while anything below the top 6 Bits goes through a 256FS low order delta sigma modulator, in many ways this particular configuration is the best arrangement currently available, short of using a true 32 Bit Multibit DAC, which realistically speaking does not exist (yet). " This is from AMR

enginedr,

That has been my exact point to Byron all along, I'm able to throughly enough what I've been getting from standard PCM files all this time, and having just installed the 30 day trial version of JRiver, it seems as if I've to invest in the licensed version in order to use it along with the JRemote App that's already on my iPad mini?, what a bummer.

Let's continue - shall we?, this is the most fun I've had in years.

 

[enginedr]

I have already purchased Channel D pure music and I am running the Apple Remote from the I-pad . If you try the DSD Let me know your thoughts . I will PM you for your 12at recommendations . Thank you

 

[Kt77]

I have already purchased Channel D pure music and I am running the Apple Remote from the I-pad . If you try the DSD Let me know your thoughts . I will PM you for your 12at recommendations . Thank you

Great news there, and I certainly shall let you know my honest and heartfelt opinion as it relates to DSD, I can assure you that much. I guess it's better for me to just interface A+ with the Apple Remote and chill out myself - as via JRiver I've lost way to much cover art which I've hand picked and added myself over the years, as well as lost 100 tracks of the 4650 I've collected since 2009, I'm not in this to lose music or artwork for that matter.

Enjoy e!.

 

[RH67]

After reading the various articles/reviews all over Google, I went with the Mac Mini after thinking about pursuing the Auralic Aries first, but chanced my mind as it's made of plastic which I hate........, another reason why that cute little BlueSound Node only lasted a week in my system before being sold, I just prefer items made from some sort of metal alloy, hence my attraction to either a MacBook Air ( SSD ) or said M Mini ( SSD ) no moving parts and a nice finish to boot.

As mentioned above, I'm not into either Auto Maker in the least and actually prefer Buick's along with Audi's and Infinity's as car makers.........., so yes, I enjoy being different in that sense.

Thanks. I have decided to pursue a late 2012 quad core Mac Mini. After attending T.H.E. Newport show i would say that the vast majority of rooms were using the Mac Mini.

Having been a PC person for two decades and now a Mac user for the last five years i much prefer operating a Mac system so hopefully this will give me a head start in my digital quest.

 

[Kt77]

Thanks. I have decided to pursue a late 2012 quad core Mac Mini. After attending T.H.E. Newport show i would say that the vast majority of rooms were using the Mac Mini.

Having been a PC person for two decades and now a Mac user for the last five years i much prefer operating a Mac system so hopefully this will give me a head start in my digital quest.

Great choice........, you'll certainly not be getting an argument from my end, as I like you like what I/we like and I've the exact same vintage on M Mini with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD and an extra 1.5 TB over three external hard drives which themselves are dedicated to the Mac and are made from metal as well.

Weird eh?, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

_oh

 

[Kt77]

I have already purchased Channel D pure music and I am running the Apple Remote from the I-pad . If you try the DSD Let me know your thoughts . I will PM you for your 12at recommendations . Thank you

Well enginedr, Byron, and Billfort,

I've just crawled back into my bedroom after a very brief, but entertaining experience as it relates to DSD - and I'm happy to say it's a sound much like some have stated here as having a very liquid type of texture to its sound that's more akin to vinyl then anything I've owned/heard short of a $6.500 turntable with all the fixings.

I'm hearing more transparency, better separation of each/every note as if it's placed inside their own space surrounded by a natural sense of enhancement added as a means of reaching ones very core and now I fully understand why a friend of mine whom is in the audio industry is so high on the iDSD and Lampi DACs doing DSD - because it's obvious that both are voiced uniquely enough to set each apart from the norm - and here I'm referring to hearing/feeling a sense of " truthfulness " and " correctness " I've only encounter in much more expensive gear, so it's quite shocking to have it available to the masses at these prices, while it seems are increasing as I type this very letter.

Byron............, as hearing is believing and now that's I've, I can say in all honesty I've never heard/felt a CD Player reproduce music as naturally as these devices, and here I was thinking you guys had found a batch of some form of properly aged hash or opium - yet I must now apologize publicly for my doubts as I now know in my very being there's no going back......., not that I had much of a choice or intend, but this **** is the bomb and then some.

Yes - E,

I can clearly hear a superior means of music reproduction right before my very eyes/ears and those whom aren't willing to admit there are grave differences, well how does one put it without coming across as a know/hear it all?.

You simply can't hear, or your system isn't resolving enough to emphasize said naturalness or purity, so maybe it's time to better certain components as this is the future and lest you enjoy being left behind?, it's time to acknowledge that a change is around the bend.

I for one am going forward, so excuse me while I step over a few of you whom are into nostalgia just for the sake of it. Naw..........., there's no going back from this once heard done correctly.

It has been a joyous ride, thanks guys, and thanks little Brotha for taking the time to walk me through the setup to get things up and running, and now that I know the truth of the matter - ****, it's about to get real sick up in our space, ya heard!!!!. ( joking ) but those that understand my ways?, know I'm somewhat of a cornball at times.

Later dudes.

 

[Billfort]

Not surprised in the least to see this post Oscar - enjoy!

 

[Kt77]

Not surprised in the least to see this post Oscar - enjoy!

Thanks Billfort,

I certainly intend to now that I finally know what's what!, no looking back on my end.

:tears:_o scar

 

[slippers-on]

Brotha B,

It's nice to know that it wasn't the Neutral cable at fault after all, as I was beginning to question your ears, seeming that I hadn't heard said lack of anything through my system........., but as you might recall?, I'm very very very much into using isolation devices/platforms under everything as it stands, and add one more BDR Cone please, they're sold separately you know. Speaking of which..........., a pair of Sound Anchors under your Canton's would in fact enhance your listening experience that much more..........., and I'm with you on the Venus Jazz Record releases as I've almost all of them, great ear there.

Salaam.

Yeah, I need 4 more of the BDR's and yeah...the stands are down the list a bit.