Going Digital!

[Billfort]

Down loaded HQPlayer and thought..."what in the world!" Seeing I'm off tomorrow, I will try to make something out of whatever that is...lol!::scratch2:

Yes, WTF (in a bad way) was part of my vocabulary when I first tried it too - my trial expired before I got comfortable with it and got it working properly.

Second time I made a concerted effort to use it things started falling into place (with help from Jussi/Miska) and it wasn't long till Jriver got pushed aside and relegated to file management, tagging and ripping duties. As a player and basis for separating the big computer from the NAA near the dac, HQP leaves Jriver in the dust and WTF is now used in the very good way.

The HQp interface is way behind Jriver from a pretty, ease of use perspective but if you are comfortable with the concept of playing 'albums' (like vinyl?) and don't do a lot of playlists and jumping all over the place to individual tracks, it's fine and you get used to it - it does all this, just not as good as Jriver. What you don't get used to, is using anything else as the player or listening to something other than DSD128 on your dac.

 

[Kt77]

Guys,

I'll be ordering the iDSD DAC/iUSB Power tomorrow - as my dealer didn't want to have to alter his end of year tax statements - as he had prepared them several days ago. So for me - it's about getting the pieces into place and finalizing everything in February once I've an 8GB RAM - i7 core processor and possibly an all SSD Drive ( or Hybid ) Mac Mini and the Atomic Audio Labs Mac Platform in house.

Yet, I'm going the external harddrive route and have obtained a 500GB G-Technology G-Drive, as well as a Lacie Porsche Design 1TB HDD units, and am considering adding one of their Thunderbolt Drives at a later date - my question to you guys in the know is - do I stick with standard 3.0 USB Harddrive?, or said Thunderbolt in said case?.

And as I've narrowed my eBay search list towards 8GB RAM - i7 Core Mac Mini's as I was told by several guys these feature or more important then pursuing ones with SSD Harddrives installed - what say you is the truth?, as I'm not the techie sort by any means - and more then likely can pay someone to install say the Samsung Evo 840 or Pro 850 drives on my behalf - if one of you is up to the task?.

Please advise me on what's the truth on the Mac Mini options as well as OS X programs choices between say Mavericks - Mountain Lion or even Yosemite, is it more about one better better for programming?, while another might be better for SQ?.

Once again, please advise.

And lastly - but even more important - here's wishing all of you a very safe and productive New Year, and let's all find our added sense of peace and purpose in the days/weeks/months/years/decades to come.

Be thee well - Mi Brothas in arms.

Peace,
scar

 

[Kt77]

Oscar, there is a good thread about Mac Minis - http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=585665

That should give you as much information as you need

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the heads up........, and as always - I look forward to seeing you and your wonderful wife shortly, as I've changed speakers and cabling since you guys were last here - and would be honored to hear your opinions on what I think is my journeys end.

Thanks again,
h

 

[Kt77]

Im not surprised by the guy at MD. The guy I talked to tried to talk me out of the iFi product and tried to get me to buy a Peach Tree DAC.

From what I understand the iUSB was designed for the iDAC, and the iDSD was designed with the same PSU in mind. I've also seen guys with other USB DAC's using the iUSB PSU for other DAC's as well and they all claim an improvement is sonics.

Brotha B,

I was informed the iUSB Power was designed to be used with their original iDAC, as both were intended to be standalone components - whereas both iDSD Nano and Micro DACs are geared towards portable use with devices like smart/iPhones - iPads and the likes.

But as we were also looking into alternatives to the Gemini Dual-headed USB cable - I came across this fairly affordable option that seems promising as it can be ordered with standard type A USB connectors on both end - while in hindsight shows that said Gemini has a type B at the DAC end ( hence designed for the iDAC - while the iDSD DAC has a lone type A USB input on its rear ) and two type A connectors at said iUSB Power frontal outlets.

Anyways - the only options I've come across are the Wireworld - Acoustic Revive - KingRex and this one as mentioned about as the cheapest:

http://www.audiocadabra.com/blog/optimus-handcrafted-dual-headed-usb-cables/

http://hifi-advice.com/KingRex-unanimous-review.html

As I'm included to believe that the type A to type B adapter included with said iDSD DAC were an afterthought - and in reality any break in the signal path in my mind can't be a good one - yet I'd be wrong in said case?.

Anyways - I was told by more then one person that the Gemini is essential between the iUSB Power and any USB DAC it's used with - so in someways we've to respect the concept the designers had in mind to begin with regardless of the sort of metal conductors used within the cabling themselves - in which case one should look at a possible replacement between the computers USB port and said PSU - like so:

http://www.hifi-advice.com/kingrex-unanimous-uArt-USB-S-review.html

Just a thought.

Be thee well little Brotha,
h

 

[livestrong]

Wow – this thread has really taken off, Byron – look what you’ve started!

I thought I’d give a quick update on my short journey with the iFi so far. I’m absolutely loving it – so much so that I bought the Micro iUSB Power along with the Gemini cable. I am, however, a bit disappointed in the iRack – I’m sure it is fine for what it was made for and for that matter, how it was advertised. So no hard feelings at all towards iFi (nothing but love here ). So I got a little crazy and decided that the iFi DSD Stack (that’s what I’m calling the Micro iUSB Power / Micro iDSD combo) needs a better solution for integrating into my 2 channel setup. After all, I’ve already knocked the iRack over by mistake. Not to worry, it wasn’t bad and nothing got hurt, but I considered it a shot over the bow!

So, I’m sending everything to Mike over at AVC to design/build a platform for the iFi DSD Stack! I can’t wait!! The goal is to have a stand that houses both iFi pieces, provides a more substantial amount of vibration control, is more stable, modular (can be added to), and good looking. I’m really excited to see how it turns out – I feel like a little kid!

 

[slippers-on]

Brotha B,

I was informed the iUSB Power was designed to be used with their original iDAC, as both were intended to be standalone components - whereas both iDSD Nano and Micro DACs are geared towards portable use with devices like smart/iPhones - iPads and the likes.

But as we were also looking into alternatives to the Gemini Dual-headed USB cable - I came across this fairly affordable option that seems promising as it can be ordered with standard type A USB connectors on both end - while in hindsight shows that said Gemini has a type B at the DAC end ( hence designed for the iDAC - while the iDSD DAC has a lone type A USB input on its rear ) and two type A connectors at said iUSB Power frontal outlets.

Anyways - the only options I've come across are the Wireworld - Acoustic Revive - KingRex and this one as mentioned about as the cheapest:

http://www.audiocadabra.com/blog/optimus-handcrafted-dual-headed-usb-cables/

http://hifi-advice.com/KingRex-unanimous-review.html

As I'm included to believe that the type A to type B adapter included with said iDSD DAC were an afterthought - and in reality any break in the signal path in my mind can't be a good one - yet I'd be wrong in said case?.

Anyways - I was told by more then one person that the Gemini is essential between the iUSB Power and any USB DAC it's used with - so in someways we've to respect the concept the designers had in mind to begin with regardless of the sort of metal conductors used within the cabling themselves - in which case one should look at a possible replacement between the computers USB port and said PSU - like so:

http://www.hifi-advice.com/kingrex-unanimous-uArt-USB-S-review.html

Just a thought.

Be thee well little Brotha,
h

Hi Oscar

The iDSD Micro was designed for both...portable as well as a stationary device. It's a hybrid design. Other wise why would they put a switch on the IDSD micro that lets one bi pass the battery all together?

Thanks for the links for the cables.

 

[slippers-on]

Wow – this thread has really taken off, Byron – look what you’ve started!

I thought I’d give a quick update on my short journey with the iFi so far. I’m absolutely loving it – so much so that I bought the Micro iUSB Power along with the Gemini cable. I am, however, a bit disappointed in the iRack – I’m sure it is fine for what it was made for and for that matter, how it was advertised. So no hard feelings at all towards iFi (nothing but love here ). So I got a little crazy and decided that the iFi DSD Stack (that’s what I’m calling the Micro iUSB Power / Micro iDSD combo) needs a better solution for integrating into my 2 channel setup. After all, I’ve already knocked the iRack over by mistake. Not to worry, it wasn’t bad and nothing got hurt, but I considered it a shot over the bow!

So, I’m sending everything to Mike over at AVC to design/build a platform for the iFi DSD Stack! I can’t wait!! The goal is to have a stand that houses both iFi pieces, provides a more substantial amount of vibration control, is more stable, modular (can be added to), and good looking. I’m really excited to see how it turns out – I feel like a little kid!

Good you've got the iUSB power! And let me know how the stand comes along.

 

[Kt77]

Hi Oscar

The iDSD Micro was designed for both...portable as well as a stationary device. It's a hybrid design. Other wise why would they put a switch on the IDSD micro that lets one bi pass the battery all together?

Thanks for the links for the cables.

Bet.........., you know how we do it!, it's all good - and you're more then welcome Mi Brotha.

 

[Kt77]

Please let all of us know how the stand turns out - hopefully you thought to have the top flush mounted where the cap can spring up to release the shelving when others need to be added - as I for one didn't like how the iRack had their knob sticking above the shelves instead of counter sunken which would've come across as more polished.

But being as I do see those little things like that, I'd have done it differently had I processed the creative skill to do so.........., anyways let's continue on our quest shall we?.

 

[slippers-on]

Bet.........., you know how we do it!, it's all good - and you're more then welcome Mi Brotha.

Well what I said before is not totally true and a little misleading....it's not a physical switch....it's designed to switch internally depending on how you turn on the computer and the iDSD. It bi passes the battery if you turn on the computer first. And yes, I know how we do it...it's all good!

In a minute!

 

[Kt77]

Well what I said before is not totally true and a little misleading....it's not a physical switch....it's designed to switch internally depending on how you turn on the computer and the iDSD. It bi passes the battery if you turn on the computer first.

Broths B,

It's not that pressing - I'll get around to reading the manual next week, but in earnest the iUSB Power can/should be used alongside any USB DAC as it stands, and that's all that matters in the end - clean/quiet deliverance of power to all connected items.

We good........

 

[Catcher10]

Brudda
I am happy you are in digital heaven, you have found anther pc of gear to make your listening more enjoyable, that is the key.

I am not ready for this much digital or your path, nothing against it as I have a lot of downloads, albeit none are hi-rez. They are all wma320kbps, run thru the TubeDAC11 at 24/96 it sounds pretty nice to me for now.
Was enjoying some Diana Krall at 24/96 and really made me pay attention, but nothing like the 12" black disc does.
I am happy I have all three media I can enjoy....If I had the extra money for now it goes into the analog. As you know I want other gear so upgrading my digital end is low on the totem pole.

Keep the updates coming, I like to hear about new discoveries, you have created a very cool thread!

Happy New Year bruddaman!

 

[livestrong]

Please let all of us know how the stand turns out - hopefully you thought to have the top flush mounted where the cap can spring up to release the shelving when others need to be added - as I for one didn't like how the iRack had their knob sticking above the shelves instead of counter sunken which would've come across as more polished.

But being as I do see those little things like that, I'd have done it differently had I processed the creative skill to do so.........., anyways let's continue on our quest shall we?.

That is a really cool idea! I would be afraid of the springs adding in additional cost, another thing to potentially vibrate/rattle, and a complexity that could be more likely to fail over time. But like I said, I like the idea of it being flush mounted - I designed the watch you see in my avatar so I have a huge appreciate for good design If they do stick up above the top, I think they'll be done a bit more tastefully than the iRack. Time will tell - I shall keep you posted

 

[Kt77]

That is a really cool idea! I would be afraid of the springs adding in additional cost, another thing to potentially vibrate/rattle, and a complexity that could be more likely to fail over time. But like I said, I like the idea of it being flush mounted - I designed the watch you see in my avatar so I have a huge appreciate for good design If they do stick up above the top, I think they'll be done a bit more tastefully than the iRack. Time will tell - I shall keep you posted

Good point in regards to rattling and such, I guess I didn't think that part out, yet as viewing your watch........, I've to say that you do in fact appreciate good design, with an eye for details as well.

So, once again I shall watching this space for your refinement on said iRack, as Mike certainly seems to be up to the task - I'll give him that.

May you and yours - as well as all our Brothas in Arms have a Happier New Year.

Be thee well,
h

 

[slippers-on]

I've about 80 hours on the iDSD Micro. My room is about 210 SQF I sit 9 ft from my speakers....speakers 9ft from one another...speakers have no toe in but point forward. Amp and preamp sitting on wood blocks on the floor. TT, phono amp and Micro on audio shelf. X-RAY v8 CDP has left the room! I have a few room treatments. This IDSD, iUSB PSU which can be considered budget gear at $700 has not a budget sound! No sir. My Musical Fidelity X-RAY v8 which retailed at $1500, can't hold a candle to it! I really don't believe a friends $15k Levinson CDP sounds as good, tho I haven't did a side by side. Before I couldnt understand why all the fuss of DSD, and all the DAC jive, after all, CDPs all have DAC, so what's the big fuss? That's how I use to think. But now, I can't understand why one would continue to hold on to CDPs? The musicality, and realism alone is a reason to ditch the CDP. I'm having way to much fun over here...and those who have not jumped ship can have just as much fun as well. Even the files in 44.1 upsamples to DSD on the fly is something to behold! My buddy PappaChubby told me to jump a few years ago...took me awhile, but I jumped. And glad I did!

 

[Kt77]

I've about 80 hours on the iDSD Micro. My room is about 210 SQF I sit 9 ft from my speakers....speakers 9ft from one another...speakers have no toe in but point forward. Amp and preamp sitting on wood blocks on the floor. TT, phono amp and Micro on audio shelf. I have a few room treatments. This IDSD, iUSB PSU which can be considered budget gear at $700 has not a budget sound! No sir. My Musical Fidelity X-RAY v8 which retailed at $1500, can't hold a candle to it! I really don't believe a friends $15k Levinson CDP sounds as good, tho I haven't did a side by side. Before I couldnt understand why all the fuss of DSD, and all the DAC jive, after all, CDPs all have DAC, so what's the big fuss? That's how I use to think. But now, I can't understand why one would continue to hold on to CDPs? The musicality, and realism alone is a reason to ditch the CDP. I'm having way to much fun over here...and those who have not jumped ship can have just as much fun as well. Even the files in 44.1 upsamples to DSD on the fly is something to behold! My buddy PappaChubby told me to jump a few years ago...took me awhile, but I jumped. And glad I did!

Sho Ya Right Mi Brotha.

I'm listening to mines set up right now and all I can add is................, WTF had I been waiting on all this time, and here I'm talking out the box type detailing that's making my toes curl ( and no.........., it's not because of the Gout - that's in the left knee ) and just listening to my standard iTunes Music Library - which makes me realize once the Mac Mini is into place!, the wife has to make room in the bed, because Daddy has a new mistress that has gotten his attention, so not sharing isn't an option.

I see a lot of sleepless nights in my future, and I don't need Ms. Cleo ( call me now ) to predict this........., this one I feel in my soul.

And as I wrote you earlier - it's time to get your cabling options sorted out - because I'm thinking Mi Brotha it only gets better............, I might be late to this whole computer audio party thing.........., but I'm putting in special reservations to attend next years gala as soon as I get off of here - and paying up to 5 years in advance.

Color me pink........, and that's going to be a hard one to pull of considering the sun tan, but guys - I've to go with Byron - Bilfort and Livestrong on this one - this shite.........., isn't a joke.

iFi is onto something in the manner these devices have been voiced and I've to thank another friend of mine " Norman " ( you know which one I'm referring to ) for telling me about these amazing devices to begin with all of 4 months ago, yet I failed to pay attention to the writings on the wall - and for that, forgive me for not trusting in your words earlier on........., as it stands - I'm a believer.

Enjoy Brotha Byron, enjoy.

 

[slippers-on]

Mi Bro!....I thought you'd be crying upon first listening...like I did! I WAS WRONG....seems you got a woody! (sorry...I couldn't resist!)

It's all good!

In a minute!

 

[Kt77]

Mi Bro!....I thought you'd be crying upon first listening...like I did! I WAS WRONG....seems you got a woody! (sorry...I couldn't resist!)

It's all good!

In a minute!

Mi Brotha,

As you're well aware - I haven't been able to enjoy any LPs since November 2010, but do have fond memories - and can't say whether or not this competes with Peabody's Levinson CD Player or even that $10.000 Turntable you spoke on awhile back........., but I do know what I'm hearing/feeling from the sound of these devices is simply " Divine ".

Don't get me wrong..........., I'm crying just below the surface - but in all honesty - Michelle has to sleep with our daughter tonight while the iFi and I get better acquainted if you will :nono:

Man all I'll add upon first contact ( yes......, I'm a Trekkie so there ) is I don't miss CDs or LPs at this point, and Mr. Woody is talking smack, but I hear/feel what's in front of me, and it's wonderful.

Nuff Said.

Peace,
:yes:_o scar

 

[StylinLP]

Hey, I don't doubt both your glowing endorements of the new iFi Micro iDSD with iPower supply. Also, the many reviews. Is there more of an in dept review to read on any short comings? Kinda like that poor review the iFi Nano got by that UK magazine. Reason Im looking at the iFi Micro iDSD more critically is because A: I do not have any DSD files yet. I do have over a dozen HD Tracks.com albums at 24bit 192khz. and B: For a little more money I can buy a $1500 to $2000 unit used at half the price that does not support DSD.

One more thing, I do not require battery portable unit. This is strickly for my home 2 channel system.

 

[Kt77]

Hey, I don't doubt both your glowing endorements of the new iFi Micro iDSD with iPower supply. Also, the many reviews. Is there more of an in dept review to read on any short comings? Kinda like that poor review the iFi Nano got by that UK magazine. Reason Im looking at the iFi Micro iDSD more critically is because A: I do not have any DSD files yet. I do have over a dozen HD Tracks.com albums at 24bit 192khz. and B: For a little more money I can buy a $1500 to $2000 unit used at half the price that does not support DSD.

One more thing, I do not require battery portable unit. This is strickly for my home 2 channel system.

Good evening StylinLP,

As I've seemed to have gotten your question first, I'm certain Byron won't mind if I respond, and he can add to his side later. But I've not found one single poor review on the iDSD as of yet, and I've gone through the trouble of having a few translated as a means of researching them more in-depth before making the move myself - as I was thinking more along the lines of their stablemate iDAC finding that I could live quite happily with standard downloads of say 96/24 myself - until of course several friends in the audio industry told me otherwise - logic to me is - when it comes to anything digital related - I tend to view as something Sam Telling wrote in his review on one the Musical Fidelity DAC at around the $400 price range that made sense.

It basically said he saw say price ranges in DACs as dispensable due to the fact that as digital technology seems to evolve in what I also have noticed at a pace of every 3 - 6 months ( whereas his saying was more like 2 years ) so in buying an even costlier DAC of say $1.500 - $2.000 and upwards that might sound very pleasant today can or might be exceeded by a $500 DAC next year - remember the California Audio Labs CD Players of olde - isn't it weird how something that was seen/heard as innovative at the time and costly I might add - within say a year or three later weren't even in the running due to the likes of players from Wadia - Naim - Lector - Micromega - Metronome - Meridian at lower prices?.

Logic then sinks in..........., as I'd much rather look at this as a means of getting my feet wet, as opposed to soaked and don't have a paddle to get out of the situation in time enough to stay afloat - in my case I'm open-minded enough to believe there's a great deal of potential hidden in DSD downloads and even would be inclined to feel it's more then capable of making the most out of my iTunes library as it did earlier on - so much so that I told Byron over the phone that I'm planning on buying their DSD Mini later on this year - once again, I'd rather invest $1.000 believing this company is offering something very special in regard to musicality - I just don't see a need to spent more or look elsewhere - if that makes any sense.

And please know that I'm one of those cats whom owns over 27.000 LPs, but as stated earlier I'm unable to enjoy them due to a disability that's real - yet in the same breathe I hear what I hear, and once again..........., it's very musical from where I stand/sit/lay ( you get the concept ) and I'd say thank each of us later.........., it's that good.

I hope my rambling make some sort of sense?, as I'm the type whom only speaks on matters as I hear them, anything less like going on ratings to me is BS!, as I much prefer to get the shinny from real people whom are pay to endorse a product due to advertising cost.

Read between the lines - logic/rational sense is not a given - and once again......., thank us all later.

Peace,
scar