Since I've been popping into the forums lately, thought I'd quickly introduce myself. By the way, the member blogs are very cool. I couldn't help myself the other day by posting one (and then this one); but, in the long run, doubt I'll have much to contribute other than the occasional interesting article. Studying computer information systems in school led me to my current job as a consultant for a small tax software company. What got me into the audiophile hobby wasn't an interest ...
So, I've never blogged before but wanted to give it a go to document my experiences in pursuit of putting together a solid, computer-based HiFi system...here goes. I guess I'll just start by stating up front that I don't claim to be an expert, that I am still learning, and that I this is probably the most comfortable audio website I've ever been a member of. My blog is primarily going to focus on trying to figure out my room as that's where I'm at right now. I'm happy ...
I'm just shy of two years into this hobby. The new year is often a time of reflection and assessment. So here we go: Good: I've benefitted from an enormous amount of helpful advice and generosity from folks here, have been introduced to new music, DIY projects, and new ways of looking at things. Listing names seems slightly tacky, and toxic if I manage to forget someone. That should not in any way detract from my sense of gratitude. Bad: I find myself repeatedly ...
Some people regard the appearance of a "computer" in an audio system setting as inappropriate and ugly. My wife does. I don't end up seeming to care that much, particularly as I am frequently swapping the things around, but I can surely appreciate the fine touch of someone like Jeffrey Stephenson. See some of his stunning work in wood at http://slipperyskip.com.
In some threads, the "bits are bits" claim crops up with music server software. After all, why should a 695$ piece of software sound better than iTunes if both can be bit perfect? Found this paper, and wanted to share in case some haven't seen it. http://www.amr-audio.co.uk/large_image/MAC%20OSX%20audio%20players%20&%20Integer%20Mode.p df Other papers here: http://www.amr-audio.co.uk/html/dp777_tech-papers.html
Perhaps I should contribute and write a blog that no one will read... Anyway, I am continuing to slowly rip my CDs using RubyRipper in Ubuntu Linux 11.04 after finding that they do, for some unexplained reason, sound better than the rips done with iTunes. I do have some theories as to why that is, one being that Linux and MPD like FLAC a lot more than any other file type, and the other being that RubyRipper takes a lot more care to get an accurate rip than iTunes does. However, ...
Sometimes, to combat my tinnitus, I just listen to white noise for background. I have found an intriguing substitute with LIDO (Listening to the Deep Ocean environment). LIDO is a website that presents realtime and archived seafloor acoustic observations around the globe in a scientific effort to evaluate bioacoustic factors and identify geo-hazards that affect marine life and the ocean environment. And you can listen ...
Over the last two days I've been comparing three players: Puremusic, Audirvana, and Fidelia. All are the versions available for download. I have to say that when I was reading threads in the forums I was puzzled that so many people had multiple players. I couldn't think of any good reason why. Well after a few days I now have a pretty good idea why – they sound different. Very different. All have some strengths and depending on the listeners taste and associated equipment, could appeal to ...
This was my Album of the Evening last night. http://www.amazon.com/Lioness-Hidden-Treasures-Amy-Winehouse/dp/B0061JPYX2/ Guess this one is a bit controversial (was it a posthumous exploitative cash grab or the real deal treasure trove?). For me, as a big Amy fan, I knew I had to have it -- and it came to me as a Christmas gift -- but I'm still digesting the thing in terms of both music-ness and sonic pleasures. My Foobar2000's Dynamic Range Meter shows only one track ...
Two helpful denizens of this site (Justin and Barrow) suggested a number of music players I should try now that I've got the basic set up working. I wanted to try BitPerfect but I have a problem with the Apple Store (I forgot my user name and password) so I decided to take a look at PureMusic. The download went smoothly which is always a plus and it came up just fine. Pushed play and... nothing. Oops. So per Justin I read the manual. Ahhh. Have to set the output in PureMusic. OK, click click. ...
So the Peachtree DACiT arrived yesterday morning. After taking it in from the cold (couple of hours on the porch in bracing 28 degree Nebraska morning weather) and letting it get to room temperature I plugged the little guy in. Lights came on. Always a good sign. Plugged in the USB cable (nicely idiot proof!), selected the DAC from the system menu, called up iTunes and pushed play. Darned if tunes didn't come out. This is the kind of set up I like!! First up was the Duncan & ...
So I have been playing around with the idea of computer audio since my second bookshelf is now nearly full of CDs. It seems like a great idea, as it would solve the space problem, make it much easier to manage the collection, and at least potentially give me equal or (hopefully superior) sonics. The last objective is the deal breaker. I won't compromise on that. The system now consists of an Esoteric SA-10 (intro level) CD player, Ayre K5xe preamp, Bryston 4BSST amp, and Wilson Sophia v1 speakers. ...
More slightly off-topic stuff. Like many Mac mini owners, my audio server is also a video server. My attention span is better suited to a CD than a two-hour movie, so I seldom sit still long enough to watch movies on TV. But others in the family like to, occasionally. So I have Front Row on the mini, and then I have an ATV2 as well. The mini seems to prefer its HDMI hose to connect directly to the TV, whereas the HDMI from ATV2 goes to my AVR (Marantz NR 1402, which, for a $350 ...
Just downloaded the new Pure music 1.83 update.Can't find any info about it.Sounds the same.Anyone know what this update is for?
You have probably already heard that Amnesty International, as a fundraiser, is to release in late January 2012 an album of some 70 covers of Bob Dylan pieces. You can now listen online and pre-order here: http://www.facebook.com/amnestyusa?sk=app_115392725211599 The 4 CD collection is $24.99, with digital downloads ("high bitrate" MP3s) for $19.99. I will be ripping my CDs to FLAC, thank you. ...
