jmack

You're right, 57Gold had the same question, but alas no solution. I wonder if he got his FLAC. The problem about being audiophiles is we just can't settle for less than 44.1.

Man, apparenty I must live anywhere else in the world than the good ole' states to download the HiRez FLAC version of this work from stonesarchive.com. Live from Brussels too. Short of moving to Canada, does anyone know a secret to getting these hirez files? Legally, of course

After a week of non-stop burn-in, I'm even more pleased. In direct comparison to my >$5k Ayre universal (same CD), the differences are slight but I detect a little more oomph with the QB-9. My only remaining nag is the "unexpected quitting" of XLD from time to time. But this computer audio thing is really the way to go. My point is the old cliche that if I can do it, anyone can. Of course, I did spend 2 solid weeks reading these forums, reviews and blogs before spending a cent. I hope this can be helpful to someone else. I still have to start the back-up process soon and point iTunes to this external drive. I have 100% embedded album art (very important to me, and I have obscure s*#t, so my fingers are crossed my good luck with this hobby will continue.

A few weeks ago, after reading this and other forums, I posted the equipment I was settling on got your responses. I thought I'd share what I ended up with and costs and then make a few observations, but first the bottom line: Last night I was blown away by a downloaded 176 file of Let It Bleed, easily the best SQ for this album I've ever heard, and I have all versions. So here's what I got: * Mac Mini (2.5 ghz; hybrid solid state HD for software and processing and a 750 GB hard drive for music storage (until I go external with a 2 tb drive and backup). 8 mg RAM. Retrofitted with Snow Leopard, a more audio friendly OS. Why: Convinced this is the best cost sensitive, adaptable non-audiophile server. Cost: About $1,250 from Easy Mac Sales LLC out of Auburndale, FL. Adam is great to work with and you get an expertly customized mac without the expense and arrogance of the guys in that white store. * Acer 17" monitor, about $100 from Newegg. 100s of great reviews. I did need to get a $30 Thunderbolt to VGA adapter. * LG external drive for ripping CDs fitted in an OWC enclosure. From OWC, about $100, and it screams using firewire. I have 3,000 CDs, so it needs to be fast (48X I think.) * XLD for ripping CDs and format conversion (free download). A bit of a learning curve here to get the right settings, but appreciate knowing the accuracy of the rips. * Decibel for high def playback. $33. Another trial-by-error for settings but, folks, this is a basic player with just enough features but programmed for maximum SQ. I may some day check out the Amarras of the world, but I don't see why. This does everything I want, and for pocket change. * Ayre QB-9 USB DAC. This is where I went a little crazy, but I have a CX-5E Ayre Universal player and admire the hell out of Charlie Hansen and this company. Great equipment with great customer service, and the reviews for this DAC say it all. What a sound stage! Expensive, but worked with Roger at Audible Elegance out of Cincinnati, OH. * A Wireworld Starlight USB interconnect, about $100, and was able to one-stop shop this at Audible Elegance. Why? I guess because it was mentioned a lot by folks on this forum and the cost isn't totally whack. * Finally, I used an old Richard Grey Power Station (What happened to this brand?) and first generation Shunyata Black Mamba to plug it all in, on a separate circuit from the DAC and main system of course. So there you go. If this isn't state-of-the-art computer-based music, I don't know what is. Better than CD playback, methinks. Did I have any set-up issues? Not really. During one rip, XLD "quit unexpectedly" repeatedly until I reboot the computer. Observations from a newbie: * iTunes for storing / cataloging is a necessary evil to me. Very particular. * I would have saved myself tons of time if there were documentation for XLD and Decibel. Lots of trial-and-error. I needed these forums and particularly appreciate "How to download and convert FLAC HDTracks" by The Computer Audiophile on this site. * I'm happy for an HDTracks service, but what a shame that I will never, ever purchase anything from them that hasn't been vetted by, say, you guys. In addition to the Stones, I have Waltz for Debbie and Raising Sand, and they sound great, but it's because you guys recommended them. Will also pick up Tea for Tillerman. I do hope other services start up soon with >=44.1 and there is full disclosoure on the origination of the files. Thank you Goldsdad, One and a Half, and the rest of you for all your help.

Thank you everyone! I hope this is helpful to others. So here’s where I am now: - 2.5 ghz mini - Snow Leopard in place of Lion (but with a comment that Lion did not hurt sound quality) - 128gb ssd for OS - 8gb ram - 1 TB external hard drive as my primary music source, connected with Firewire, portable 2.5” for quiteness (see comment below) - Amarra or Decibel playback software, but also consider Bit Perfect, Audirvana + and Puremusic - Audioquest Forest USB - Ayre Q-9 DAC - Will disable Bluetooth, Dashboard, Spotlight & WiFi while using. - Non slimline, robust writer, such as the Pioneer - XLT conversion software - Will disable Bluetooth, Dashboard, Spotlight & WiFi while using I notice lots of disagreement on the right kind of HD to use as the primary source, with noise level and reliability and location (internal vs. external) all up for grabs. Western Digital does seem to get the more positive mention, but the Black is noisy and the Green is less reliable I hear.

hello there. I have read many forums and reviews, and here’s what I am landing on. Any red flags? - 2.5 ghz mini - Snow Leopard in place of Lion - 128gb ssd for OS - 8gb ram - 1 TB internal hard drive - Amarra or Decibel playback software - Wireworld Starlight USB - Ayre Q-9 DAC - Will disable Bluetooth, Dashboard, Spotlight & WiFi while using. Will still need to get an external hard drive for back-up. Will also need an external drive for burning CDs and the appropriate software for doing the proper conversions (“red book” and DVDAs). Haven’t gotten that far yet. Thanks for your thoughts.