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jwr

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  1. Condolences on the loss of your grandmother. As to your question, remember that an audio system is just that--a system. The parts need to work well together. You can buy piecemeal and end up with something satisfying, but you'll probably spend more time and money and suffer more frustration than if you went into it thinking in terms of system. My advice is to find a local dealer who is willing to spend significant time with you before you spend any money, getting to know your musical and sonic tastes. Then set a budget for the system and find something in consultation with this dealer that works for you (buying from the dealer, of course). Finding the right dealer and spending some time before you buy will save you a lot of money and hassle. Good luck! Should be fun! Jeff
  2. jwr

    Usb cable

    I'm not familiar with your SW1X component(s). That said, in my experience and the experience of many others, with quality gear there is definitely an audible difference between digital cables at different price points. That doesn't mean that the more expensive cable is always the one that gives the best results in every case. But generally, with reputable companies that expend serious resources on R&D (Wireworld, Nordost, Shunyata, etc.), moving up in price is moving up in performance. That's all I'll say about that as I have no interest in debating the merits of audiophile cables here. My advice is to find a dealer locally and try some cables in your own system. See what you hear. You might spend a little more on your digital cables, but you'll save money in the long run by buying something you know works well in your system. Good luck and good listening! jwr
  3. jwr

    Usb cable

    Hi, There are a number of excellent USB and S/PDIF cables on the market these days. I'm partial to Wireworld and Nordost myself. (Disclaimer: I'm a dealer for both of these brands.) What's your rough budget? DAC and converter? This information will help us make better targeted suggestions. jwr
  4. Short answer: Yes. I have a client who started with an Aries Mini, which he loved. When he tried an Altair, it took him about 10 minutes to declare he was never going back to the Mini. The Mini is wonderful for what it is; the Altair is in a different league. Good listening, Jeff
  5. Hi John, I always recommend spdif over optical for music signal (vs. mere data) transmission. I'm sure some may disagree and in certain instances the optical will better the spdif. But in my experience, spdif beats optical every time. Good listening, Jeff
  6. Eloise is right. Provided the wireless signal is strong and fast enough (and the bar isn't very high), connecting an H160 to your WLAN via an Airport Express will work fine. I've done this with no issues. (Disclaimer: I'm an authorized Hegel dealer.)
  7. +1 However, it's still a good idea to try one rather than deciding a priori based on the system that it wouldn't benefit from a better cable. Knowing the system would certainly give us an idea of the likelihood a better cable will make a significant difference though.
  8. The quality of an S/PDIF cable can make a huge difference to your sound. As always, the scale a quality of the difference will vary with the rest of the components in the system. There are at least a couple of serious audio dealers/shops in the Twin Cities. Find one that carries Nordost or Wireworld and see if they'll let you take a cable for a weekend trial. (Disclaimer: I'm an authorized dealer for Nordost and Wireworld.) Best, Jeff
  9. Of those two options, I think a USB-to-S/PDIF converter would be your best bet. (I'm assuming your DAC has an S/PDIF input.) But depending on what DAC you're using, you might want to consider getting a USB DAC. There are plenty of good options for most price points these days. I suspect you'd get bigger bang for the buck going this route. What are you using right now? Jeff
  10. The MOON by Simaudio Neo 280D is a serious overachiever. Very hard to go wrong with this DAC at its price point (and some way beyond). Disclaimer: I'm an authorized MOON by Simaudio dealer.
  11. Hegel H360 (250 watts into 8 ohms, 430 watts into 4 ohms) or MOON by Simaudio 340i (100 watts into 8 ohms, 200 watts into 4 ohms). I've never heard a cleaner, purer sound than the Hegel and it's hard to get more musically engaging than MOON by Simaudio gear. The nice thing is that neither is a slouch in the area where the other excels. The H360 retails at $5700 and has a very nice onboard DAC and Airplay capability as bonuses. The 340i retails at $4700 or $5800 with onboard DAC and phonostage. Disclaimer: I'm an authorized dealer for both Hegel and MOON by Simaudio.
  12. A MOON Neo 280D, with or without MiND, would complement your MOON Neo 250i very well. In fact, I'm listening to a 280D/250i/LS50 rig as I type. Sounds wonderful. (Disclaimer: I'm an authorized MOON by Simaudio dealer.) Best, Jeff
  13. Sheesh. I see I'm repeating myself. Sorry.
  14. There are also the new KEF Egg active speakers with onboard 24/96 DAC, which have a sub out on them. (Disclaimer: I'm an authorized KEF dealer.)
  15. I agree (assuming, of course, USB and S/PDIF cables of equal quality). In my opinion, it's better for PCM files in general. (Disclaimer: I'm an authorized AURALiC dealer.)
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