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Ian Mackenzie

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  1. Steve - For the CA neophyte, could you please describe what constitutes a "low jitter source" as it relates to a Mac-based front end? Also, I read about your high regard for the VALAB DAC. Are you doing any mods on it or just sticking with your own designs? BTW, I still have 2 Magnum power cords that I bought from you in 2002. Cheers, Ian
  2. You may not be missing anything, per se, but rather just convincing yourself that you have actually made a decision that seeks approval and confirmation from others....;-) For example, you outline in "#1" above: - MacBook pro - Lynx card - DAC = $3,200 That can be "countered with: - MacBook - better USB DAC.......this is what I am now leaning towards, btw. As I am in no hurry at all, I am going to see how the new Ayre USB DAC is received. This is one of those DACs that has "the correct" implementation of USB. It's also $2500 instead of $5000 for Berkeley and Weiss. By the time I add up all the chaff - DAC, mods to DAC, USB converter, etc - I might as well just buy one that is done right. as to the "roll your own" vs. "pre-built" analogy.....this is exactly like the server appliance model in the I.T. space. Take a DNS server or SPAM filter server. You can go out and buy all the crap yourself or just buy a sealed applinace. How about of some company just take the Macbook and make an "Audio Appliance" out of it?
  3. what gets me about this is that I hear everywhere that because your DAC can handle USB does not mean that it has been implemented "correctly". WTF is that all about? Hence the need, or want, of a USB>SPDIF converter. I'm not married to one path or another. I would be happy to take a Toslink connection out of my Mac and simply plug it into a DAC and spend the $$ on a USB thing on a better DAC. My error lies in a flawed belief that computer audio dealt more in absolutes and less in snake oil. well, looks like I will have to listen, learn and judge for myself. Thanks to all for your input.
  4. Thanks for your comments. I actually seek a musical and robust solution that delivers 90-95% of the possible "fidelity" much like how I treated CDP-based systems as well as my amp, speakers and cables. meaning....I have an Audio Aero Prima cdp. It lists for around $2,500.00. yes, Audio Aero has the Capitole at around $8,500 and, yes, there are cdps that cost over $12K. But for me, in my system and at my price points, the Prima simply sings. I have an ARS-Sonum Filarmonia EL-34 based integrated amp. It is hand built in Spain and sells for almost $5K now. I have had separates before that were over $15K. But for me....in my system.... I have Merlin Music VSM-MX speakers made by a small compnay in Rochester, NY. They list for over $11K but I paid half that. so, the picture that I want to project is one of audiophile sensibility and system matching. In every area, I could certainly pay more but in all areas, i get 90-95% of the benefit at about 50% of the cost of admission. I seek the same (twisted, Scottish) equation in these DACs, sound cards and format things. so, maybe an Berekeley or Weiss thingamjig is the best, but I can get 90% of the benefit at 50% of the price if....... do you see what I mean? i jst fully suscribe to the (unqualified) law of diminishing returns and also to the beief that those last 5-10% cost $1-$2K per percentage point.
  5. Bob - It's things like this, as you mention above, that leave me scratching my head. In mnay debates over at Audio Asylum, I see ardent defenses of one transfer protocol over another. To be candid, it was this exact type of minutae that I had hoped to escape from my cluttered CD transport world. I would think that a simple Toslink connection from the Mac to the DAC would suffice. And, yes, it is within my "God" given right to listen, test and audition for myself. But, with 2 kids, wife, dog, business, etc., I just can't pull it off anymore. I dont have the time to sit in my basement and play with cables and little boxes. 10 years ago, I would have marched out and bought "Chris' Reference Mac Server" and maybe in 2-3 years I will. In the mean time, I am addressing the myriad connection, protocol and hardware issues in the same way i did when I built a world-class cdp-based system. ARGH!!!!....;-)
  6. Bob - It's things like this, as you mention above, that leave me scratching my head. In mnay debates over at Audio Asylum, I see ardent defenses of one transfer protocol over another. To be candid, it was this exact type of minutae that I had hoped to escape from my cluttered CD transport world. I would think that a simple Toslink connection from the Mac to the DAC would suffice. And, yes, it is within my "God" given right to listen, test and audition for myself. But, with 2 kids, wife, dog, business, etc., I just can't pull it off anymore. I dont have the time to sit in my basement and play with cables and little boxes. 10 years ago, I would have marched out and bought "Chris' Reference Mac Server" and maybe in 2-3 years I will. In the mean time, I am addressing the myriad connection, protocol and hardware issues in the same way i did when I built a world-class cdp-based system. ARGH!!!!....;-)
  7. This is my second post here. I have been a regular over at audioasylum.com for 10 years. Yes, I am making the leap to a music server and am carefully researching all the subtle nuances, of which there appear to be many. I have a budget this year so I cannot just waltz out and score a berkeley, wavelength or any other DAC that has supposedly implemented USB properly.....whatever, right? I have read many things here and I appreciate the articles by Chris about the USB/SPDIF "debate". I have settled on a MacBook with a modded PS Audio DAC III....for now. Yes, I am an audiofool and want to be able to test and evaluate new DACs if liquidity and college tuition for kids allows. I see/hear/read that, unless one acquires a DAC that has USB done well (ie...above mentioned products) that it may be wise to get an external USB>SPDIF converter. Sheet, man, that is one more thing that is just confoosing as hell to me. So, my googling and forum "skills" have lead me to believe that there are many to choose from. I appreciate all feedback here as I navigate yet another technical mind field: 1. Bel Canto USB Link - $500 2. Empirical Audio Off-Ramp 3 - $700 3. Hagerman USB - $130 4. M-Audio Transit - $99 5. Digiatl Link PC Link - $26 6. Trends Audio USB Coverter - $180 Any and all input is immensely appreciated. Thanks, Ian
  8. Greetings, all - This is my first post but I am a quasi-regular at www.audioasylum.com I am a lifelong audiofool who has dabbled in high-end audio for years. Alas, as my kids hit their teens, I seemed to have placed focus elsewhere. I still listen to tons of music and we have 3 great systems in our house now. My main rig is in my "man cave/office" in the basement. I have simplified my systems over the years. I have had full Naim systems, full tube systems.....you get my drift. Today, I have an ARS Sonum Filarmonia (EL-34 based) integrated amp, Audio Aero prima cdp, Merlin VSM-MX speakers and Cardas Golden Reference cables everywhere. My cdp is nice and compliments my system well. While certainly not a "reference player", it does sound quite good. I seek to replace it with a Mac-based server and DAC and am just stuck over exactly what to do. I do not want to have a sever/DAC that is inferior to my current cdp. I once had 600 CDs but have weeded many out and will only place about 200 on a HD. I will only listen to full resolution music, not MP3. I am not concerned with SACD or hi res at this point. I have no interest in video whatsoever outside of watching the news, the Cubs and Blackhawks...;-) Can you guys please provide some guidance? Here's how I break it down....: 1. I have decided on a Mac. Why? Because it's cool, stable and I already have an iTouch. So.... - what Mac? Mini? Macbook? Do I need a sound card? - Do I control it with iTouch, a remote, wireless or a long cable to the DAC from my desk....;-)...? - I will get at least a 320 GB hard drive and 2GB of RAM - I will get an external drive for back up 2. I will use iTunes as for music management. What do i need to RIP or copy CDs to HD? EAC? iTunes?What is Foobar? 3. If I am not concerned about file size but want the best sound possible, what format should I use? ALAC, WAV or FLAC? (I may be wrong) 4. I have narrowed down my search to a handful of DACs. How best to connect it to the Mac? USB...?...I hear that can be less than ideal? Toslink or Coax...?...then how do I connect that to the Mac? 5. I would like to keep the budget under $1,500, not including the DAC. If I can use a Mini and spend $$ elsewhere, I will. 6. What else am I missing? What other small SW apps will I need? 7. If my iTouch only has a 32GB memory, how will it synch with iTunes that holds my entire library of CDs? Many thanks in advance for your help. Yes, I have read many of Chris' posts as well as others so I am not being too lazy here. Cheers, Ian
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