Ermine

Chris, I wasnt so clear in my hastily penned rant (and my mistake - MBH is a Chesky CD). I was talking about the copyright issue. I fully expect to pay full price for a new version (that is why I own 3 different CD pressings of Dark side of the Moon - each supposedly sonically better than the last). What I was implying is that the reason which has been given for not allowing downloads outside of the US is copyright. But I have already paid a perfectly legitimate copyright royalty without any problem by driving to my friendly audio/Chesky dealer and walking out with a CD (I have also bought them via Amazon US also without problem). If I was not a copyright threat previously, then why am I when trying to buy the exact same thing via download? Do you think if I faxed them a nice smiling photo they would think I am trustworthy? Might be more sensible than the current system...very frustrating, as you have no doubt picked up on.

What is making me even more frustrated is that I actually already own an extensive Reference Recordings CD collection. One of my all-time favourites (John Pizzarelli, My Blue Heaven) is now on 24/96 download. I really really really want this. Can anyone explain why, when I already own it on CD, that I not allowed to have it on then in another format?? The same goes for a handful of other RR albums. This is just nuts...

Thanks Chris. Bummer about this - as a long-time Chesky CD fan, another step up in quality has me salivating. Ironically, I only returned from a business trip to the US today. Looks like I should have stayed a few days longer and filled up a portable drive while there! I will continue to keep my digits (bad pun) crossed for a breakthrough with all the complexities...

Still no international purchase capability! Chris, I have emailed them a few times about this but never get a reply. Can you use your inside connections to see if this is going to eventuate please? They are doing themselves out of plenty of business the way things are at present, and us "third worlders" are missing out big time...

Yeah Chris, I would love to know. Like you, I am not so sure by just reading the manual. If you have a chance to get some info right from the company I would appreciate it.

Along this line just to clarify, can devices like the Echo Digital AudioFire firewire boxes (http://www.echoaudio.com/Products/FireWire/AudioFire2/specs.php) be used to pass signals such as 24/96 direct to their SPDIF outputs? From what I can tell, they seem to have lots of options regarding bitrate, etc for this, and are Mac-friendly. Relatively cheap, and you get an ADC thrown in for those "old" analog sources. Am I missing something?

Here is the reason why I am not listening to any of the extremely attractive catalogue they have...<br /> <br /> "At the moment HDtracks is only available in the U.S."<br /> <br /> Not impressed, but I'm learning to be patient. In the meantime, if any network saavy folks out there know how to "theoretically" bypass this restriction with a proxy server or the like I would love to hear from them.<br /> <br /> S<br />

Great, thanks Steve and Chris. I was reluctant to shell out the extra money for a Transporter when I didnt need most of the hardware (namely a DAC). And I was unable to find out just what the machine used internally for clocking, etc. The OffRamp seems like the exact solution, and is true audiophile engineering. My only remaining question is whether I should use a RCA or XLR connections - I have both input options. The digital interconnects will be short and I suspect there will be little difference, but I do like the idea of balanced cables in terms of immunity to interference, etc. Any suggestions? Scott

I am hoping for advice on options for converting USB to SPDIF which can pass full 24/96. I am migrating all my music over to a music server system where I will use a Netgear NV+ NAS and iTunes. I will probably use an old Mac PB I having sitting around as the front end for now, or possibly buy a new Mac Mini for the job. This will drive into a DEQX digital crossover / room correction unit (deqx.com) to tri-amps and my full range dipoles. The DEQX doesnt have a USB input, but does handle up to 24/96 (which I am sure we will be all downloading in the future). I have looked at the OffRamp or Transporter. Both are expensive but if they are the best tool for the job, that isnt such an issue. Having built many DACs in the past, I really appreciate the care which the Transporter takes regarding voltage rgulation and jitter (the single biggest audible mod ever in my system was to use Walt Jung 'super-regulators' in the DAC and pre-amp). Not sure of which way to go. Any thoughts appreciated Cheers Scott PS Chris - congratulations on a great site - I am sure it will go from strength to strength...