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skikirkwood

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  1. Another popular "audiophile" Linux distribution is Volumio. I rewrote the Spotify plugin for Volumio several years ago. I found piCorePlayer to be more stable than Volumio. But if you're not familiar with the Logitech Media Server, Volumio might have a shorter learning curve to install/use.
  2. I also use the iOS iPeng app as a controller, along with the browser-based LMS interface using the Material UI skin plug-in. I added a touchscreen display to two of the Pis too. I used to use (and still have) a Logitech Squeezbox as a streamer. The LMS and its ecosystem were open-sourced before Logitech acquired the original company (Slimserver). So all of the software that ran on the Squeezebox (both server and UI/player) now run on all kinds of devices, including piCorePlayer.
  3. I have a bunch of Raspberry Pis in my house running the PiCorePlayer Linux distribution. It includes the Logitech Media Server and Squeezelite audio player. I have one of the Pis as a dedicated LMS server and also share the music library on it (2000+ ripped CDs) to my network as a Samba mount.
  4. Regarding the audible effect of various power supplies, you may find this blog post worthwhile: https://archimago.blogspot.com/2019/07/measurements-switching-power-supplies.html
  5. I bought a Schiit Modi several years ago and was very happy with it. But I decided to try out a Topping D10s and thought the Topping sounded slightly better. And then, 14 months ago, I picked up an SMSL DO100. Loved the design and I thought it sounded slightly better than the Topping. And then it died, out of warranty. I've also seen some people on Amazon who have their SMSL DAC die under warranty, and they were told to ship it back to China. The Schiit Modi has a 2-year warranty, and you can ship it back to them within 15 days of receipt for a small restocking fee. So a small sample size here, but the Modi is still going years later, and one out of two low-cost Chinese DACs I bought died in a little over a year.
  6. It will never happen. Spotify chose OGG Vorbis as a codec in large part because it's open-source and royalty free.
  7. Just discovered Stereophile has a link in its bottom nav bar to all articles tagged "MQA" https://www.stereophile.com/category/mqa Really entertaining reading articles from 2018 like this one: https://www.stereophile.com/content/more-mqa
  8. Well, I got my old 3B back two weeks ago, totally refurbished. But I was confused as we had agreed they would keep it and send me a new 3B Cubed instead. And then today I got an invoice for the new 3B Cubed. Some confusion up there in Canada, but extremely happy with my refurbished, "back to the future" amp. Sounds great.
  9. I shipped my amp to Bryston in mid-May and never heard back from them. I just emailed them, and they are 10 weeks backlogged - I guess this is a popular program. So due to the delay, they offered to ship me anything they make at 50% off, and also deduct the $1400 I already paid for the refurbishment. So that was an offer I couldn't refuse. They will be sending me a new Bryston 3B Cubed amp (list price $5995), which includes their 20-year warranty.
  10. I have a Bryston 0.4B - about 25+ years old. It died after the 20 year warranty expired.
  11. I have to admit I'm having a lot of fun with ChatGPT. I wanted to find out how well it could write a review of a speaker cable in the style of Jason Victor Serinus, and I have to say, it does a pretty good job although it failed to mention MQA 5 or 6 times. Title: Illuminating the Musical Landscape: Transparent Speaker Cables Review by Jason Victor Serinus When it comes to the realm of high-end audio, few things elicit as much passionate debate as the topic of speaker cables. Audiophiles worldwide are divided between skeptics who believe that cables make little difference and devout believers who swear by the transformative power of premium cables. Amidst this fiery debate, Transparent Speaker Cables enter the fray, offering a captivating promise of unparalleled sonic transparency. In my quest for the ultimate listening experience, I couldn't resist exploring what these enigmatic cables had to offer. From the moment I unwrapped the Transparent Speaker Cables, their immaculate construction and attention to detail were evident. The cables exuded an aura of refinement and precision, their elegant design emphasizing their commitment to both form and function. Each cable was meticulously assembled, boasting a combination of high-quality materials and flawless craftsmanship. The connectors, solidly constructed and gold-plated, conveyed a sense of durability and reliability that set them apart. The true litmus test of any speaker cable lies in its ability to reveal the subtle nuances and intricacies of the music it carries. In this regard, the Transparent Speaker Cables proved to be nothing short of revelatory. As I connected them to my reference system and commenced my listening session, it was as though a veil had been lifted, revealing previously hidden layers of musical detail. The first thing that struck me was the heightened sense of air and space around each instrument. The soundstage expanded beyond the confines of my listening room, transporting me into the recording venue itself. From the delicate plucking of a guitar string to the resounding crash of cymbals, every note felt more tangible, more alive. The cables' ability to retrieve and convey micro-details added a level of realism that truly enhanced my musical enjoyment. The transparency exhibited by these cables was astonishing. The sonic textures and tonal subtleties of each instrument were presented with utmost accuracy and clarity, allowing for a deeper appreciation of the artist's intention. The midrange was rendered with a captivating purity, showcasing the rich timbre of vocals and the intricate interplay of instruments. The high frequencies sparkled with an effortless brilliance, devoid of any harshness or artificial sizzle. Bass notes, meanwhile, exhibited a newfound weight and control, lending an authoritative foundation to the entire sonic landscape. While the Transparent Speaker Cables undoubtedly elevated my listening experience to new heights, it is important to note that their performance is contingent upon a well-matched system. Pairing them with components of lesser caliber might not yield the same exceptional results. These cables demand a system that can exploit their full potential and deliver the utmost in musical fidelity. Some skeptics may argue that the benefits of premium cables are mere figments of imagination, but my extensive listening sessions with the Transparent Speaker Cables left little room for doubt. Their ability to illuminate the intricacies of a recording and present it with unrivaled transparency is a testament to the expertise and passion of Transparent Audio. In conclusion, if you are an audiophile who believes in the transformative power of cables, the Transparent Speaker Cables are a revelation waiting to be experienced. Their impeccable construction, remarkable transparency, and ability to unravel the hidden layers of music make them a worthy addition to any high-end audio system. Prepare to embark on a sonic journey like no other, where music transcends its boundaries and takes on a newfound depth and dimension.
  12. What's fun is adding more terms to the prompt. "Air", "ease", "macrodynamics", "microdynamics".
  13. I was just reading The Absolute Sound's Editor's Choice rewards for preamps in the 5K to $10K range and wondering what kind of review ChatGPT could do for one of these. Well, here's the result. Staff of audiophile magazines - you will be the first to be replaced with AI. Prompt: write a review for the T+A DAC 200 preamp as if you were a high end audiophile reviewer, for something similar to The Absolute Sound or Stereophile Title: T+A DAC 200 Preamp Review: A Sonic Masterpiece Redefining Audio Excellence Introduction: In the realm of high-end audio, where only the finest components find a place, the T+A DAC 200 Preamp emerges as a remarkable gem. Crafted with an uncompromising commitment to sonic purity, this preamplifier exemplifies the German brand's meticulous engineering and attention to detail. Delving into the realms of audio ecstasy, the DAC 200 unveils a sonic landscape that transcends mere reproduction, immersing listeners in an ethereal auditory experience. Prepare to be enchanted as we delve into the astonishing capabilities of this preamp, as it reignites our passion for the beauty of music. Design and Build Quality: The T+A DAC 200 Preamp stands as a testament to the brand's unwavering dedication to craftsmanship and aesthetic elegance. Encased in a sleek, timeless chassis, meticulously engineered to minimize resonance and vibration, this preamp is a work of art in its own right. The use of high-grade materials and expert construction techniques ensures a robust build, enhancing the longevity and reliability of this audio masterpiece. Performance: The performance of the T+A DAC 200 is nothing short of extraordinary. Armed with state-of-the-art digital-to-analog conversion technology, this preamp breathes new life into music with a level of precision and realism rarely encountered. The meticulously designed analog output stage showcases the purity of the audio signal, delivering a level of transparency that reveals nuances and subtleties previously hidden. With a dynamic range that seems boundless, the DAC 200 paints an aural canvas that is breathtakingly lifelike. The integration of cutting-edge technologies such as the latest ESS Sabre DAC chip ensures uncompromising resolution and accuracy, allowing music to be experienced in its truest form. Each note, every instrument, and the smallest musical inflections are rendered with exceptional clarity, creating a three-dimensional soundstage that envelopes the listener. The DAC 200 flawlessly handles even the most complex musical passages, effortlessly unraveling layers of intricacy with surgical precision. Versatility and Connectivity: In addition to its sonic prowess, the T+A DAC 200 Preamp embraces a future-ready design, ensuring compatibility with a vast array of digital sources. Featuring an extensive range of inputs, including USB, optical, and coaxial, this preamp accommodates the needs of both traditional and modern audiophiles. Its ability to handle high-resolution audio formats, including DSD, further solidifies its place at the forefront of digital audio reproduction. The integration of a high-quality headphone amplifier further elevates its versatility, allowing personal listening sessions to reach new heights of sonic pleasure. A thoughtfully designed remote control and an intuitive user interface ensure effortless navigation and customization of settings, empowering users to tailor their audio experience to perfection. Conclusion: The T+A DAC 200 Preamp epitomizes the very essence of audio excellence. Crafted with unwavering attention to detail and cutting-edge technology, this preamplifier is a sonic masterpiece that transcends conventional boundaries. From its captivating design to its awe-inspiring performance, the DAC 200 redefines the art of audio reproduction. Prepare to embark on a transformative journey through sound, where music unveils its truest form, with the T+A DAC 200 Preamp as your guide. It is an investment that will reward you with countless hours of sonic bliss, reminding us all of the sheer magic that can be found in the world of high-end audio.
  14. I have a Sonos Arc soundbar and Sub in my living room and Apple spatial audio tracks sound fantastic.
  15. This is an interesting list of popularity of audiophile blogs: https://feedly.com/i/top/audiophile-blogs Audiophilestyle is in 4th place, and Archimago's blog is 24th on the list, one notch below Darko's blog.
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