jtrade

Hi, Flavio - I'm thinking of buying a quad core Atom Windows laptop with 2GB RAM to run as a music streamer only connected to my stereo audio system via a wired USB>digital bridge. The primary reason to use a laptop is to run Dirac Live. Dirac Live context questions, please : 1. Is there a preference on Windows OS 7, 8 or 10 ? 2. If I use Fidelizer Pro to "streamline" Windows in favour of audio performance, will this still allow Dirac Live to run in an optimal way ? 3. How much hard drive space will Dirac Live require ? 4. Anything else I need to consider concerning the computer end !? J.

Just saw this http://www.mother-of-tone.com/computer_audio.htm. I should declare my bias as a very satisfied owner of a BYOB amplifier (iTunes>HotAudio USB DAC>BYOB>Linn Kans on desktop). Nevertheless, Charles is a very thoughtful thinker and excellent engineer, so I thought some members might find it of interest. Edit : and don't miss this link on the page : http://www.altmann.haan.de/diy_audio_computer/default.htm

That's a great link, thanks, Chris : very clear and simple suggestions which I will go through step by step. Will let you know the outcome.<br /> <br /> J.

Further to my posts earlier in this thread, I have been really enjoying my first computer system... so much in fact that I have hardly ripped any music (still plan to do see if I can hear a difference between AIFF and Apple Lossless) ! I have been exploring masses of different music via Internet radio, mostly at 192kbps. Two issues have prompted me to post now : firstly, I am getting a low level of interference through my speakers : not disturbing for most listening, but for late night choral, a real drag. I have 2 x 24" monitors side by side, a third monitor to one side, and two computers : is there anything I can do apart from running the (inevitably close together) cables as far apart as possible ?<br /> <br /> Secondly, and related to this, I read recently on a Linn forum that plugging one's amp directly into a mains socket or cheap, standard mains extension block is far superior to any kind of special (and sometimes hugely expensive) mains cable / block. I have my primary computer equipment plugged into a Monster Cable power block with spike protection and mains conditioner and had originally plugged the amp into that : today I plugged it directly into a wall socket... Holy Moly.. a quantum leap forward in just about every area...<br /> <br /> I still plan to add my REL subwoofer in July (it's in storage far away...).

Chris - I'd like to spend as little as possible, but no less (with apologies to Einstein...).<br /> <br /> For this, my first computer-based system, I am combining some original British gear which I bought new in the '80s with some "modern bits" :<br /> <br /> HotAudio USB DAC http://www.hotaudio.com/zen-cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68&products_id=184<br /> HotAudio Custom RCA interconnect http://www.hotaudio.com/high-fidelity-rca-cables.php<br /> Onix OA21 amplifier (warm sounding and I love it)<br /> Anti-Cables http://www.anticables.com/home.html<br /> Linn Kans (Linn's fantastic rework of the BBC LS3/5a mini monitor)<br /> REL sub (prob will not use as my office is only 10 ft square !)<br /> <br /> I am looking for great, untiring "musicality", that magical quality that elevates the enjoyment of a system way beyond the sum of its individual parts. My DAC choice may be at the low end in terms of cost, but I was influenced by the opinions of a respected, specialist British outfit, whose latest speaker product, the ADM9, builds in not only amplification, but also the DAC: http://www.avihifi.co.uk/avid/avid.html .<br /> <br /> Having read lots of posts on various forums, I am going to start by ripping CDs in Apple Lossless (I have read your recent comments re AIFF) and I am also keeping in mind my next living room system, which will have to overcome the challenge of my wife's aesthetic resistance to anything intrusive. I'm thinking iPod>iTransport>maybe ADM9s.... but that's a little further down the road.<br /> <br /> Maybe I need to change my DAC for one with an optical input fed from an AE (assuming I can hardwire the AE from my computer via Ethernet (which means going through a router, btw) ? I do have WiFi output from the new computer, but I am generally anti-wireless !<br /> <br /> J.<br />

Chris - great website, thanks !<br /> <br /> So I have my new very quiet Vista 64 quad core computer with 8GB RAM & am putting together a system using some old audiophile gear that my wife will not allow in our new living room + a USB DAC.... what is the next best SIMPLE way of getting bit perfect sound from iTunes to my DAC, please !? I would REALLY like to avoid having to install any additional program interfaces if possible. If the AE could acommodate a USB DAC (which I think it will not ?), I'd get one tomorrow...<br /> <br /> J.