jburtt

I've been gathering parts for my PC build and Acourate setup. I've purchased a Lynx Hilo, and will be using it in a 3 way active stereo setup. I have the amps and speakers. The Hilo will be connected to the PC via USB. The Hilo also has a spdif input. 1. If I run a digital signal from a separate CD transport into the Hilo's spdif input, will it send the signal back to the PC for processing and then to the Hilo for D/A conversion while the CD is playing on the transport? 2. I'm guessing that video, even with the file on the PC hard drive, will be out of the question because the time it takes for the filtering to occur putting the soundtrack behind the actual video. Video's not a deal breaker, but it would be nice if possible. James

With the Lynx Hilo, I'm maxxed out at 24/192 and will only be running 4 channels. I think I'm going to spend some time to get to know the Acourate software before I venture into DSD. All my files are 16/44.1 anyway, most are uncompressed Aiff ripped using Accuraterip in dBpoweramp. I don't actually have the HDPlex Fanless case yet. You have me second guessing myself on going active cooling using one of the new high power i7's. That way, I'll be able to run 4 channels of native DSD and not have to upgrade the pc in the next year or so. Might have to take a second look at that Streacom FC12 actively cooled chassis. I see most are using large, low rpm fans which are nearly silent.

I'm all about bang for the buck. I'll don't mind spending a little if it makes a noticeable difference.

I've been researching for a while and think I've made some good choices, but would really welcome feedback from the more experienced. This PC will be running Server 2012 R2 with AO in Core or Minimal mode, fanless and headless. It will run Acourate for 2-way active crossover, timing, and room correction. The player will be HQPlayer. Storage will be on a NAS. Most of my music is ripped as 16/44.1 AIFF files with dBPoweramp, and some FLAC files. My Lynx Hilo is limited to 24/192, so that's as far as I go for now. I know I could probably get away with an i5 processor and 8gb of RAM, but I've made the decision to spend the few extra bucks in case I decide to try DSD in the future. Case - HDPLEX 2nd Gen H5 Board - ASUS Z170I Pro Gaming Processor - i7-6700(65w) Memory - G.SKILL Aegis 16GB(single stick) SSD(OS & Programs) - Samsung 850 EVO 2,5" 120gb Sata III(powered from LPSU or Anker Battery Pack) Power Supply - EVGA Super NOVA 550 G3 - 550w in ECO mode(fanless). James

Thanks for all the replys, and recommendations. I thought I was going to try to stay under $1000 on the interface, but I've came to the conclusion that I would probably want to upgrade as soon as I get it all put together. I recently noticed several Hilo's on one of the auction sites, contacted one of the owners and negotiated a reasonable deal on a sliver faced unit. I received notification that it shipped today. I was able to make contact with dallasjustice and he's offered his time to help me with Acourate. I think I read that he had a Hilo at one time. I have over 3,000 records, some of which I'd like to record in 24/96 or 24/192, and I've read the Hilo has a really nice ADC, Looked at the Twisted Pear Buffalo III, but I already have way too many projects going on. So much that it will probably be a couple of months before I get all the hardware and software together and the speakers finished. I'm also thinking of finishing a DIY Nelson Pass F5 Turbo to run the 15's. Is there a specific version of Windows that works best for audio playback? I will eventually build a music PC, but the laptop will get the system up and running. I have a question about active crossover analog output levels. Let's say you have 2-way speakers and 4 channels of amplification. Are the levels of the 4 individual channels automatically adjusted within Acourate and the PC, or do you have to set their db levels in the interface? James

Thanks for the input guys. HQPlayer is one of the players I conitnue to see referenced here, so I will have to give it a close look when I get to that point. I've looked at some of the interfaces above and they all look like nice pieces. I also see many using and speaking highly of the Lynx Hilo, which I've seen in the pre-owned market for around $1500-$1700. Does anyone know if there have been recent revisions in the Hilo which would justify the extra cost of going new? I'll have to send dallasjustice a pm to see if he's open to a phone call to discuss this wonderful world of pc based technology. I'm sure he could help me through the learning curve, especially when it comes to setting up Acourates digital crossover capabilities. James

I'm about to convert my system to computer based, using Acourate for 2 way active crossover and room correction. I have most of my music on hard drive already and a spare Lenovo thinkpad i-5, 8gb with SSD I would like to use, unless someone gives me a good reason not to. I have a 45 stereo amp and 2A3 stereo amp I will be using on my 2 way 15" high efficiency speakers. Back in the day of desktop PC's, I built my own machines. I've also built my own tube amplifiers and added tube outputs to my CD Players. I read about the Acourate software and the excellent results people have had with it, but haven't experienced it personally. I've looked at the Lynx Aurora 8 and the Lynx Hilo, but don't know why one would be better than the other. Please share your experiences and the hardware you're using. James Frisco, Texas

Matty70, What are you using for a multi channel dac? James

Keith, This is exactly what I'm wanting to do in my system. Would you please share what your using for a source and interface or DAC. I've been searching the web this weekend and have found little information. James