Milky

Hi folks, Looks like I'm going to have to buy a new PC soon and I have the choice of standard integrated audio or Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme (using PCI slot). Do you think this a worthwhile upgrade, given that when funds permit I'll be looking to use optical digital-out to the AVI ADM9s (or other speakers via a DAC)? I did try reading http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Bit-Perfect-Sound-Cards-and-Windows-7 and it seems (some people feel) not all digital outputs are equal...? I've spoken with AVI previously and they say that the card is irrelevant if using the ADM9s. Any advice gratefully received, particularly if you've used the X-Fi card yourself. Dave

Maybe this guy is the origin (he has Mike Oldfield listed as a friend): http://www.myspace.com/fuisce Possibly the same guy: http://tubular.net/forums/ikonboard.cgi?act=Profile;CODE=03;MID=108-1187173716 You could send him a message to ask if he created it. PS. I am not a stalker!

I have this vision of people buying the latest 1 terabyte iPod in 2012 or whenever and only having compressed files to load onto it. It'd be a shame. I'll look into Becker, thanks.

Hi folks, really great site. Does anyone have any predictions on when/if compressed formats such as mp3 might die out? Even now hard drive storage seems to be sufficiently cheap that few music collectors really 'need' to go lossy. I suppose it depends on the download stores making the effort - although here in the UK they don't seem to be in any rush. It's an outrage, I tell ya.