kyoto

The point of a streamer is to do away with setting up a whole new CAS in the living room where you wanna listen to music via the hifi system. The idea is for the NAS or Mac or the PC to remain in the study room, while the streamer "only" streams the music to your external DAC and via the Amplifiers towards the Speakers. Having a Mac mini or a laptop next to your hifi equipment still requires you to load the OS, and managed the usually opening of Itunes or other types of software etc.

http://www.auraliti.com/ The sixth annual Rocky Mountain Audio Fest had already closed when I finally had the time to stop by Reference Recordings’ booth to check out their latest mouth-watering HRx high-resolution master WAV file DVD-Rs. There I encountered Demian Martin, who, together with Ray Burnham, has produced the Auraliti (pronounced Aurality) disc player ($800). “Right now,” Martin explained, “if you try to play hi-res files, you need to fool around with a computer. Nor does USB support hi-res 176.4- or 192kHz-sampling rate data in standardized format. Our alternative is the Auraliti, a computer specifically modified to play hi-res files.” Martin claims that the Auraliti plays everything from 16-bit Red Book CD up to 24-bit, 192kHz files in “flawless, bit-perfect form.” With neither internal storage nor moving parts, its solid-state memory is “hard to screw up.” It also emits almost no heat. The Auraliti, it should be noted, needs a little help from its friends. Users start with their computer, and transfer Red Book or hi-res files onto a separate USB hard drive (approx. $50) or memory drive (approx. $100). Once they use a USB cable to plug the drive into the Auraliti, it reads the data. So I guess you do need to mess with a computer after all to use the Auraliti. You can also connect an iPod Touch ($200) to the Aurality, and gain access to the iPod Touch’s content through WiFi. Martin believes that any iPod user will be comfortable with the process. He also asserts that the Auraliti will play the content in bit-perfect form. “It doesn’t know how to do anything else,” he said. The Auraliti does have an internal DAC, but sounds far better if connected to an external, state-of-the-art DAC such as Berkeley Audio Designs’ fabulous Alpha DAC ($5000) that Martin had on display. S/PDIF and optional switchable outputs are supplied.

http://www.jfdigital.com/en/DT_UploadFile/20091027204254458.jpg The Digital Stream Master Music Playing Center HD MASTER-01 adopts the specialized 32-bit high-performance embedded multi-media processor CPU, multimedia DSP chip solution and the reference clock system of the industrial-class digital phase-locked loop (DPLL) system, effectively reducing clock jitter in transmission of digital audio signals so as to achieve an ultra-low Jitter index. In addition, after special optimization, the audio coding and decoding software can process 24Bit/192KHz high bit rate digital master tape audio stream at a high speed and support the decoding output of all kinds of digital audio formats (WAV//WMA/ APE/FLAC/ALAC/ACC). In the future, through firmware upgrading, the device can support more audio formats. The audio D/A decoding processing part adopts the flagship-level WM8741 decoding chip with digital filter from Wolfson of the UK. Known as a D/A chip with the best hearing impression, this chip can produce “simulated feel” sounds more natural than those produced with traditional digital simulated converters. What’s more, the reference circuit has been specially optimized and calibrated by engineers from the plant of Wolfson, as well as passing the factory test made by Wolfson, so that it can provide a SNR of 128dB (monophony), which guarantees a high quality of digital audio replaying. Besides, for the reason that a CPU is applied to control the WM8741 D/A decoding chip, this device can also be used as a high-performance independent D/A converter (24Bit/192KHz). This device can be used as a network music server center. With the built-in 500GB SATA hard disk, it has strong network capabilities, can support network hard disc NAS and can share network resources through WI-FI/LAN. Besides, it can also be used as an Internet radio. With the built-in channel list, it can receive signals from over ten thousand digital Internet radio stations all over the world. As a network music server center, WI-FI/LAN also has a very simple network system setting. For users without any experience in network technology, the system can be connected to the network automatically under default status without any further setting; while experienced users are allowed to change such setting manually. Audio Technical Features: Supporting the playing and decoding of all kinds of main stream digital audio formats, including WAV, WMA, APE and FLAC etc.; Suppting the playing of high bit rate digital audio format (such as 24B/192K) and studio master tape format; Supporting the playing of audio formats, including APE and FLAC, and CUE relevant files; Flagship-level WM8741 D/A decoding chip with digital filter from Wolfson of the UK (passing the factory test made by Wolfson); Supporting 2-way S/P DIF digital audio input port and can be used as an independent decoder (supporting 24bit/192kHz format); Supporting S/P DIF signal input digital recording function. The sound can be recorded as CD tracks or other S/P DIF signals and saved as 24bit/96KHz WAV files in the built-in hard disc; Supporting RCA and XLR analog audio output and digital volume control functions; Industrial digital phase-locked loop (DPLL) system reference clock system, effectively reducing clock jitter in transmission of digital audio signals with an ultra-low Jitter index ?10PS; High-performance linear power supply system with independent power supplies for digital/analog parts. Precise linear secondary stable-voltage power supply is adopted for the digital part while Class A high-speed active parallel servo power supply is adopted for the analog part, so as to achieve an ultra-low internal resistance of the power source; Adopting Hi-END Hi-Fi parts such as all-solid-state Low ESR capacitor; S/P DIF digital audio output port (for digital CD output) Supporting IPOD digital input port (optional); Network Technical Features: Supporting cable network: Ethernet cable network 10/100Mbps, RJ-45 interface; Supporting wireless network: IEEE 802.11 b/g/h with a maximum transmission speed of 150Mbps; Antenna: removable 2.5dBi external omni antenna; RF working frequency/ output power: 2.4G/17dBm (max.); Supporting TCP/IP, UPnP, UDP, RTSP, DHCP, PPPoE and HTTP network protocols and realizing resource sharing between network hard disc NAS and PC; Supporting MMS, RTSP and HTTP stream media protocols; The Internet radio supports over ten thousand radio channels all over the world and can receive signals from Internet broadcasting stations at any place of the world; Auto-configuration for most networks? Easy setup for wireless networks? Built-in SATA hard disc with a maximum space of 500GB; Supporting 2-way USB2.0 HOST port and external big-capacity mobile hard disk; MMC/SDHC socket, supporting SDHC card with a storage space of 32GB; 4.3 inch TFT true-color touch screen operation; High-grade IR remote-control operation; USB port software updating;

I think that's the point I'm trying to make here. Until that product comes into market, there's a reluctance for me to spend 10 x the money of the ATV on a transporter. I might still dive into the TP route if that "product" doesn't emerge soon enough though.

The point is simple my friend. I am looking for a streamer which performs a transport role only. Quality components inside, and easy to use without the need to setup a CAS layout. The digital output can go out to 24/192 or beyond. Is there such a product on the market at the moment please?

That's exactly what I mean. I don't wanna be paying premium for those internal DACs that are not top quality. I rather stick with my external BAD DAC instead. What I am waiting for is a simple streamer (like that of ATV or Transporter), which has audiophile grade instruments but are able to output 24/192 on the digital output. I wonder if this year's CES would have something that matches my needs (and many others from my chat to them)

One thing I don't like about the Linn models is that, I am paying for the internal DAC as well, and that it doesn't have AES output to external DACs. Comparably, I think both the ATV and Transporter are easier to use than the Linn DS. What is INT202 please?

I am currently using Apple TV to the BAD DAC, but restricted to down-conversion by Apple to 16/44.1. Even the Logitech Transportor, which is suppose to be quite good, is also restricted to 24/96. Then how could we fully realized the benefit of hi-res without using the CAS route?

Finally took the plunge and bought a Berkeley Audio Alpha DAC last night. The ATV will arrive in mail today, and I've got both the AES and Toslink cable ready to play. The only downside obviously is the downconversion of the ATV to red book standard. Lets hope some break thru in hacking comes along shortly and we'll have unrestricted bit rate information coming out of the tiny streamer soon. Will update on sound soon !

thanks for the comment CharlyD. Though I still think theres a long way till HDMI could really say it's taken over the stereo arena. For one, could you name any audiophile grade Stereo DACs on the market that's got HDMI input? Even the PS Audio PWD converts the HDMI cable into I2S format instead of the HDMI protocol. At this moment, only AVRs have HDMI into into their internal DACs. Thus, we're no where close to "domination" of the Audiophile community into utilizing HDMI cables for both Computer nor CD enjoyment. Just my 2 cents. Given said all that, I will get my Apple TV this week, and hopefully also the BADA. Thinking of getting a AQ Toslink cable to go between the 2. Then I am planning to order a AES cable from Purenote for my MBL 1531 output into the BADA. Lets hope 2010 will be the year Apple takes out the down conversion of the ATV or some bright young hacker figure out how to do it for them !

Back to the original topic. Will HDMI take over as the medium for HD audio output even for stereo in the short future? Seems like the AVR is already at the front line of this change. Shouldn't it be a matter of time before the "jitter" issue is solved with software or hardware and that any media streamer with HDMI output will be able to link with a HDMI DAC for 24/192 HD audio? My ATV will arrive in the next couple of days. I'll run it thru the Yamaha Z11 and then to the ARC Ref3 Preamp via processor input before my MBL power amps and Verity Audio Fidelio Encore speakers. Will update on the comparison against my MBL 1531 CD player when I've done some listening test. I'll most likely head to the showroom to test out the BADA. If I like what I hear, then it's going to be the receiver for both my MBL Transport (AES) and ATV (Toslink).

So, PS Audio uses only the HDMI cable for their I2S connection, not the HDMI protocol. Is that where the JItter issues come on with the HDMI format? I am a newbie in this and would love to discuss it with any expert. If for example, I'm able to hack the ATV and install Boxee onto it. Does that mean the USB is now usable for audio output into external USB DACs? If HDMI is compromised, then how about the DAC chipset via USB of the AVR? I am only asking since these are questions on my mind which I have no answer to.

Thanks for the comment: If this is the case. I am wondering if anyone on this forum or elsewhere you have heard of that's able to "hack" the ATV into bypassing the "down conversion" during output? This will be the biggest one single hack for the CA community as ATV will be the most convenient and cheapest Transport alternative around.

thanks for the comment: That's really the question that got me going. Since I was listening to a Bluray Concert with my AVR, and the same coming out of it was amazingly beautiful, with great detail and open soundstage. I mean my Yamaha Z11 has the best audio DAC chipset within the entire Yamaha range of audio components, and that decoding is the "heart" of what AVRs do. Hence, the among of dedication the AVR devotes to the DAC process cannot be just "get it done" material right? As for the large jitter associated with HDMI. I am wondering if HDMI format is not as good comparing to Toslink or USB for audio output, then why would PS Audio use this particular format for there newest Perfect-wave transport + DAC? Quote from PS Audio below: "I2S through HDMI output" "Instead of trying to stuff these clocks and data into one stream, I2S simply transfers the three clocks and the data on separate cables to the DAC. Done in this way, there's no chance for error or increased jitter and the audible results are simply stunning." "The best solution we found was HDMI (High Definition Multi-media Interface) . An HDMI cable is the best multi-conductor digital cable made today and it was the obvious choice for the PWT." "Simply use any HDMI cable between the PWT and the PWD and you are transferring data perfectly. "

New to the forums, not sure if this has been discussed, but can't found anything via the search. I just bought an Apple TV, and knowing the limitations of the Toslink and the disabled USB. Was thinking if I used the HDMI output to my Yamaha Z11 AVR (top of the range decoding chipset for AVR), then "processor" pre-out to my ARC Pre amp and MBL Poweramp. Would that be as good as buying a separate DAC for the ATV (was thinking about BADA or others).