virtoz

You'll have all of the classical music buffs coming out of the woodwork with this one Peter. I probably have about 6-700 CDS (a small collection) which I'm slowly digitising and enjoying rediscovering as I do so. The main thing is to listen widely - and just to find things you enjoy. You have had some good suggestions so far. Here are some more at random: Vivaldi: L'estro armonico - Christopher Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music Handel: Messiah - Dunedin Consort - CD or download from Linn - it's a wonderful recording The Devil's Trill - Palladians - also Cd or download from Linn - another corker! Beethoven Symphonies - the Kleiber version of No. 7 is a recognised classic of course - however a newer version of the symphonies you may enjoy is conducted by Nikolaus Harnoncourt and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe (I may cause some controversy with that recommendation!) The suggestion of the soundtrack to Tous Les Matins du monde is a good one I think, the french baroque can be a fertile ground for someone who enjoys rock or jazz, as it really swings: try some Lully or Rameau for example. The spanish baroque too is worth a try - have a listen to some of Jordi Savall and Hesperion XX(I)'s recordings on Astree - Auvidis and you'll see what I mean. Other music I can't live without is the Melos Quartet's recording of the Debussy and Ravel String Quartet; Martha Argerich's Ravel piano concerto in G; and that's without even starting into cello music or vocal or opera.... But then of course for a change of mood, being from Oz, I might switch to Nick Cave, Ed Kuepper or Hunters and Collectors ; )... Enjoy your musical journey, wherever it leads you! Julienne

I've recently made a couple of purchases from Caxton audio/Sound reference - an Arcam amp & CD player and a pair of Quad L2 speakers. I knew they had the more expensive Stello DA220MKII, but didn't realise they had the cheaper ones - although now I check their website I see them listed there (either I was blind or they've been added since I last looked!). I spoke to Carlton audio visual about the DACMagic and received the same information you did and given my recent expenditure if I want to stay married I think it's my better option!. I think you've been quoted a good price on the Benchmark too - I've seen it listed at a higher price. I'm going to hook up one of our powerbooks in the meantime, however what I'd really like is if Apple merged the Mac Mini and the Apple TV which I"d control with the iPod touch that I will probably be very tempted to buy after tomorrow's Apple event! Cheers, Julienne

Hi Edward, I'm also from Australia and would be happy to join in a whinge about equipment availability and prices! It's frustrating, isn't it! I'm completely new to computer audio, so won't proffer any advice, but I'm sure you'll find this site an absolute treasure trove, as I have. I'm going to go down the Mac path as my partner and I are confirmed Mac users and I'm currently trying to make a decision about purchasing an inexpensive USB DAC. Chris' post on the homepage about the Cambridge Audio DACMagic has piqued my interest, as there's a Cambridge audio dealer near me in Melbourne and it looks as though it's reasonably priced (although I'll have to wait to see what it translates to in A$!). I'll be interested to hear what decisions you come to. regards, Julienne

Thanks Chris and Anthony I'll look at your suggestions. ...Meantime I'm enjoying my new Quad 22L2s which arrived today! Cheers, Julienne

Hi All, Just came across this site today and discovered the wealth of information! As with some other first time posters I am an ingenue in this area. I'm pretty much at the budget end of hi fi. I have been wanting to update my speakers for some time and have just put a deposit down on some Quad 22L series two. My amp is a 10 yo Rotel 60 w RMS integrated amp (RA 971) which I am thinking about upgrading to an ARCAM or Cambridge Azur when I can. I have also wanted to make the jump to using my Mac powerbook as my major source instead of CDs (CD player is also a 10 yo Rotel). However I wasn't sure what to do. Looks like getting a USB (or firewire) DAC may be my best bet. Given that this is my first foray into this area I don't want to spend too much on a first purchase (I was thinking about $500 or under) but am not sure whether there is anything reasonable in this price range. My local hi fi dealer stocks a couple of Carat Dacs - does anyone know anything about these? The couple of reviews I have read suggests that the volume may be an issue. For information, my music tastes tend to be towards classical and jazz and I prefer a sound which is neutral to warm - too bright or harsh a treble fatigues me pretty quickly. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Cheers, Julienne