The Offenbach Kid

Hi Daniel<br /> <br /> Thanks very much for the continued support.<br /> <br /> I did as requested. The fix is installed; but was something supposed to happen? i.e. I ran the installed fix but saw nothing happen.<br /> <br /> When attempting to run RIPCD again I still get the "Wait" message before the CD is supposed to be loaded and it stays fixed like this for as long as I leave it before manually cancelling the process. I never get the "insert CD message" (or whatever it actually says).<br /> <br /> I am using Windows XP Media Centre Edition on a fairly old Dell PC (not my main system) could this be the problem?<br /> <br /> Neil.

Daniel,<br /> <br /> Sorry about that.<br /> <br /> Yes, it's version 1.5.1<br /> <br /> Regards<br /> <br /> Neil

Hello Daniel<br /> <br /> I did as requested and when clicking on "click here for support information" it states that the Version is 16.<br /> <br /> Neil.

Hello Daniel<br /> <br /> Where do I see version number?<br /> <br /> When I go to the Help section and click on "About Sonata Music Server" it says it's 16.0.117 and yes, it's the trial licence.<br /> <br /> Regards,<br /> <br /> Neil

Yes, you have to uninstall previously loaded versions of both JRMC and dBP.<br /> <br /> There's full instructions in the manual that can be downloaded from the Sonata web-site.<br /> <br /> Neil.

Hi George,<br /> <br /> You're so right about XP.<br /> <br /> But let me explain,( btw, nice system you have there).<br /> <br /> My main system is Macbook Pro/iTunes/Amarra/all SSD's/Weiss INT202/Devialet D-Premier V5.5, Transparent cables/ B&W802D's.<br /> <br /> My Devialet at version 5.5. is now Wi-Fi at 16/44.1Khz. In Q1 this should upgrade (foc) to 24/96Khz, at which point Amarra is consigned to the Trash (yes!) and the Weiss INT202 becomes redundant.<br /> <br /> I'm still running XP on an old Dell PC because it's good enough for e-mail and web-browsing.<br /> <br /> My Dad is in his 80's but wants to move his CD collection onto a Dell PC running Windows 7 and then buy a few downloads from Linn and a few other sites. He's very new to all this so I said I would download the free version of Sonata, learn how to set it up and then help him do the same. Maybe the old version of XP is causing some of my problems.<br /> <br /> I'll probably upgrade my Dell PC this year but will probably go for the latest iMac when it is released; hence your comment being so right, but probably not the path I'll take.<br /> <br /> Thanks and regards,<br /> <br /> Neil.

Dear Digibit<br /> <br /> I've downloaded the trial version onto my Dell PC running Windows XP. The download appears to have worked perfectly and my entire iTunes Library is now visible and playable in Sonata.<br /> The problems started when I tried to Rip a CD using Sonata. The "Please Wait" message appeared but nothing else happens i.e. 10 or 15 minutes later the "Insert CD Now" message still hasn't appeared. My internet connection is working perfectly.<br /> I then tried using dBPoweramp to do the Rip but when trying to get the Metadata I get the message "Internet Meta Data Service Access Disabled: dBPoweramp Reference Required". On trying to get the cover art from the internet I also get the message that "dBPoweramp Reference or Power Pack" are required.<br /> And finally, after manually entering the Metadata, the Rip of Riccardo Chailly Disc 1 of the Beethoven Symphonies 2011 is visible in Sonata, is searchable, is in the same My Music folder on the pc as all my other music files, but I get the message "Sonata MS encountered errors, please make sure the path in your media library points to the right location".<br /> <br /> Can you help please?<br /> <br /> Regards,<br /> <br /> Neil.

Linn Records have one available at 24/88.2 but I can't comment on the sound quality as I don't own this particular title. However the other downloads I've bought from Linn all tend to be very good quality. Neil.

Eloise Do you know anything about the DAC-150 from Fidelity Audio. I've seen some good reviews of their headphone amps but not this DAC. Regards Neil.

Hi Audiozorro I've not followed all of this thread so I don't know where you're coming from re these problems of digital recording. Yes, I have a number of CD's from the 1980's and 90's that do sound terrible, but my recipe for happiness is:- Take any good quality recording from the likes of Linn, Naim, iTrax, 2L, B&W SoS etc Play them through a relatively modest yet good quality system. Mine is MacBook Pro, Weiss INT202, Devialet D-Premier, B&W 802D. The result is enjoyment. None of the 8 problems you list are apparent to my ears whatsoever. The words that come to my mind are clean, transparent, dynamic, full-range, detailed, ultra-silent background and musical. Neil

I also have both of these and agree that they both sound great. Carol Kidd is into her sixties now and has lost a little of her range but has more than made up for this by the way she can deliver the lyric. She was a favourite of Frank Sinatra. Neil.

Hi Eloise<br /> <br /> Sorry, I don't own a copy of the original CD so I can't offer a comparison. I just bought this on Chris's recommendation.<br /> <br /> Chis does say in his review that it makes the original sound like it was recorded in a tin can.............I interpreted this to mean it is significantly better.<br /> <br /> Neil.

Hi Chris<br /> <br /> Just downloaded the Flac and converted to AIFF as I do for all my listening files.<br /> <br /> Not only does it sound good but as a Brit it cost me just £8.19 which is exceptional value for money.<br /> <br /> Regards,<br /> <br /> Neil

Hi I e-mailed Kent Poon at Design W Sound and he replied same day. Total cost, including shipment to Germany was HK $750. All I had to do was give Kent my address and he e-mailed me a Paypal link. The cable arrived about one week later. Cheers, Neil.

Thanks for getting on your soapbox. The camp I'm in at the moment is the one where I currently have a Belkin FW cable between my MBP and WeissINT202 and an Oyaide Neo on order from Kent Poon. So I'd best describe myself as agnostic until proven guilty. In terms of "is there a difference or isn't there?" I think I'm firmly in the 'perception is truth' camp i.e. if someone hears something that I cannot hear it doesn't mean that the difference doesn't exist, it just means it doesn't for me. In the case of FW cables maybe some of them are easier for the little 0's and 1's to swim down and therefore the bits are less tired by the time Sergeant Major Weiss calls them to order? Do you think my attempt at joviality has less credence than those with a somewhat more scientific explanation? Cheers Neil