HaMa

@ fredhammersmith2 <br /> <br /> attached some reports on the nokia netbook I choosed as first computer music source. I do not know if it is available anythere else than europe.<br /> <br /> http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/business/article6985047.ece<br /> <br /> http://www.metacafe.com/watch/3207910/nokia_3g_booklet/<br /> <br /> http://www.nokia.de/produkte/mini-laptops<br /> <br /> HaMa

hello,<br /> as I'm new to the CA forum let me briefly talk about myself. I'm with 2ch hifi since more than 30years now and still like it :-) - the equipments I refer to is named at the end. I'd like to send you my report as I identified myself as one of these guys which are believed to be the hiface users...<br /> I'm running my T+A digital preamp since more than 8y with the according CD transport. I believe when I got this devices it was either already the end of a decade showing CD transports w/o a DAC or the start of this new decade with separate DACs again.<br /> However I liked the idea of having an excellent (but expensive) digital converter which may be used not only for the CD player but for my desktop TV or DVD in some future.<br /> Years ago I tried the integrated SPDIF output of my notebook (never had an desktop)just to check this option with my Pre. Immediatelly it worked and I got easy access (and was impressed) to lot's of compressed music, but the sound was so disappointing that I used it randomly for some netradio. I thought there is much more to gain with a source, but after learning about XP, the kernel, the drivers, the soundcards and all the other concerns I simply gave up due to time limits and the experienced results.<br /> From time to time I tried again to find a sufficient way on computer audio but instead found even more obstacles like ripping file formats, bit perfect data transfer or just the fan noise of a computer to be wiped out. I was even more frustrated about the endless list of concerns found in the internet. Professionals talked easy: just spend a considerable amount of cash, forget your existing DAC and that's it! But I was still very much concerned about using a PC as music source at all. <br /> Lately, getting more in touch with a variety of digital and also high resolution music again, I tried another attempt...(and I needed a good reason for myself to skip the old notebook)<br /> Nokia issued a netbook with a solid touch (cast metal- low resonance), style (husbands know what I talk about) and a fanless design (even the HDD is super silent). Moreover 10hrs. of operation, I still like the idea of a battery powered music source.<br /> Hiface was issued claiming to be easy to use and all the other nice things mentioned in the review. foobar was recommended with KS and requires low CPU power even with large files. A must as the netbook is pretty weak due to it's fanless CPU and long battery time. It offer's an SPDIF which is the only access to my existing digital Pre.<br /> All in all less than 1k$ just give the whole idea again a (final) chance for me. It just took me 2-3 hrs. to set up the whole chain - and it works, and how it works !<br /> It did not compare the sound 1:1 with my transport up now, but it is immediatelly good enough to continue the story in the future. For me the success of hiface is due it's sound per expenditure potential and the simple integration into my existing environment.<br /> In a sentence, I like the detailed review with all the pros and cons, but concluded a different result for me. That is what a good review is for.<br /> <br /> HaMa <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />