greatdane

It is a bit elitist...I don't expect a hi-rez mariah any time soon...but broadening the selection just a tad would be a great change. +1 on Air btw.

Can't say I feel quite as passionate about the subject, but I wondered when those of us who don't listen to jazz & classical would get some options. I wonder how long it'll take for the "mainstream" stuff to get into the game? I'm an audiophile (budding) and I like Mariah Carey. So shoot me.

I associate upsampling with the use of equalizers...changing the actual sound to a desired sound. I know it's not quite the same, but to me, similar principle.

I'm not versed in the subject, but from my listening, I couldn't tell the difference between the 192/24 stereo tracks on a dvd-a to a standard redbook cd. My DAC is only 44/16, but I'm thrilled with the sound I hear from it. I may be a purist, but I don't like the thought of upsampling standard resolution. I've yet to hear an electronic high bitrate track natively though, so that might change my mind.

I found the upper spectrum sounded a bit more detailed when I switched to the non-ferrite cable, but sometimes I think I hear what I want to hear and nothing more. Why do you think companies like Kimber would go to the extra effort to put them on if they only detract from the sound?

There have been conflicting views on various threads regarding USB cables with or without ferrites/chokers. I'm curious to hear opinions on whether or not they are beneficial or detrimental. The cable that came with my DAC has them, and I tried a different cable without to see if I could hear a difference. If there was one, it was very minute. I'm not interested in if more expensive cables sound better...there are plenty of other discussion on that, but it's curious that companies like Kimber chose to include ferrites, although I read that there is an option without as well, but I haven't seen that model for sale online. Thoughts?

I use a stand-alone DAC because combo units often don't have USB connections, which is my preference. There are a few out there (Outlaw, Bel Canto), but they didn't fit my needs, so I went with a DAC + pre & power amp.

I prefer to care about children, animals and the unfortunate who cannot make qualified and educated decisions on their own. If a competent adult spends too much on speaker cables and that upsets you, then you are a much more considerate person than I, but I can respect that.

If someone wants to spend thousands of dollars on speaker cables (or whatever), they're free to do so....just don't expect me to do the same thing. I stopped reading hifi magazines because I have no interest in reading reviews on products that don't interest me (in my case, turntables, expensive cords, power management, etc.) I know what sounds good to me in the testing that I've done, and I could care less if someone looks down upon my radioshack speaker cable. I was reading another forum (not sure why...), and there was a giant debate over turntables and if they infact were only a fad or here to stay, etc. SOOOO many opinions and emotions shared (mostly anger), but it seems so strange to me that anyone would be so involved in what other people spend their money on...who cares! I thought this hobby was about the music. I guess that's what these forums are for though, and I'm content reading the opinions, but it's almost intimidating taking part in the discussions!

Great post Daphne...lots of interesting info. The OP's mac mini uses a 5400rpm drive, not sure which external drive is being used. I have the same set-up, but use a mac timecapsule as my external drive (at the moment). Anyway, interesting read this thread.

Nothing wrong with blunt! Either way...I guess we should go with whatever sounds best to us. If someone finds their isolation doodads work, then who are we to tell them they wasted their money....I just wish people would invest first in things that are proven to improve sound, then play with the toys. Again, my 2 cents (we're up to 4 now...i'll shut up).

I got rid of my turntable and switched to a digital library so I didn't have to worry about things like isolation...my idea of KISS is plug & play, but that's just me. It honestly didn't even occur to me that vibrations on a computer would be an issue. Doesn't the mac mini have a solid rubber base anyway? I don't have an opinion either way, but I do know that it would have to be a pretty cheap experiment for me to even bother. Just my 2 cents.

I would do as mentioned and disable/uninstall, and compare with how it sounds while enabled. If you can't hear any difference, then no love lost. ps - nothing wrong with an a/v receiver. The thing I like best about this forum is how "alternative" components aren't looked down upon. Use what sounds good to you, and more importantly, what you have on hand!

I looked at the setting on my Time Machine, and it only appears to give you the option to exclude things, as opposed to being able to pick specific folders. I guess if you wanted to exclude everything except your media folders, it would work, but that would be a lot of hassle. I would probably look for a more basic backup program, as Time Machine is intended to replicate your entire drive.

Anyone have any experience with Pro-ject's new(ish) Box series? There's a USB DAC (only 16/44, but that's enough for me), Preamp, Stereo Power Amp (2x20/30w @ 4/8 ohms), Mono Amp (28/40w @ 8/4 ohms), tuner, iPod dock, etc. etc. I've ordered the DAC ($169) and am interested in the preamp/amp combo. Not much info online other than a WhatHiFi review (mediocre review from a less than mediocre magazine). Was hoping to get some insight before dropping the cash. Link - http://project-audio.com/main.php?info=boxdesign&cat=boxes&lang=en