drewchild

Thank you, Eloise, for guiding me to a useful prior thread. Unfortunately, my specific question regarding the best method for boosting the input signal from -10dBv to +4 dBv (i.e. with a converter box or with software) was not addressed. Perhaps it's six of one, half dozen of another. I still don't know the answer to another question: does a "live music" recording interface like the Saffire, which has a 24-bit/96 kHz AD/DA converter, upsample previously compressed (i.e. AAC) files during playback? Or does it merely offer UP TO 24/96 playback, depending on the bit depth and sample rate of the original file? Would I get higher quality playback of compressed files using the HRT Music Streamer II, which has an asynchronous USB protocol? Thanks again for any replies.

Hello all. I've been reading a lot lately about ADC's and DAC's. For a long time, I've wanted to digitize my vinyl records (and a few tapes), as well as to play downloaded music files from my Mac through my stereo. But I find myself in an unenviable position: I have high audio standards, but little money to spend. After reviewing posts on this forum and others, I've decided to purchase a Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 interface. For a humble price, it can transfer at 24-bits/96 kHz, has line level inputs, and a Firewire connection to my computer. I have a few questions though, regarding the signal strength difference between my receiver output and the Saffire input, as well as the type of connector to be used. Which way of adjusting the signal and connecting the two units would produce the highest audio quality and least amount of noise? 1) Connect with unbalanced left and right RCA’s to unbalanced left and right TS connectors. Set the line level input for -10 dBv with included recording software (Ableton Live Lite 8). 2) Connect with unbalanced left and right RCA’s to a single balanced TRS connector. Set the line level input for -10 dBv with the recording software. 3) Connect with unbalanced left and right RCA’s to a converter box, which amplifies the signal from -10 to +4 dBV, and supplies it to balanced left and right XLR connectors. Lastly, as far as the reverse conversion of digital to analogue: when playing compressed music files (such as those purchased on iTunes) through the Saffire via Firewire, does the Saffire “upsample” them to 24-bits/96 kHz during playback? Or would I get higher quality using the HRT Music Streamer II and its asynchronous (24/96) USB protocol (despite its lowly price, it’s received a lot of good ink)? Thanks in advance for your reply.