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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2015 19:05:01 GMT
Andrew Just dont go mad because people go over the top with File based system. Just get your files off the computer & onto an outboard HHD.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2015 19:12:25 GMT
Cheers, Andr'e. I can't see me dropping CDs or vinyl as main sources. I justnwantnto see what the it sounds like and how I feel accessing music in this way. I tried using a Wadia IPod dock and DAC a couple of years go, but the novelty quickly wore off. Looking forward to trying again though
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2015 19:33:55 GMT
I just use a basic laptop with HRT Streamer & into the Aux of my amplifier. Sounds as good as anything, but as ever Audio nutterz have to go overboard
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2015 19:56:04 GMT
Those HRTs have a very good rep.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2015 20:18:00 GMT
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Post by Tim on Dec 22, 2015 20:33:43 GMT
Yup, I have an HRT Streamer II+ and use it every day as it drives my second 'office' system, really quite impressive for the money. In fact I listen to this system more than my main one, it's an HRT DAC, Amptastic Mini-T and a battered pair of Celestion 5 speakers. Sounds bloody great
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2015 13:30:13 GMT
Got the lead in the post so,I set up the laptop. Apart from the complete PITA of 30 minutes sat waiting for the laptop to update every programme it could find, the rest was a doddle. The sound? It's actually quite listenable. I like the sound, features and ergonomics of Stan's DAC. If I'd known it was such a nice product, it would've escaped the confines of its box a long time ago
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Post by ChrisB on Dec 24, 2015 13:52:24 GMT
Great news and as everyone say about Stan's DACs, it will get better!
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Post by MartinT on Dec 24, 2015 13:57:50 GMT
I'm still running an original Caiman on my PC, performing audio duties, and it continues to sound good.
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Post by Tim on Dec 24, 2015 15:09:43 GMT
Got the lead in the post so,I set up the laptop. Apart from the complete PITA of 30 minutes sat waiting for the laptop to update every programme it could find, the rest was a doddle. The sound? It's actually quite listenable. I like the sound, features and ergonomics of Stan's DAC. If I'd known it was such a nice product, it would've escaped the confines of its box a long time ago Once you get a feel for it and are comfortable with the sound (what media player software do you use?) try loading this www.fidelizer-audio.com/ and unplug anything you don't need (mouse/printer anything not needed for sound). Laptops I have found can sometimes be 'noisy' depending on make and power supply, but they can still produce pretty good sound quality and are good enough for many folk. As André says, you can go OTT and don't even think about spending £500 on a USB cable! Madness IMHO. There's a lot to be said for having another method of enjoying music and if you try a Pi then you should be even more pleased with the results
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2015 16:11:32 GMT
I'm using iTunes and I've downloaded "Apple Remote" to control the laptop from my iPad. I will likely buy a used Mac Mini to replace the laptop. I've packed the laptop and Beresford away again until I can get things wired up more neatly. I still have the Custom Design Milan rack, so I may press it into action.
I have disliked 90% plus of all CD/digital sounds I've heard. The wee Beresford is really fresh and engaging though. I know it's no longer their last word in terms of technology, but it's impressed me. The same experiment with a different DAC could well have put me off the idea completely.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2015 17:25:56 GMT
I'm using iTunes and I've downloaded "Apple Remote" to control the laptop from my iPad. I will likely buy a used Mac Mini to replace the laptop. I've packed the laptop and Beresford away again until I can get things wired up more neatly. I still have the Custom Design Milan rack, so I may press it into action. I have disliked 90% plus of all CD/digital sounds I've heard. The wee Beresford is really fresh and engaging though. I know it's no longer their last word in terms of technology, but it's impressed me. The same experiment with a different DAC could well have put me off the idea completely. Worth bearing in mind if you go for a used Mac Mini to avoid all models prior to the introduction of the 'Core 2 Duo' version in about 2007. I have an older one that I use in the shed and unfortunately it's days are numbered due to incompatibility with a lot of recent developments (including OS upgrades); very tempting prices for used models in good condition but best avoided. One of the best guides to all Mac models I've found is here: www.everymac.com/systems/apple/mac_mini/index-macmini.html
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2015 17:43:02 GMT
Thanks for that. I was looking at the 2011 models. Would they be ok or should I go newer again? The guide will be a great help thanks, because I'm not at all knowledgeable about these things.
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Post by Tim on Dec 24, 2015 17:54:32 GMT
Well if you buy a MacMini and put JRiver on it, prepare to be even more impressed, especially with lossless files. iTunes is OK, but has it's limitations sound-wise and also the interface is now very dated. It's needs a complete re-work in most computer audiophiles opinions, and that's from the Apple fans. Having said that, it's still a great way to test the water and if you are happy already, job's a good un'
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2015 18:05:09 GMT
Thanks for that. I was looking at the 2011 models. Would they be ok or should I go newer again? 2011 onwards is more than fine ... I run a 2010 model (the last one with a built-in DVD drive) and it's a real workhorse and manages everything I throw at it.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2015 18:10:37 GMT
iTunes is OK, but has it's limitations sound-wise and also the interface is now very dated. It's needs a complete re-work in most computer audiophiles opinions, and that's from the Apple fans. Having said that, it's still a great way to test the water and if you are happy already, job's a good un' T'is indeed a bit lacking in the SQ department - and no FLAC support is irritating; I use Audivarna which piggy backs on the iTunes database but provides infinitely better playback and supports a wider range of file types with ease.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 25, 2015 1:29:08 GMT
iTunes is OK, but has it's limitations sound-wise and also the interface is now very dated. It's needs a complete re-work in most computer audiophiles opinions, and that's from the Apple fans. Having said that, it's still a great way to test the water and if you are happy already, job's a good un' T'is indeed a bit lacking in the SQ department - and no FLAC support is irritating; I use Audivarna which piggy backs on the iTunes database but provides infinitely better playback and supports a wider range of file types with ease. Plus 1 for Audivarna, I've tried loads but find this the best out there. I use the older version with iTunes database support on the MacMini and the latest Plus Version on my i7 iMac. However, I more often listen to vinyl or silver dic on the OPPO
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Post by Deleted on Dec 25, 2015 10:28:26 GMT
Thanks for the tips. Anything compatible with iTunes would be better for me. I will have to see if I could control via Apple remote though, as I really value being able to choose songs from my iPad. All recordings are in Apple Lossless but the sound is still quite a way short of CD. That said, it's still very enjoyable. I've really taken to the Beresford. It has a very welcoming sound that 's hard to put into words.
I'm guessing most of the ground would be made up by using optical instead of USB? If so, then the Mac Mini wil sort that one.
In the meantime is it worth getting a better USB cable?
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Post by tony on Dec 25, 2015 10:49:41 GMT
I run a basic Lap top with i tunes ripped to flac. I reckon if you try a usb convertor to let you utilise optical into the dac things will improve. Stan does one which is highly rated but requires loading software that was beyond me. A second hand v link or similar with the fisual optical cable recommended would work well.
From experience usb cables do make a difference IMHO. Belkin are good vfm. Supra and Furatech are both very good but quite a bit more expensive.
Stans optical implementation on the Caiman 2 is noticeably better than others I have tried.
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Post by Stratmangler on Dec 25, 2015 10:59:04 GMT
All recordings are in Apple Lossless but the sound is still quite a way short of CD. That would be down to your laptop not using ASIO or WASAPI drivers. Windows machines need to use these drivers to give the playback connection priority over general system sounds. Then there's the minor problem of iTunes, and getting iTunes to play with the drivers. I have a few USB audio devices at my disposal, so I'll have a play tonight to see if iTunes will play at all. I'm not holding my breath .... In the meantime is it worth getting a better USB cable? I wouldn't even bother thinking about going there until you have the right drivers for the device you're using. On the subject of USB cables, some say yeah, and others say nay. I sit on the fence, as I've never heard any difference between USB cables, but as a caveat I'll add that I'm very particular about having appropriate drivers installed and in control of audio outputs. I have also never bought one of the "audiophile standard" cables out there, nor am I likely to, as I do not use any of my laptop or desktop computers as a primary source.
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