Digital - Audio Chews: the hi-fi and music community

Would you....

coops — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:28:59 -0400

If you knew a manufturer or distributor was sponsoring / financing a magazine/magazines would you still read it and believe it?

Munich HiEnd show starts tomorrow!

coops — Wed, 08 May 2013 05:40:39 -0400

Just a quick reminder that the Munich HiEnd show starts tomorrow, open to the Public Friday until Sunday evening 10-6 pm.
There is also the De Luxe show held at the Marriott , really worth a visit.
Keith.

Audirvana+ 1.5beta

Alan — Mon, 06 May 2013 06:42:52 -0400

This from Damien @ Audirvana HQ: New release, with benefits. I doubt I'll get to play with it this week, but I look forward to it. Download it here!

I've just released the public beta for 1.5 with Multichannel playback, and Audio Units plugins support.

The user manual is up to date.

It also includes:

Add command to scroll playlist to the currently playing track
DSD128 support for DoP 1.1 4x176.4kHz devices (Mytek)
In
iTunes integrated mode, use the track start and finish settings (in
iTunes track info settings) to play only the wished subset of the track
Remaining time display (toggle with total track time by clicking on it)
Bug fixes:

Fix gapless playback in Cue Sheets and when using dithered volume control
Fix last seconds of the last of a playlist being cut off in iTunes integrated mode
Airplay fix applied also for 10.8.3
Gapless playback even when using filters (sample rate converter and/or Audio Units)

And also sound quality improvement

I'm getting to the stage where I want to nuke iTunes

uglymusic — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 11:46:07 -0400

As my digital collection grows, iTunes' propensity to mangle its library file, resulting in missing albums (still there on the NAS) and duplicated file names (not duplicated files) gets more and more of a PITA.

Before I spend a lot of time trawling the Interwebs for solutions, I wonder if any of you have found a way to make iTunes behave?

Setting up a Mac mini server for Noobs

uglymusic — Sat, 04 May 2013 09:08:30 -0400

Whilst Googling around to the accompaniment of Messrs Ellington, Mingus and Roach, I found this on Computer Audiophile, and though it may be useful to anyone setting up a Mac as a server for the first time.

Well, that's set the cat amongst the pigeons - forward planning for an audiophile server

uglymusic — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:06:03 -0400

I was almost starting to be convinced that I needed to move on from Mac to something like a CAPS server or an Item Audio server, running Windows and JRiver.

But having been underwhelmed by JRiver on the Mac, I'm left feeling completely unconvinced about moving back to the horrors of Windows.

The servers will have to be really good to more than claw back the difference between Audirvana+ and JRiver.

I feel a Mac mini purchase coming on later in the year, even with iTunes' problems.

JRiver Mac Alpha

uglymusic — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 07:21:12 -0400

This discussion was created from comments split from: I'm getting to the stage where I want to nuke iTunes.

Audio 4 Soul Xtreme 16

Stupinder — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:14:05 -0400

Its an interesting box of tricks that sounds great.
http://hifipig.com/audio4soul-xtreme-16/

eBay Watch

Alan — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 07:15:03 -0400

A thread for interesting stuff appearing on eBay. We already do this for Royd speakers, but that's a minority interest - this is for anything you like. It doesn't even have to be HiFi - funny listings are welcome as well. Basically anything worth us wasting our time reading, in your opinion....

Mostly stuff you'd quite like to buy if you weren't so sensible. And poor. And married.

Using a Raspberry Pi as a Network Player

uglymusic — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 04:49:26 -0400

Here's a cheap way for getting into digital.

Has anyone tried it?

Gainclone and a Headphone amplifier review

Stupinder — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:13:37 -0400

Hi guys, a couple of reviews that may be of interest to you. first off is Stewart's review of the Clone Audio 25i integrated amplifier which he liked a lot and secondly there's Jerry's review of the King Rex HQ-1 headphone amp...which he also liked :-)

jPlay? Dual booting a Mac for Windows playback?

uglymusic — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 04:13:32 -0400

Here's an interesting review of JPlay.

TBH, I hadn't thought of setting my Mac up to dual boot to run Windows playback software. I'd tried Parallels when I had it installed, but it didn't work.

Sometimes the mind only runs on tramlines!

Anyone running Windows playback on a Mac?

M4a & M4A to MP3 free converter.

Brain_Dead — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:19:25 -0400

http://www.maniactools.com/soft/m4a-to-mp3-converter/?ref=m4a-home&version=7.2&b=7200

This seems to work well and it is free.

Hollies and the Iphone

Brain_Dead — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:38:11 -0400

Both full of prickles, and not a decent fruit among them.

Audirvana+ is Computer Audiophile's Readers' Product of the Year

uglymusic — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 18:14:28 -0400

Just noticed this. Proves we A+ users may not have cloth ears ;-)

FS Royd RR2 in cherry

Bourney01 — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 06:26:02 -0500

In reasonably tidy condition. Some sun fading in top of one. Two brand new tweeters as per Alans thread and one spare original tweeter.

£550 ono

Can deliver to Scalford this weekend

Audirvana+ 1.4

Alan — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 06:53:20 -0500

The new release of Audirvana+ is out now; I shall download and try it later. First reports on Computer Audiophile are that it sounds great, even an improvement over previous releases.

Dave's Review of the Resonessence Concero Dac

Stupinder — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 05:31:31 -0500

First of all massive thanks to Dave for agreeing to do this review for Hifi Pig.
The Invicta DAC from the company got a rave review when we looked at it sometime ago.
How will this somewhat trimmed down version perform?
You can read his full review here

Wasapi Event Style

Alan — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:20:30 -0500

Got around to a new install of Foobar today, along with a nice looking skin. It's been a good while since my office system was up 'n running, and I see Wasapi event is now a component. This is great, as the previous Wasapi components periodically scared me with a burst of white noize every hour or so - I stuck wiv da old skool Asio for ages. Here it is:

Now I find the office system sounding a lot nicer than before (and I can still compare the older configuration with an Asio component). I have been surprised several times today by how good Foobar now sounds with Wasapi event, rather like the improvement Audirvana+ gives over iTunes. Very similar, in fact.

Wassup to you all!

'Build a Better Audio Computer'

Alan — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 07:52:21 -0500

The following is from the FAQ section at Item Audio's online shop. Mark has put together a guide to self-build a computer audio transport that he puts together and sells.

This knowledge obviously has taken a while to put in writing, but that's nothing compared with the time and effort (and expense) that must have gone into gaining this experience. I like the fact he is sharing this with the wider audio community, that he puts his ideals where his mouth is and is pushing computer audio forward.

He has already posted the same thing at pfm, and it got a pretty heated response from those who can see no good motive or sound logic here. "Bits are bits, all computers are good enough", etc. However, while I cannot comment on whether this approach has merit due to my own lack of experience, it still seems a generous step to publish instructions on how to build your own audio computer, based on the Item T1 computer transport.

Hopefully the benefits of this approach will come full circle; more people will engage with a controversial subject, more people try it for themselves, knowledge increases, audio quality may increase also. Computer audio is the future, so why not smooth the way a little? Mark is definitely to be applauded for this step in my opinion, and though he may lose a few sales of built units he hopefully will make up for that in component sales as newbies have a go. Although I am still to finish modifying my Apple mini, I am very interested in following the T1 recipe next year, which has superseded the CAPS as my preference for a self build.

TELLURIUM Q BLACK JUMPER CABLE BI-WIRE LINKS

sovereign — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 14:53:38 -0500

TELLURIUM Q BLACK JUMPER CABLE BI-WIRE LINKS
In good order, they make a massive difference in place of the standard brass jumper links.

£45

(FS) T-amp, Muse m20 Ex2 Ta2020

sovereign — Sun, 17 Feb 2013 14:00:34 -0500

This is a MUSE M20 EX2 TA2020 power Digital Amplifier T-Amp 2*20W- Black

I have been using this whilst my monoblocs are being repaired, I honestly can't believe the sound coming out of this amp, totally ridiculously good.

This is absolutely mint, with all packaging, even down to the cable tie.

£30

Jriver for Mac

Docfoster — Wed, 13 Feb 2013 08:45:43 -0500

http://www.jriver.com/mac.html

Tho' looks like early adopters may not get the best package... :-/

What devilment is this...?

Docfoster — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 07:36:01 -0500

Puresound 2A3 Review

Stupinder — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 12:13:20 -0500

http://hifipig.com/puresound-2a3-integrated-amplifier/

Hifi Pron

Stupinder — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:51:30 -0500

Loads of pics of filthy, dirty and slutty audio gear from CES 2013. Parts one and 2 published today and 3 and 4 tomorrow. There are a LOT of pics and they can take a few moments to load.

Funk Firm Technics 1210 Review

Stupinder — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 06:34:38 -0500

I thought this would be of interest to a few of you guys on Chews.

T.H.E Show in Las Vegas

Stupinder — Sat, 12 Jan 2013 05:30:53 -0500

Loads of pics from T.H.E Show which happened last week in Vegas.

Check all your boxes!

uglymusic — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 10:43:33 -0500

Those of you who have long memories and care for such minutiae may remember I stopped using my PC for ripping because it kept dropping the wireless network, and I was getting incomplete rips.

Over the last couple of years I've noticed some albums seemed to be missing from my NAS. I'd put this down to rips failing, and was facing up to having to go through all my ripped CDs looking for the missing ones.

Yesterday, the mystery was solved. One of my boxes of CDs had been stored somewhere different from the rest and had never got ripped in the first place.

What a relief! No going through 2000-odd albums, and it's like someone has given me a great birthday present of music I haven't listened to in years and some are like new - real surprises that I'd forgotten I had.

Running Bliss on my Synology NAS

uglymusic — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 15:38:41 -0500

I mentioned Bliss before, and have just found that I can run it on my Synology NAS to keep my music library hunky dory.

Now I'm very tempted to go to ALAC and let Bliss look after maintaining the files, artwork and metadata.

I suppose I'll have to rebuild my iTunes library from time-to-time, but I think that'll be the lesser of two evils.

Hmm.

Anyone here know anything about this...?

Docfoster — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 07:45:38 -0500

http://www.businessinsider.com/ipads-stolen-from-microsoft-mountain-view-office-2013-1

s/pdif

chrisb — Wed, 02 Jan 2013 15:22:44 -0500

my puter outputs s/pdif via a 3.5mm headphone jack, now i would be interested in comparing the output to the usb. i know nothing about computers , how do i know if the jack is coax or optical or both or what ? :) or is at matter of where it connects toon the young.

chris.

stupid i know

NVA -How good, how bad

TimJ — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 19:55:10 -0500

I've had an extensive discussion on the NVA site about what I think are the inherent mechnical flaws in their Super Sound Pipe IC. Before it was spotted by the manufacturer, a broken neg caused my system to blow two tweeters, so my system was out of action for two months (so I have a bit of an interest). The manufacturer has now started speccing Neutrik plugs as an apparent corrective because (and I quote) 'ten percent' of his customers' are 'idiots'.

In the course of challenging the manufacturers about this, I was subject to some [mod - minor edit] attacks. When I tried to make peace with the manufacturer (who, perhaps predictably, completely overeacted), I was summariy evicted from their site on totally specious grounds of 'ad hominem'.

This is from a manufacturer who spends a great deal of his time criticising other hi fi sites (including Chews) for 'shilling', 'lack of free speech' etc.

The hypocrisy is immense. I would recommend NVA amps to anyone withut a second thought. But their customer relations are perhaps the worst I've ever seen from any manufacturer of anything. Caveat emptor.

Meeeeeerrryyyyy Christmas

trioleo — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:34:35 -0500

May I wish each and everyone at Audiochews a very merry Christmas and may 2013 be a better year for you and your families. Whatever your system, whatever your taste, may you just enjoy your music.

Kind regards Al

young ps

chrisb — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:27:26 -0500

Hi all,

I was going to move on my young having parted with the diy teddyreg ps. in hindsight i have now decided to keep it due to distinct lack of interest and actually coming to my senses. Right outboard supplies, has anyone tried the teddy pardo, paul hynes, avondale and the palmer and come to a definitive conclusion. Also i saw the mcru ps which is priced very keenly and seems a sensible idea splitting the regulation into to units.

i know this is old stuff but comments would be appreciated.

chris

High Resolution: is it really necessary?

uglymusic — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 09:46:28 -0500

This discussion was created from comments split from: Digital.

Digital

uglymusic — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 06:41:30 -0500

This is a totally gratuitous post to knock these analogue Discussions off the top :-D

How to convert USB to SPDIF

sovereign — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 18:22:18 -0500

Hi Chaps

I have just taken delivery of a cheap ebay DAC to play around with, and just realised that it only has a SPDIF in socket.

My question is what's the best way to convert USB to SPDIF, is it using a Hiface, or is there another way, I really don't want to spend much money,

Cheers

Pimp My MAC! (Audio computer mods)

Alan — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 09:57:38 -0500

I have a 2009 mini, it's an intel machine that has had only light use before I got. Sadly, it still gets light use... It is controlled via an iTouch & Apple remote.

Apple has been an excellent introduction to computer audio (I was utterly 'computer illiterate' 4 years ago, 'audio computer illiterate' two years ago. I even had to learn how to use iTunes). I have slowly learned by messing about and experimenting, trying to follow advice that keeps me safe (like the Computer Audiophile CD ripping strategy and methodology). I have gradually specialised my machine, and plan to make the last few - and most significant - changes in the coming couple of months.

I have one or two questions I would appreciate some guidance on, and I welcome any constructive comments in general.

What's been done:
8GB RAM
Wireless switched off, Ethernet connection to switch/NAS
OSX optimised according to UltraFi guide (Sadly no longer online, you have to buy his book)
Audirvana+, running Damien's preferred settings and audio optimisation, iTunes library.
What's to be done:
SSD (I have a 30gb in my desk drawer already)
SoTM SATA filter (for the SSD) - on order
Remove optical drive (not possible until I get a blue-ray/DVD player back in the lounge)
Remove bluetooth & wireless modules (bluetooth required for mouse/keyboard until optical drive removed - see above)
Paul Hynes SR-3 power supply (awaiting delivery of this, may be the new year)
Questions:
Passive cooling: Anyone achieved this on a mini? I want to remove the fan altogether, once all the mods are done it should draw less power & generate less heat. The Item guide to building a better computer has allowed me to research passive cooling systems, but I can't find an aftermarket solution for a MAC mini. - Suggestions as to products, guides, or DIY welcome.
Failing the complete removal of the cooling fan, is there room for a SoTM fan filter within the standard mini case? (I will have more space to play with once the optical drive is removed.)
Will removing the optical drive altogether cause problems on boot-up, do I need to 'tell' the MAC not to look for it? - If so, How?

Thanks for reading this post, if you understand what's been described than you have done better than I! I would appreciate any comments you may have.

Another (Cheaper) DAC

Alan — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:04:11 -0400

This is probably going to be a truly excellent 'budget' DAC - budget in terms of cost but likely not in performance. It has at it's core the Asus Xonar card that is also found in the reputedly excellent NVA TFS, made by occasional poster & resident genius Jason (Figlet 108). Both Mervyn & Ben are big fans of his work, and others who have heard it have nothing but praise for it.

It will be priced above £300 which puts it against the newly revised DACMagic plus, but the Asus has a tiger on the top. The Cambridge Audio does not.

The internals look, well, electronic to me, but it does feature a proper internal transformer. It looks like a serious piece of kit for not a lot of money, and depending on who they got to design the output section, it might just sound something like it's carefully implemented cousins.

http://www.asus.com/Multimedia/Audio_Cards/Xonar_Essence_One/

iTunes 11 is out

uglymusic — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 13:32:06 -0500

At least for the Mac.

I'm just downloading it now.

Squeezing a bit more life out of my MacBook

uglymusic — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 14:52:46 -0500

My venerable White MacBook, tweaked though it is, is gradually slipping towards retirement.

But, last week, I managed to extend its useful life again. I bought a Belkin laptop cooling doo-dah - basically an angled support with a fan in the middle of it. Something like this, but for smaller laptops

The main problem with the MacBook is its cooling fan sounding like a helicopter. With the new fan in place and smcFanControl dialling the lappy's fan to the lowest speed it can, things are much quieter - not silent, but easily lost in music at a lower listening level than before. And the lappy runs cooler than before, too.

Top notch service!

Docfoster — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 08:54:28 -0500

I want to publicly thank Jason of NVA for all of his after-sales care on the TFS over the past couple of years.
I have owned many computers over the past decade. All have had problems,
but no manufacturer other than Jason has been even 1% helpful, let alone
the 100% helpfulness of mr. Souloglou.
Great product - great service.
Thanks big J!

BTW, I don't consider that in this post that I am...

What format do you have your digital files in?

uglymusic — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 19:33:32 -0400

I have nearly all AIFF because I understand this is 'raw' PCM (as is WAV), but there are advantages to having ALAC (Apple Lossless) files in that apps like Bliss can manipulate the files' metadata.

I also think I can hear a marginal improvement in the sound of AIFF over ALAC.

Where do you stand and why?

Audirvana Plus beta - the one with direct mode

uglymusic — Sun, 04 Nov 2012 18:23:46 -0500

I've never been able to get any sound from it.

Is anyone here using it successfully? It's currently at version 1.3.10, I think.

How to manage your music library

uglymusic — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:05:28 -0400

I bought a very useful album artwork finder called Bliss.

The software's author, Dan Gravell, has written this eBook on Music Library Management. Well worth a read IMO.

DACs from John Kenny

Alan — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 09:58:26 -0400

JKennys DACs have been well regarded for a while - and he has a dem pair on 'tour' right now. They are single USB input only, which is an issue for me as I like to run the telly through my rig. I am still trying to find a way to make it work as I am very interested in the JK32. Some reckon it steals a march on the Young!

Here is a link to Andrew Randle's blog, where he listens to the DACs and seems impressed.

Streaming HD and hi-res - another possibility

uglymusic — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 04:26:13 -0400

I've been happily streaming multiple music and video files over WiFi to various rooms, but recently have been suffering increasingly from drop-outs. As nothing else has changed, I have to point at the number of WiFi networks that have been appearing round here.

One effect of the interference is 12Mb Internet access over wireless, compared to 50Mb over Ethernet.

I could have messed about with WiFi broadcast settings, but finding and testing a clear frequency didn't really appeal.

Instead, bought a pair of these powerline network devices from Amazon for less than £50. Setting them up was blindingly easy - just plug them in to a 13 amp socket at each end and wait for the lights to do their thing in a few seconds. Press a couple of buttons to set up the encryption. Pop in an Ethernet cable at either end. And you're away.

So now I have full Internet access speeds in my office, no drop-outs while streaming even multiple files, and a second WiFi network (using an Airport Express) that not only covers the office but provides better WiFi for the bedroom.

Peachy!

The best sound anyone can get?

uglymusic — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 06:19:17 -0400

Do we believe Neil Young?

http://www.theverge.com/2012/9/28/3422018/neil-young-pono-audiophile-music-player-prototype-on

Mountain Lion

Alan — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 12:49:44 -0400

Has anyone downloaded the new MAC OS yet? I was wondering if I should bother with it (I still run Snow Leopard), perhaps on the grounds of SQ.

Also, maybe more to the point, Are the M2Tech drivers (particularly for the Young DAC) compatible?

Whittlebury National Hifi Show

PAC — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 10:47:11 -0400

Anyone else attending this year? I will be there so it would be good to meet a few of you. Haven't decided yet whether I'll take a stand or mingle as a trade member but intend on being there anyway.

YTD downloads

Brain_Dead — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 16:09:24 -0400

I found this tiny box on www.cpc.co.uk.

I bought the first 4 (kids) from Maplin for under £30.00

It is a great tiny gadget as I love movie's on science and space (ok Star Wreck) this toy allows me to download from YouTube and watch them on my TV.

As you will see toy play FLV, MKV and other video formats and has HDMI out among others.

So check it out.

CS2224906 Mini HD Media Box form CPC.co.uk

Logitech discontinue SB Touch

coops — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 18:45:08 -0400

No longer onthe Logitech site, replaced by a radio which shares some features but....
Keith.

Young DAC

uglymusic — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 07:54:17 -0500

It has just arrived.

First impressions are that it's pretty substantial. Nicely designed and built in an artisan kind of style. Like it!

One immediate disappointment is that it comes with a European-style wall-wart, so I'm having to plug it in with a shaver adapter.

I'll get it set up and then I can report that it sounds like any other brand-new piece of electronics :-)

RFC's Latest News

PAC — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 09:53:05 -0400

You can find out about the launch of RFC's all new Bullet plug terminated Reference Pluto cable here

This promises to be a very popular interconnect within the Reference Series of quality IC's, marrying high quality low capacitance cable from Furutech's stable, with the excellent Eichmann Tellurium Copper Bullet plug, especially given the new recession-busting price!

Snooffling out a first European review

uglymusic — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:55:27 -0400

I notice that @Stupinder's Hi-Fi Pig has pulled off a European coup with its review of the Perreaux Audiant DAC/Pre-amp and Audiant 100P Stereo Power Amp, by one @PAC of this parish.

Well done, chaps!

Ampless

PAC — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:09:29 -0400

Without the hifi for a few days due to the power amp developing a hiccup. You don't miss it until it's gone! I have to say that its the first time I've had to do nothing in a situation like this....I passed on a message to Glen about a few fuses blowing, and before I knew it I had a courier company knocking on the door saying "where is it then?". Glen had ordered (and paid for) a courier, has diagnosed the issue (a faulty relay so just one of those things) and will have it repaired and sent back in a few days. Now that's service. Meantime, its the 'phones and a DAP thingymajig.

M2Tech Vaughan & Young DACs

Alan — Fri, 18 May 2012 07:32:42 -0400

The much anticipated Vaughan DAC from M2Tech is coming soon - the web is full of rumours of it's imminent arrival. It will be a statement product, state of the art and with a price-tag to reflect it, so I am saddened to say it will probably not be gracing my my listening room.

However, as there is a bit of an M2Tech following on AudioChews it would seem to be of general interest to post this here, even if only for us to ogle. Ogle away...

With the man in question. BTW, it's not really as big as a record deck...

It has excellent connectivity, even more than it's little brother, and it is a pre-amplifer as well, which will be of interest to quite a few. It features balanced outputs, a master clock input and 8 DAC chips. mmmm...chips.

Much more importantly, from my perspective, is that it uses HiFace 2 tech. This means it is fully USB2 compliant - no drivers needed for Windows or MAC and up to 32bit 384kHz. (Perhaps it is Linux compatible now? The Young is not). A list of specifications can be seen here, on the Australian distributors website.

What I am really, really hoping to see shortly is an upgrade path for us Young DAC owners. It would be great to see HiFace 2 tech in the Young (which would involve a hardware upgrade in Italy, probably). There are quite a few reports already of the HiFace 2 sounding significantly better than HiFace 1 did, and the fact that it is in a relatively low cost device gives hope that we can expect to see it in M2Techs mid-priced DAC. Indeed it would be a shame to be left behind. Not that we could hope to get Vaughan performance for beer money, but the thought of having this new development in the Young is most exciting.

BD dynamics

Docfoster — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 19:02:28 -0400

Was listening to the Hifi earlier when my boy came in and asked if he could watch 'Transformers' the movie. We have the film on bluray, and the only bdp we have is the TFS.
(Incidentally I think Tramsformers is a good film, not so the second one, and the third one so disgusted me that I couldn't finish watching it.)
We watched it on the flat screen tv that I use as a monitor for the NVA TFS. I asked the young 'un it he wanted to keep the sound on the main Hifi that i had just been listening to or to switch to the tv speakers. We discussed the issues of opting for hifi sq vs the more accurate direction provided by the tv speakers. Pleasingly, he went for the Hifi.
What I soon noticed was the very impressive sq of the soundtrack, especially the dynamic range on offer. Admittedly, single tracks such as the dialogue were compressed flat before the final mix down, but some of the effects (e.g. The cool transforming squeaks and bleeps and the battle explosions) were fantastically visceral, and this created an *overall* sonic experience that was often very pleasing.
Recent discussions here on compression have been interesting. I'm wondering how bd specs compare (I think transformers soundtrack stream that I selected today was 48/24).

FOR SALE- NVA A80's & A40's

sovereign — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 17:36:57 -0400

I am selling my amps, these really are top amps and I will be sad to see them go

http://s1138.photobucket.com/albums/...t=NVAA80_2.jpg

£800

Feel free to call - 07867 802326

Audirvana plus

Alan — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 06:02:35 -0400

h itttp://audirvana.com/

Just going on specs I am pretty excited about this. It now does everything Decibel has (so technically no advantage to Decibel anymore) like 64 bit processing. Note that I'm not seeking to discuss if that is audible, just pointing out the changes.

It features fully dithered digital attenuation now, which is definately a one up on Decibel. If it works as promised then that really is a viable alternative to any pre-amp as it won't drop any resolution (no matter how noticable that is, we hate the thought of dropping our bits...)

Audirvana has always done memory play a little differently to others, in that the song is loaded - and then processed/decoded/whatever(?) before playback starts. Coupled with integer mode (which the Young cannot support, neither does Lion) it is supposed to be something really very good.

There is a trial period of a fortnight, then a license is $50. So eminently reasonable, like Decibel - and potentially an improvement on it.

I played normal Audirvana the other evening after updating to the latest versiom, and I have to say that I am uncertain Decibel has an advantage over it. Also I can't use integer mode, which - according to many - is what makes Audirvana special.

I definately think it's worth a trial - anyone else fancy a go?

Incidently, anyone know if the MDAC is 'core audio compatible' (which I take to mean integer mode compatible)?

strange version of claymore

schwantz34 — Wed, 30 May 2012 03:44:47 -0400

Hi guys, do you recognize this version of the claymore by inca tech?
Apparently is diffeent from mine...could somebody tell me something about this version?
Is wider and with more selectors and buttons....
Highly appreciated the infos by the creator ...:-)

tnx
ciao
s

Audiolab M-DAC

uglymusic — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:30:05 -0400

This discussion was created from comments split from: Young DAC.

Kudos super 10's

scottyhammer — Sat, 12 May 2012 03:30:07 -0400

Ordered a pair yesterday after 3 days home dem and now cant wait for them - bloody brilliant speaker !!...........the 20's are sounding muddy and slow in comparison.

Splitting dff file

zany — Sat, 19 May 2012 08:02:39 -0400

I have a large (1.67GB) dff file together with cue file. Can anyone advise how I can split the file into individual tracks on a Mac?

PSU for Hiface 2

realmassy — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:42:52 -0400

Hello,

happy Hiface Two owner here, I'm using with both a Linux box and a Mac Mini, and still trying to understand which one sounds better.

I'm thinking of powering the Hiface with an external PSU using something like this:

and an external adapter.

I have a custom PSU for an Onyo digital dock ND-S1 which provide 5V, what do you guys think? Should it work? It comes with a different plug, can I use a sort of adapter, or do i need to replace the plug entirely? I have no DIY skills unfortunately!

Any alternatives?

tellurium cables.....whos got em ?

scottyhammer — Sat, 12 May 2012 03:18:05 -0400

Was this just a wind up or what ? :-/

Removing Fan from MAC Mini?

Alan — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:34:48 -0500

As above really, is there a way to remove the cooling fan from a MAC mini upon the installation of an internal SSD? I understand SSDs run cooler anyhow, and the computer is used almost exclusively as a music server.

I would half expect a little preogramme might be necessary to 'convince' the computer it doesn't need a fan, and most likey the addition of a little carefully placed heat-sinking somewhere inside.

Have you heard of anyone doing this before? I posted this on CA but got no bites. Its worth noting I am not really technically savvy, I can change RAM for instance, also a hard-disc change if I have good instructions.

The MAC is a 2009 model, 2.27mhz core2duo now with 8 gb RAM, running on the last version of Snow Leopard.

(I dont know why I bother really, I havent played anything in over a week now! Still, its nice to have something to plan for)

A different approach

PAC — Tue, 15 May 2012 06:35:29 -0400

Having chased the audio dream for too long and ultimately got there with my last set up, fate jumped in and kicked me in the cobblers.

After piecing together a system that did startling realism, real bass, real scale etc etc without calling attention to the electronics, domestic pressure was building to hand the living room back to the family (some people can be so selfish ;-) ). Also, with young kids, realistic scale isn't possible most of the time. The decision was made to sell the amp and speakers, re-arrange the room for additional space, de-clutter and install wife- friendly stand mounts.

Funnily enough, I wasn't at all sad about this, as I'd had the chance at least to experience possibly one of the finest audio set ups I've heard, and the fact I've had it a few years was a bonus.

So, new approach to hifi needed to stop me wanting to chase the impossible dream and I hit the answer which was as obvious as the nose on my face. Make do with the most musical speaks I could find for stand mounters accepting the bass limitations and look to upgrading the room, not the hifi, as I reckon more room tweaks can result in bigger gains than kit swaps.

I've now designed a series of free standing and wall mounted acoustic panels (freestanding ones can be placed close to walls) which have WAF as they're covered in acoustic fabric to match the room colours. One behind each speaker, one on the walls adjacent to each speaker and bass traps in the corners behind the speakers. The effect looks surprisingly neat and fits with the room. As for refraction panels, some additional CD racks with louvred slats each side on the walls. they lok and finction as CD racks but also function as very effective diffraction panels. Job done.

For the system, it had to be reasonably compact and capable of full bandwidth and decent sound staging (recording allowing) at moderate volumes.

I spoke to many very helpful friends in the hifi business and ended up on the telephone to Harbeth. They custom build speakers to order these days and much of their work is still with the BBC. A chat with one of the production managers there and I had the speaker choice sorted and was even able to specify what type of figuring I wanted on the veneers...thats service! So in a few weeks time I become the proud owner of a pair of new SHL5 monitors and custom built stands (made to elevate the tweeter on the speakers to ear height from your seated position).

For amplification, I wanted Class A and to avoid possible speaker damping issues, wanted a regulated power supply and a mofset output stage but a valve input stage. The amps which ticked all the right boxes seemed to be Croft, so as we speak I understand that Glen Croft is hand building a point to point wired pre-power set up for me.

This seems a mad thing to do...jump in without audition, but hopefully I've done my homework, and with some room acoustic treatment, the whole should better the sum of the parts. I remember Harbeths from donkey's years ago and whilst not the last word in resolution (or modern hifi tuning as I prefer to call it) they were one of the most enjoyable listens I can recall, especially at lower volumes.

I'll report back in a few weeks when all is done.

Amarra Hi-Fi launched

uglymusic — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:53:16 -0400

I haven't tried it yet, but at $49 with a 15-day trial, it has to be worth a go.

Details here.

Metrum Octave - WOW

bhobba — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 06:25:07 -0400

Ok the Metrum Octave has arrived. In one word WOW. I blows away any other DAC I have heard except the PDX and Killer and I have to tell you they are under threat - its that good. I have never heard anything quite like it. The PDX and Killer sound natural and real - this thing simply sounds accurate - as if there is nothing between it and the recording. Nothing touches this for $1k - nothing. I simply can not detect any type of character to it - none - zippo - none.

I have it connected via the Off-Ramp 4 with Turboclocks and the Truth Pre-amp and am sitting simply in amazement. Of course the cost with the Off-Ramp is $2.7k and you need a pre amp which you do not need with a DAC like the PDX that has its own volume control so it works out about the same price.

I have my third DAC for a shootout I am looking to arrange of top of the line DAC's - this is without a shadow of a doubt an up there DAC - and at the price - amazing.

I simply can't stop listening to it.

More to come as I keep listening.

Thanks

Bill

I got myself some Royd Merlins :-)

Uzinusa — Thu, 10 May 2012 06:39:46 -0400

Yea! I've been after a pair ever since hearing Grommit's pair at Scalford a few yrs ago. I've tried several times but failed to get them when they've come up. Then just the other month, and to my surprise, Grommit's pair of Royd's came up for sale....I said yes, but was pipped to the post by some bounder ;-).

Well just last night, that said bounder put the same speakers up for sale again and as I was playing around with my phone in bed i saw them. Luckily enough I was first and I'll hopefully seal the deal soon. Can't wait.

Monster Grin.

Andy

Audio Chews Munich

coops — Sun, 06 May 2012 12:22:40 -0400

You guys must come next year, if you like HiFi, you just have to attend, plus it is fun!
KR Keith.

Audio Hi-Jack pro

Monty — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 13:36:09 -0400

Hey all,

I've been playing around with this to try and correct some of my room issues.

I'm using the equaliser plug in to increase bass but the output distorts badly. Can someone post some screen shots for the settings they use? Is there a particular output setting that balances everything nicely?

To get a screen grab on a Mac use shift, cmd and 4.

I've tried using Hi-Jack with iTunes

Much appreciated.

'Digital Volume Controls Are The End Of The World'

uglymusic — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 19:17:51 -0400

Can he be serious?

The figures he's worried about are tiny!

Or have I done a Ben with the rather wonderful Argentinian red I'm drinking? :-)

Neil Young launching an HQ download service?

uglymusic — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:01:02 -0400

Interesting post on Rolling Stone earlier this month.

Munich Hi End 3rd to 6 th May

coops — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 06:26:34 -0400

Munich, fantastic show, two shows in fact because there is also the 'de-Luxe' event held at the Marriott Hotel.
Everythng is there, it is how a HiFi show should be, chep flights from Stanstead,Gatwick and Heathrow, leave early return late, if you enjoy HiFi, you should make the trip.
Keith.

Hi-Face 2

Alan — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:34:22 -0400

'Lo pooter doodz,

The surprise (well, to me anyway) release of the Hi-Face two USB > S/PDIF converter has quietly occurred. Well, it may not have been quiet, but I haven't been around so much lately.

Why is this interesting? On the face of it, there are no notable new main features - still it is capable of handling 24/192 and is asynchronous. However, it's main area of interest (to me anyway) is the Hi-Face 2 is now fully USB 2.0 compliant - so apart from a generic driver (for windows only) no more MAC drivers to get 192kHz. This is because it uses the XMOS USB chip.

(I'm getting there...)

This means in theory, that it is integer mode compatible, which if true would make it the first M2Tech device to be so. I have read on teh internetz that it is already being used by someone in integer mode, and that it sounds considerably better that the Hi-Face mk1.

I have been reading for ages of how Integer mode is a wonderful thing, that the effect of simply removing one simple stage of conversion makes a real difference. Well I have no idea if this is so, but I have hoped to find out. Adding an additional device like a Hi-Face 2 to the replay chain might negate much of the benefit, the only way to know will be to try it I guess.

The real hope for me, as an M2Tech Young DAC user, is that there might be an upgrade/update available for the Young, making it integer compatible.

Video: Old & New Dreams (Cherry, Redman, Haden & Blackwell)

uglymusic — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:31:53 -0400

Prettifying Foobar

Alan — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:37:01 -0400

I have spent the better part of too damn long today installing this new Skin for Foobar - not painless by any stretch and the functionality isn't quite right yet, but it is pretty...

As you can see it automatically searches teh internetz for lyrics, which is cool.

I also get biography information, very cool. The bestest bit is - the two images above of these features were made whilst listening to RadioParadise.

I just have to get the library viewer to behave over the network now.

Full (free) download from Deviantart, and it is a beautiful bit of work, but don't ask me if you get stuck!! Google is your friend...

Oh dammit, I'm going to have to junk my hi-fi now!

uglymusic — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 19:12:00 -0400

It plays hi-res files, 'n'all.

DAC Fashion

ItemAudio — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:45:20 -0500

My, we're fickle! Or is it just that DAC technology is moving that fast . . .

In 2011, all you could hear were people talking about the Young DAC. In 2012, we're seeing unloved Young DACs spring up for sale all over the place, and all the glittering things are drooling over the Audiolab MDAC, which you can't currently obtain for love nor money - and which I believe sold almost a thousand units in the UK alone in the past few months.

Naturally, I wish folks had rushed in quite such volume to buy the ESS Sabre chipped DAC with digital volume control, linear power supply, multiple in/outputs and 24/192 USB we were selling two years ago (I feel like Bill Gates moaning about Apple selling 'slates') . . . hey: you can't fight fashion! But is it really that much better than the Young DAC? I know that some here have swapped one for the other . . . thoughts?

Here at Dave 'n' Jim's Hi-Fi Lab, we have had our first set-back

uglymusic — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 17:50:50 -0400

You know that silly digital purist's idea I had to drop the pre-amp?

Well, Jim was right, along with everyone else who questioned me. This evening I fried two hitherto working Supravox drivers with ear-splittingly loud digital noise.

Smoke, burning smell, flying small cones and worry that the TDSs had gone as well.

Between them, Audirvana +, iTunes and Audio Hijack Pro ground to a halt and made a horrible noise. OS X stayed up.

Why 24/192 music makes no sense...

Alan — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 07:20:20 -0500

As the owner of a 32/384 capable D to A converter, this article had the potential to make me feel a little silly: 24/192 music downloads...and why they make no sense.

Then again, so does just about everything in this hobby; every decision one might take relating to equipment or software can be roundly contradicted and pooh-poohed by someone a whole lot cleverer than we.

I am only glad that I haven't invested too much in any one thing. The computer I use can play anything and my DAC actually won me over based on its 16/44 performance.

JPLAY - anyone played with it ?

Mervyn — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 05:24:15 -0500

Got the tip off for this from Jason at Scalford http://jplay.eu/

It apparently works inside the shell of JRiver and Foobar but seems to be only Windows based ( and not cheap at 99 euros !!). Getting hot reviews which of course could be a bum steer as we all know from experience.

Today's western mail...

Docfoster — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 11:22:27 -0500

C'mon Wales...! ;-)

http://twitpic.com/8o28w3/full

The death of dynamics

PAC — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:44:58 -0500

I've posted this elsewhere, but for those interested, its a really good article on dynamic compression:

http://www.cdmasteringservices.com/dynamicdeath.htm

MHDT DACs - anyone heard them?

Anesthetise — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 05:05:58 -0500

More info:
http://dhost.info/mhdtlab/

Anyone has heard these DAC's? I've been interested in Havana tube dac, heard it once when I wanted to buy it and a smile appeared on my face - though it was gone when I heard the second hand price the guy wanted, that's why I didn't buy it.

I haven't heard the Young DAC so I can't compare it. It's not popular here in Poland (well... MHDT isn't popular as well), but there is quite big difference in price - 860$ compared to 1200 quid for new units.

Also, they are famous makers of the USBridge, very good rated asynchronous USB/SPDIF converter, though a bit more expensive choice compared to the cheapest (and not bad at all) MF V-Link at around 130$.

Blog Update

PAC — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:28:39 -0500

The RFC Blog page has now been up-dated!

http://referencefidelitycomponents.co.uk/?page_id=6

This is why I don't use Toslink / Optical...

Alan — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:57:55 -0500

Read it. Then apologise to Einstein.

Tomahawk - Anyone tried it (iTunes alternative)

Arfa — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:42:15 -0500

Just installed it for a trial run. Seems quite funky, basic premise is it can play music from a multitude of sources/locations (local, network, Spotifiy, Grooveshawk, last.fm etc). Still early days and little control over actual playback settings that I can find. Still, worth taking a peek at, it is Open Source and free.

http://www.tomahawk-player.org/splash

Computer Audiophile launches scrobbling

uglymusic — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:18:36 -0500

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Introducing-CA-Scrobbles

What's scrobbling? It's telling the world what you're listening to, automatically, like on my Last.fm page http://www.last.fm/user/uglymusic.

I've been wondering how we could do this on Chews for some time, but for reasons of lack of time and resources - not to mention it'd only apply to digital listening, I'd put it on the back burner.

New Website for all you audiphiles!

PAC — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:00:22 -0500

Hi guys

just to let you know that I've finally got round to launching my website which went live as of today!

www.referencefidelitycomponents.co.uk

MacBook, TV, iPhone and Hippos

uglymusic — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:11:13 -0500

I've been messing further with my MacBook, playback software and control.

I've installed Hippo Remote Pro (http://hipporemote.com/) on my iPhone, which acts as a touchpad, as well as having a range of control templates for quite a few pieces of software - e.g. iTunes. A piece of software is also installed on the Mac or Windows or Linux machine so that the Remote set-up can control it.

I've also connected the MacBook up to my TV via a mini-DVI to HDMI lead so I can see how I'm controlling the MacBook with the iPhone/Hippo combo. Full-screen iTunes on a 42" screen is overkill, of course ;-)

With Audirvana+ and iTunes linked, I can control music selection, playback and volume using the iTunes template in Hippo. Once I get to understand Hippo more, I hope that I can write a custom template for A+.

DAC Upgrade (Part Deux: The American)

Brumjam — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:26:35 -0500

Well my affair with the Swiss Weiss was short lived. In its place sits a rather sassy two box American affair that goes by the name of Bel Canto. Bel Canto DAC3.5vb to be precise. The VB stands for virtual battery which is the reason for the second box.

I'll put some pics up in due course. It's only halfway through Bel Canto's recommended 100hr break in period, but the terrific sense of space and soundstage that I heard at Coherent Systems is already present. At the moment the Bel Canto doesn't sound as extended as the Weiss,but it has more weight and authority in the midrange. Tonally it is richer than the Weiss and it also seems to convey dynamic swings more convincingly. I'd say the Weiss offered a fraction more resolution, but I am happy to trade this for the wonderful richness and weight of the Bel Canto.

One other cool thing about the Bel Canto is that it has an analogue bypass input, meaning that I can route the L/R out from my A/V processor on RCA into the Bel Canto then out again on XLR to my speakers - very nifty and saves the need for a switch box.

dac straight to power amp - volume control through players?

mscofield — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:14:52 -0500

Hello all,

I have a question about my new set that I'm planning to build around my new M2Tech Young dac. I'd like to use the following three sources: Mac, Squeezebox and Dune. All of these could be connected to the dac.

Is it possible to connect the dac straight to a power amp and control the volume with each of the players (mac, squeezebox, dune) themself?

Thanks in advance,

Michael

Active pro monitors in domestic setting

coops — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:51:01 -0500

I know James uses Adams, just wondering how many other chewie use 'Pro' monitor at home,
KR Keith.

Neil Young claims Steve Jobs' death has delayed lossless downloads

uglymusic — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:19:45 -0500

http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/neil_young_jobss_death_slowed_apples_high-def_music_efforts/

I still think it'll come sooner or later.

Pooters are 'orrible - discuss

uglymusic — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:57:09 -0500

This discussion was created from comments split from: DAC Upgrade - I've folded..... Or the Weiss DAC202 thread.

Audiophile Music Servers - Fact or Foo?

Brumjam — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:33:19 -0500

Over the last few weeks I've been reading up (beats working) on so called audiophile music servers. These are typically, but not always, stripped down Linux-based PC's which have nothing but the essential parts required to feed a DAC. They are made by a growing number of manufacturers and range in price from around £400 to upwards of £3,000.

Here is a link to Auraliti who make a couple of different servers:

http://www.auraliti.com/

These seem sensibly priced when compared against some of the prices of seen quoted for a pimped Mac Mini.

At the higher end there's devices like this:

http://www.aurender.com/products/s10.html

Bryston have had their own take on the music server available for at least a year now:

http://bryston.com/products/digital_audio/BDP-1.html

So what do the 'chews massive think about these sort of devices? Has anyone tried one?

I'm really interested to hear one of the Auraliti units. I personally don't buy the whole incremental improvements argument that is often cited about maximising Mac performance, by doing things like switching off spotlight, or running only on battery power - I've tried all these things in my system and they made no difference whatsoever. In the near future, I can see myself buying a dedicated music server though. Potential performance improvements aside, it will free up my MBP from transport duties.