Pooters are 'orrible - discuss
This discussion was created from comments split from: DAC Upgrade - I've folded..... Or the Weiss DAC202 thread.
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Comments
which is great, as I hate puters!
The trouble with such turn-key solutions, as I've said before, is that they are like a TT that's supplied with a cartridge you can't change.
If we can interact with a carefully setup and configured system through an iPad, an iTouch or similar, using a simplified iTunes type interface then that's what is going to sell.
I already control Audirvana with my iTouch, my kids are now able to be in charge of the stereo.
Still, the remote sometimes drops it's connection, the server sometimes can't be seen, the mac sometimes needs rebooting, other bugs surface from time to time...'puters! Pah!
My wife complains that the whole thing is too complex, and she's right. I have to switch everything on, make sure drives are mounted, make sure iTunes is happy, make sure the remote app connects to my library before I put away the mouse & keyboard & turn off the TV/monitor. The future promises to work without this preliminary hassle. That is what developments like this Weiss 301 with iPad promise to us all, eventually.
I have some of it automated, but not all. Maybe I should sort it all out on my MacBook and post a how-to - that's after the how to post screen shots and the how to make sense of the Lightspeed build, of course ;-)
:-\"
KR Keith.
Puters are just a necessary part of the replay chain when it comes to decent digital audio IMO. Linn charge a premium for a well sorted turnkey solution, which has a massive following, but it is still a premium product in isolation with a price tag to match. Also, some don't like the sonic choices they have taken - but overall very little negative is said about the DS range. That's quite a telling point.
Weiss getting the user interface sorted is significant, as they are a benchmark kind of company (not intended...). People listen to what they (Daniel Weiss) say. DACs are measured in comparison to the DAC 2 and the DAC 202: "My DAC is nearly as good as a Weiss 202 for a fraction of the price..." - etc. Weiss are respected, and they are good for domestic computer audio. Here's why:
Five years ago, only a small handful of very expensive DACs did Asynchronous 192kHz over USB or Firewire - Weiss being amongst the pioneers (and certainly having some flagship products that still hold up today). But look where we're at now - everybody's catching up and cheaper DACs are genuinely challenging the Status Quo. Not because the Status Quo was bad, but precisely because it was good, and companies have been chasing the likes of Weiss hard.
So where does Weiss go when improvements become incremental and expensive, and there is genuine mass market choice?
Similarly, puters are not bad at digital audio - this is why we use them (they are just 'orrible...). Making the digital audio process painless, more inclusive (wife & kid friendly, ergonomic, desirable) is where apple start to take us - but we need audiophile add-ons (basically 'hacks') to get the best out of it. You know, Audirvana, hog mode, WASAPI, integer, DSD support, EQ, OS optimisation....
If Weiss lead with getting the UI properly sorted, all other audiophile apps and hardware will follow. Sure, they will have their own take on how they do stuff - we will make our choices as we do now based on sound quality, budget and other prejudices, but at least every audio app and device will ape an 'Apple-esque' front end and their take on 'Weiss-esque' sound quality.
At the point of use, I want to be distanced from the technology. As does my family.
Would I let my Kids near an SPU or Decca gold? Or prized Vinyl?
:-S
Decent Digital is no poor sonic relation to analogue anymore, it's deficiencies are now affordably under control. But in terms of convenience (and removing the user from the mechanical fripperies of playback so beloved of audiophiles) it has yet to shine as easier to use than an analogue setup.
Digital/Puter audio should be rock solid reliable, child and idiot proof and ready for action instantly. Like the USS Enterprise, no less, maybe even voice activated. With Photon torpedoes.
But still it isn't. That's what needs to change.
It won't suit everyone though, just as active speakers don't.
KR Keith.
Digital surpassed vinyl long ago, if you want to hear exactly what is going on ,every day consistently then you use digital.
called in between like with Logitech Touch.
In terms of usability I would say Sonos by a
mile, then the Touch, then Mac or PC. Computers will always be jack of all trades and as such, I can't ever see them reaching the reliability and convenience of a purpose built solution ala Sonos. Those of us in pursuit of ultimate sound quality will of course forego a degree of usability, if it means we can squeeze an extra drop of emotion from our favourite album.
James
There's nothing on the partition other than Windows and whatever seems to be the flavour of the month (currently JPlay).
Keith.
A cheapish Asus laptop handles day to day stuff.
I can't say how much of that shift is laziness and how much is sound quality. I remember the last time I used the TT it was a pleasant change, so I don't know exactly why I don't use it more...
:-/
The Weiss stiff is dear, but M2Tech or someone similar will have an almost comparable setup available within three years.
Yours sincerely,
Mark
Item Audio | Making Computers Go Back to Spreadsheets