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Apple vs PC for Music System

I'm pretty familiar with XP owning both a desktop and laptop. But I want to put together a similar system to the Apple TV Setup featured in the Absolute Sound and PS Audio.

However when looking at PCs at a local store they had a windows media computer that looked really interestesting that I'm considering purchasing for just audio into my Levinson DAC. I was told I could use an iPod Touch to control this system just like I could an Apple TV.
Also this system included a BluRay Disc drive. The setup looked very cool and very hi tech.

So to do this system right, should I stick with Apple only like the Absolute Sound or a combo of Apple w/PC to do the ripping, or all PC with Sata drives like the computer store would customize for me w/I-Tunes/iPod running the show?
sgr

Showing 3 responses by gmood1

gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Matter of opinion I suppose, I've already compared a Mac to my PC system last year at home. I for one prefer PC. More software and flexibilty for my needs..different strokes for different folks...nothing wrong with that.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
From experience, I would go for the HTPC. The Blu ray drive is a God sent! Make sure you have a good video card. Something like a Nvidia 8800GT or similar. Also check to make sure the tuner card is HDTV capable. This way you can get HD channels OTA on the PC and record them if you want too.

It cost me $340 (Sony BD drive + Zotac Nvidia 8800GT 256 bit 1Gb video card)total to upgrade my HTPC to Bluray. You can rest assured though, there's not a stand alone Blu ray player on the market that can embarrass it on the picture quality. Definitely not one in the price range. My load times are around 5 seconds..not bad for an almost two year old PC! Some of the stand alone take for ever to load a BR disc. Even on the action packed scenes it runs as smooth as butter. No dragging, chipping or ghosting artifacts.

The cool thing about the PC it will also upsample all the other content you play on it as well(regular DVDs).So no stand alone upconverting player is needed. Oppo need not apply.

Even if you don't use it for video..you'll have it when you want too.

My buddy has a Mac Mini and wanted to do the same thing. Only problem is his Mac Mini isn't capable of 1080P resolution. He has opted for my brother and I too build him a custom HTPC instead.

Oh and don't forget the audio card. Get one that has atleast 7 channel 24 bit /96 khz or better analog output along with the spdif outs. This way you can run uncompressed HD audio out to your preamp or processor..even if it doesn't decode HD formats. I wish I had this..probably my next upgrade.

Good luck..I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Gordon I'm well aware what you do. Nothing wrong with the Mac..it just doesn't work for me.

Now I'm nuts because I have my own preferences? Is your word the gospel now? I suppose all of us that do not own your Dacs are nuts?

Thanks but no thanks I like my PC. Those who prefer Mac enjoy!
The Mac mini has garbage video resolution. I use my computer for more than just audio.
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