How is there Apple Lossless Debate?


Ok, so since I got my 'hi fi' system about a year ago my goal is to get a music server set up, with either a mac mini connected directly to my Bryston Dac, or a Macbook Pro streaming music over Airtunes and an optical connection. After reading all Id read about Apple lossless it seemed there was much debate as to whether or not there was any noticeable loss. I know how most "audiophiles" are and I know a lot of times they/we like to think we hear a difference when we really don't.

So I took it for granted Apple Lossless was just as good as cd and Ive started burning my cds onto my new MBP in AL format. I got my airtunes set up with the optical in to my Bryston Dac and I thought it just didnt sound right. "Must be that USB is better I thought" ... So i connected it through USB too. No difference. But it still didnt sound right. So i popped a cd in to my (make sure you are sitting down) Onkyo DV-SP405 dvd/cd player that I am using as a transport in to my Bryston through a SPDIF connection. WOW. What a difference. It is huge. Much more open. Much more "air". Much more space.

SO.. either I am doing something wrong with my Mac setup or there are some people out there that should just stick to mp3s because if you cant tell the difference between Apple Lossless and a CD through the same set up.. you are wasting youre money on equipment.

Any input is greatly appreciated. Next up I am going to burn a few songs on to my Mac in .wav format and test again.
farjamed

Showing 5 responses by hellofidelity

Apple uses Apple Lossless to stream all the music data on a Airport network. Kijanki is correct, Apple Lossless and the Airport Express digital output are "bit perfect". It's limited to 16/44, but does it very well.
Have you made sure the "settings in preferences" are set correctly?

1. No "sound check" and "sound enhancer".

2. Make sure "error correction" is checked.

3. No EQ. Turn it off, not just to "flat".

4. Use a good glass toslink cable.

5. Make sure the midi settings are correct. I think this is automatic with Snow Leopard, but you might want to check just in case.

6. Make sure all other apps are closed, especially browsers and other audio apps.

Hope this helps. A Mac can make an excellent digital music source.
Sometimes the Airport Express can cause trouble. Can you hook your Mac directly unto your DAC? If that solves the problem, then you might look at two things.

1. Your network and/or Airport Express need to be checked. Which version of the AE do you have? Newer (802.11n) units sound better and are more reliable. Also make sure your router is setup and working correctly.

2. There might be an electrical problem or interference with another electrical device. Microwaves can cause trouble in older networks. I have experienced the need for power conditioning on AEs before.
Kijanki....yes, it's best to have a DAC that can "lock" correctly. I think most DACs can do this now, but it was a frustrating years ago.

I also have a collection that is all 16/44, so I'm not too concerned about 24/96 yet. I have found that 16/44 Apple Lossless playing into a nicely designed NOS DAC is extremely musical. :)