Well... The comparison I have had with my friends were blind A/B test. I don't know what else to explain the difference. If not the better laser pick up mechanism, if not the better circuitry, if not the better power supplies, what else could it be?
Even used a computer to play CDs linked to 069 with blind A/B test at my dealer, still.
If any run in the mill DVD player you can get for 100 dollar can play CDs just as good a high end cd player playing bit for bit.... There will be no market for hi fi system! Than all cd transport including DVD players in computer should be just as good.... Why are people still spending money on R&D on cd transports? I mean a bit is a bit.... All one needs is a DAC. But thats far from the truth. Maybe there are just other factors that high end cd players bring to the table. Iike 069's huge power supply and other things? |
I have linked the computer to DAC by using toslink and coaxial. I have even used my computer as the cd transport to play CDs rather than files linking to a DAC. none of these method sounds as good as burmester 069.
I think most people forgot how important a clean power source is for music. Burmester 069 has 2 boxes and one of the boxes houses 069's power supply. It has all the trickeries to clean, stabilize, de-noise the electricity coming from the wall. (look up burmester 948 and 038) You should be able to find pictures of 069's internal.... It's no wonder that it's one of the best hi end cd player, it's no wonder it sounds better than a computer. |
Wayneker, the bits coming off the CD are the same. Some ripping software, like XLD, allows you to compare a checksum of your rip to a database. Thousands of ripped CDs are checked this way, and the resulting files are bit-for-bit identical (or the program grumbles).
You don't say how you linked your 069 to the computer. There are a lot of ways for the signal to go wrong between the computer's hard drive and the DAC. The biggest culprit is probably jitter, followed by the playback software. How did you go from computer to DAC? |
Hi Wayneker2176,Fplanner2010,
I find it hard to believe you are finding better texture, spacial info and especially dynamics from a CD in real time than by a well set up computer server. But I am sure you hear what you hear.
I have had 2 generations of DCS stacks. Elgar plus up to the Scarlatti stack. Even though with my Scarlatti rig I used the older transport. The addition of the computer was awesome. I dont miss CDs/transport at all.
What is always difficult in these audiophile conversations is to know what people perceive as better. Also maybe any happy coincidence of euphonic attributes in the system can alter an opinion of what is better.
From my perspective after many years of highend CD playback, I found direct from memory via firewire with Amarra from a mac into my DAC to perform beyond anything I have had before. All the qualities you mention are there. Amazing clarity, dynamics,purity, and all the texture that is in the recording is there.(Some recordings I have are direct from the studio. I was in the session. All exported in the digital domain from the DAW. Bounced to stereo Aiffs or WAVS files at the native sample rate)
This talk of CD drives in computers is nonsense. If they could not transfer the data properly none of our computers would work. Obviously all data imported to my HD via CD is in Read until write mode with various software non compressed. Nothing added or taken away. All cables and power supplies are as good as they can reasonably be.
Fplanner2010 you mention the use of coaxial (I assume the jittery s/pdif) which is a consumer digital in/out. Isnt that 75ohm system only capable of 24/96k in stereo if that? I am a bit confused as you mention 24/192. Sorry it has been a while and I have only really used AES/EBU 110 ohm digital ins/outs in the past. |
Chadeffect:
Wayneker2176 answered your question much better than I could. I am gradually dipping my toes into computer audio, but am in no hurry. I figure time is on my side here, as there appear to be new digital software and connection breakthroughs fairly often. As the technology matures and standardizes, I may become more interested. For now, guess I'll just have to "make do".
FWIW - my re-worked Esoteric now has 20 2nd generation 32bit AKM DACs/side, fully differential, transformer coupled tube Class A output stage featuring the vintage E182CC tubes and Lundahl audio transformers. It also accepts up to 192KHz/24bit from external digital sources. The interface is Coaxial. I'm pretty happy, "making do". :-) |
The end is near. That is why I stopped modding CD transports in 2009. That is why I removed my CD/DVD transport from my rack. Computer audio is finally approaching the best vinyl SQ, and not just hi-res either.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
I skiped the whole cd player bit went from vinyl(still using) to a music sever. Down loaded some hd music, best sounding the smithereens do tommy, ripped alot of cds and off you go. Even through the dcs debussy, not vinyl, but getting closer. Oh and as far as the starter of this post suggested the end of the LP, the fact is, Vinly is the only growing sales of music! Not gone away anytime soon. |
The problem is not cache vs laser... Is the quality of the reading system between a high end cd player and a run of the mill DVD player on a computer.
I agree, there is a difference between a high end cd player and computer. Assuming the cd player has a digital in, making a comparison is easy. Not all high end players are worth the money. Having said that, the DAC on esoteric, burmester, dCS, wadia and etc are of high enough quality that when linked to a computer, one would still prefer playing the actual cd.
The difference? Accuracy, texture, spatial presentation, imagine, atmosphere, dynamics..... However, it depends on the player u are using. Burmester 069 is by far the best I have heard. Just go test it out.
I can not vouch for every hi end cd player or transport, only those from burmester, esoteric, dCS, and wadia.... A lot of other high end cd player are not up to the same standard. The difference will also depends on the listener. For example, to untrained ears like my parents , they can't even hear the difference between a 3000 dollar speakers and 30000 dollar speakers. Having said that, u can't easily tell the difference without critically listening and comparing hi end cd player and computer source using the same DAC. Some of the differences are very subtle and may even escape you, that doesn't mean it's not there. |
Hi Fplanner2010,
what differences do you hear in your transport versus your server?
I have yet to hear a laser reading data from a cd sounding better than data from cache. In every case I found the laser in real time sounding a bit masked or vague in comparison. Not dissimilar to the addition of a really good clock.
I know Esoteric make great transports, but it is so out of date now as a way to transfer data. Surely what you are hearing is an issue with the computer set up or interface to your DAC? |
After reading these posts, I still think I made the right decision. I just had my Esoteric UX-1pi modified by APL to include many 32-bit 2nd generation DACs and lots of other bills and whistles, including digital in and out. It is now an "M" (for APLers reading this). Although at some point I will probably reduce my CD's to a server of some sort so I can be better organized and find my music more easily, I have no plans on discontinuing to use my Esoteric transport. There IS a difference between transport and computer sourcing, and as long as I can still hear that difference, my money (and my CD's) are on the Esoteric. |
Agree with deframentation, I realized that.
However, I don't know if a computer can really retrieve every bit. If that's the case, I don't know why the same CD on Burmester 069 sounds better than the same files coming from a computer linked to 069's DAC. 069 has a modified CD drive use belt drive technology with error tolerance down to less than 1/3000 of an inch on both the spindle and every mechanism on the drive system. The belt drive keeps CD spinning's vibration to minimum hence, able to retrieve everything. It's not snake oil, there really is a difference!
As to noise, crosstalk, EMI etc... 069 is shielded, every circuitry is specific designed for that purpose..... I sincerely urge you to go listen to 069, wadia 971 CD transport, 931 master clock, and 922 mono DAC combo, dCS SACD/CD player or Esoteric CD/SACD players with the same CD and compare it to a computer as source... |
Wayneker, the CD drive in a computer is capable of retrieving the data on a CD perfectly. Not close to perfectly. Perfectly. Anything less, like a single bit out of place, and the OS you just loaded could be useless. While you can elect to bypass the error correction when ripping CDs, it isn't advisable. It is only within the software, where the data is converted from one representation to another, or in playback, that differences can arise.
And fragmentation has nothing to do with jitter. A modern disk drive can deliver data to memory far, far faster than is required for audio playback, no matter how the data is distributed. Again, the process results in perfect transfer -- not a single bit is allowed to be misplaced as it is lined up in memory.
As to noise, crosstalk, EMI, etc., they apply equally to a CD player. While it may be some time before someone creates a special purpose computer optimized for audio, the current general purpose ones are doing a pretty good job. Pro audio is almost completely computerized at this point. Long before you buy them, the music on your CDs has been through more computers than you can shake a stick at. |
It is over. RIP CD players and CDs. You served us well in the end.
Did anyone actually try the original CD destruction tests? I seem to remember the adverts smearing CDs with jam or hitting them with a hammer then playing them. Oh the 1980s... Must have had great error correction back then!
I guess the next test will be to see how many thousand years in landfill sites it will take to decompose. |
There will always be a market for hi end cd players. Ripping a CD to a hard drive on a computer is different than playing the same cd on a high end cd player. In effect, you are using the DVD drive on a computer as your transport and not all cd transports are the same.
Hi end cd players, not all, but some like Burmester's cd players, have modified cd drive mechanisms that minimize mechanical vibration and interference to ensure that the laser picks up every bit of information accurately and completely. That would yield more information being fed to DAC. That in turn gives music more nuance, atmosphere, air/space and etc.
For example, I have burmester 061. the same WAV file that I ripped to my computer and using 061's DAC still sounds inferior than the same CD that plays through the 061.
However, you will need a hi end DAC to hear the difference.
Next time... What you can try is.... Using a regular cd player and outputs its signal to burmest's mighty 069, then listen to the same cd on the 069. You will realize hi end cd player will be around.
Unless someone makes an audiophile computer that has a very good cd mechinism... On top of that, figure a way to minimize electrical, signal, and noise interference,signal crosstalk, EMI within all the components in the computer.... Than maybe a computer can sound as good as a hi end cd player. Oh and if the hard drive is very fragmented and the file is all over the hard drive..... Can we say jitter? |
The end is near... no actually it is already here.
I moved to a Apple computer about 5 years ago (they have toslink stock), at the time I A/B it with a number of good (not great) CD players.... I no longer even own a CD player.
I use a DAC1-HDR as my DAC. |
Lewinskih01,
Thanks for the great recommendation to read "Computer Audiophile CD Ripping Strategy and Methodology" (found at www.computeraudiophile)
For anyone interested on ripping their CD library onto a hard drive this is essential reading and will save you much time in the future. I wish that I had found it earlier. |
I dont see a future for very expensive machines that are CD only. But there will still be demand for stuff that can play a CD. Tons of "software". Used CDs can be had for a song, they are more durable than the LP record so shopping for used ones has less anxiety involved. The CD player or equivalent will be a part of systems for some time into the future. Unless you are willing to replace what you got with some sort of expensive hi rez. replacements. That is why alot of people kept up with LPs, they cannot get a CD of the same stuff, or figure why bother if the LP is in fine condition. I just bought a mid priced player with the seller eating the first 18 months of depreciation at a substantial savings over new. And broken in. BUt mint condx. My 12 year old player gave up and tech advancements dictate this might sound better. I dont give a dam for lo rez digital formats and hi rez is more scarce. |
I would not buy stock in a company that only made CD players. Makers of FM tuners must be reading the handwriting on the walls. The future seems to be downloads, whether it be music, movies or TV shows. My audio system made a huge leap forward when I stored my CD's on my computer. Now, my favorite FM station is available via my Apple remote app. (and sounding much better than my FM tuner). I will be able to simplify my system and get better sound. Will miss the tuners signal strength meter, but such is life. |
My guess is the market for CDs and players of all types is saturated in the US and other leading edge economies but still growing in less industrialized and emerging economies.
Regarding high end players specifically my guess is that sales are fairly level or somewhat down in general overall. |
There are more hi end C.D. players being made now than ever . C.D. sales have slumped , but has the sales of hi end C.D.players ? |
BTW, now is probably a good time to buy a high end CD player if you need one to get the most out of your existing CD collection for the foreseeable future because the prices for the players labeled "high end" will continue to go up over time (much like good turntables have over the last 25 years or so) as it becomes more and more of a niche market.
The flip side is that the technology will continue to only become better and cheaper so the real value of a "high end" player may diminish as a result of inexpensive players offering better competition.
Also, always watch out for snake oil. Higher price generally means better build quality and aesthetics but does not always translate into better sound/performance.
|
Just bought Burmester 001 cd player,could not be happier.Also have Thorens tt,that I kept for all these years when Lp's were
supposedly 'dead',along with thousand or more Lp's.Now its same thing with cd's,but again have them thousand or more,will
stick to them same as I stick to records.Anyway,having music in Pc is ok with someone,but I guess if you are seriously into
something you will prefer to have it and hold it in the hand,just like the books,the ones I like i keep them at home,not in the virtual world.Than there is matter of searching,and buying some realy rare editions,that's something that some music file never will be equal,so buying and having a great cd player goes in the same category with other stuff that are not maybe rational,like vintage or sports cars,great single malts,books or realy good looking women that makes you spend much money,but you do it with a smile,because thats the spice of life |
Mechans,
IMO, DAT killed the cassette. |
Mrtennis - My advice - consume as much of the mighty B3 as possible :) |
For those who don't choose wisely YES. |
if you believe that the cd player, dacs, and transports, are in an evanescent phase, buy them while you can, as well as the cds themselves.
you will thus generate a collection of cds and have enough hardware to listen to them.
of course if you believe that computers and other technologies are the preferable to cd players and the like, the demise of said cd players is academic.
by the way niacin, are you a proponent of b-vitamins as a panacea for certain unhealthful conditions of the humna body ? if so, i would be interested in your words on the subject. |
Not necessarily.
I bought my first "high end" turntable back in the 80's when vinyl was on the way out and CDs in becasue I had a big investment in records that I needed to protect and preserve.
That Linn Axis has served me exceptionally well and is still doing its thing today, even though I do not play my records tehse days nearly as often as I used to. But when I do, that investment I made in teh Linn 25 years ago is still paying dividends.
Same true perhaps for CDs today. If you have a lot, you need to play them with something. A good CD player is the easy option, though those who are up to it may be better served going the computer audio/music server route. |
Cappuccino, what is the price of an 069? One might make an argument it is the best digital source out there, so does is it not like saying digital is not as good as reel-reel? |
I have a Burmester 069 reference cd player and as much as I have tried out computer based solutions with all different kind of tweaks, software and settings I still have never come close to the realism, the detail level and sheer musicality I get through my 069. I am not saying that to defend the purchase of this very expensive player, it´s just how it is. If it was the other way around I would have been willing to let it go. |
I think vinyl will probably stick around for quite some time, too. But if 96K and 192K downloads become more available for a wide selection of music, vinyl will probably become even more marginalized than it is now. |
As much as I hate the idea, the CD player is coming to the end of the road. Manufacturers will not put money into R&D if people cease to purchase the physical copies. The hard-core of us that continue to purchase CDs are nowhere near enough to prolong their lifetime - we remain in an ever decreasing minority.
Pretty much sums up my life and my preferences - I'm in a minority of a minority.
Vinyl will inevitably continue as it does not have a technological parallel. |
Is there viability to downloading music in a hi-rez format, burning to a DVD and then playing back on a hi-rez player? I have absolutely no experience in this area, or with computer based audio storage/playback, but I am considering getting started in 2011. |
Neophyle,
I hear you. I'm navigating those same waters and it's taking me time. Fortunately I'm patient!
The Computer Audiophile website is good for this. They've put together a "Computer Audiophile CD Ripping Strategy and Methodology" (found at http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Computer-Audiophile-CD-Ripping-Strategy-and-Methodology), which I'm following to get started.
They also have setup guides (eg: JC River and Windows 7), but I haven't looked into those yet. It's a good place to get going.
BTW, an apparently very easy way to get into computer audio is with a Squeezebox Touch, which allows to stream wirelessly, play hi-rez, listen to internet radio, etc for $300. This is the initial route I'm taking.
I hope this helps. |
Neophyle: There are numerous ways to go with computer audio. My suggestion is go the path of least resistance as you start out and keep it simple. A mistake I made when I started was to complicate the process with multi zones with a NAS (network hard drive) and then an incompatible hard drive among other things. Forget all the wireless stuff for a while.
Start out with a mac mini and two harddrives. I chose OWC (http://www.macsales.com/) for the hard drives due to MAC centric technical service and warranty. A few more bucks but worth it to me. Probably a good place to buy the Mini as well. BTW, I bought mine on Craigslist for $300.
With regards to usb converters, usb cable, digital cables, and DAC... well... that's another thread but I suggest to go cheap at first and live with it for a while. |
I have looked around quite a bit here and on the web (particularly on "Computer Audiophile" for a good succinct article explaining how to get the highest fidelity out of a computer-based system. Can anyone who has already implemented one and/or done the research direct me to a good article that breaks it down? Or can people describe what solutions they have come up with that works? It seems to me that burning your CDs onto a hard drive or music server in AIFF is the way to go (but why is that better than WAV, or is it?) The hard drive then feeds a computer (usually an Apple product) that then feeds a DAC which in turn feeds the preamp. Are so-called music servers better than your basic hard drive and, if so, why? What is the ideal solution for commanding the system (as in, pick out and tell it what song to play next)? Is there any loss of fidelity with the wireless systems, like, say, the Modwright Transporter? And, if you had a Mac Mini, is there any loss of fidelity for it to read off the hard drive wirelessly or is it better to have a direct connection? |
Along with the theme of this thread, I think the way music gets distributed will dramatically change. I think it'll be downloaded from the artists site directly eventually. I say this because a lot of them currently have their concerts available for download on their sites. They're generally available in mp3 and FLAC. They also have album artwork and CD labels. For an example, check out Live Metallica dot com. Pearl Jam one ups it by adding the option of having a CD created for you. Last I looked, Phish has their concerts available in high-res. Prices are z bit absurd though. The others I've seen are around $10 for mp3 and $12 for FLAC.
I think it's a matter of time until they ask themselves why can't they do that with studio recordings too. I'd love high-res downloads direct from the artist. So long as I have a way of making a hard copy backup though. |
I think the death blow to the dedicated CD player will be the laser mechanism manufacturers. CD only readers are becoming more scarce everyday. There's very little money in it to the big guys, IMO. They'll all make mutli format only readers sooner than later. The universal players aren't nearly as beloved by people like us.
I highly doubt the CD player will completely vanish for a very long time. Then again, I see the turntable outlasting the CDP, and quite easily. Albums are so much cooler to people than CDs and will hold their retro value far longer than a small disc.
I think entry level CDPs like the NADs will die off first, followed by the $1-$4k or so market. All that'll be left will be above or around that. Hopefully not, but that's what my logic tells me. |
Good luck, Bill. As with everything else in audio, it may take some finessing to get the sound you like, but I think once you do, you'll love the instant access to all of your (digital) music.
If you are going with a Mac Mini, you'll find information all over the web on how to best configure it for use as a music server.
Post a thread and let us know how it goes. |
One giant benefit that Jim Smith didn't mention was the access to radio stations from around the world. If you love CD's and never rip a CD to a hard drive, think of a computer like a tuner that can dial into literally thousands of radio stations: every college station, every public radio station, jazz stations from Paris, Madrid, Rio, San Fransisco, and on and on.
Regarding buying CD's: Sorry to hear about those having a hard time buying CD's but the thrift stores in my town are chock full of used discs. There is also a constant stream of people on Craigslist selling their collections as they rip them to their computer. This may be the benefit of living in a college town. |
Cbw723
I plan to buy a Mac mini, cheap laptop, and set-up a backup storage bank. My son will help me as he is well versed.
I will post a question on the Ayre vs other DAC's. I like a full, rich sound that is not at all fatiguing.
Thanks much.
Bill |
I, too, lament the passing of the local record/CD shop. While ordering online is convenient and cheap, it just isn't as satisfying as browsing a really good record store. It's too bad the big chains came along and killed the local shops before dying themselves. If that hadn't happened, I think a lot more of the local shops would still be around. At least for a few more years. |
Grannyring, the computer is unlikely to have a big impact on sound quality as long as it meets certain minimum performance standards (though there are things you can do to make your computer "sound better"). So, yes, there are cheaper ways to go than the MacBook Pro. It doesn't even have to be a laptop -- I use a Mac Mini as my audio source, and then control it remotely through a laptop, but there are other remote options. You can also use Windows computers. I don't know much about them, but many people have good results with them. You may even be able to do a trial run with your current computer.
If you really are thinking of jumping in, and are new to the game, I'd suggest reading the computer audio set up instructions on some web sites (both Ayre and Wavelength have them, but they can be found elsewhere). When you have a better idea of what you want to do, post your intentions and questions on the PC audio forum here, or on a forum at Computer Audiophile -- you'll get lots of tips and suggestions from experienced users. Good luck! |
In the New York Tri-state area . My friend and I used to relish a Sunday afternoon Hitting all the Mom & Pop CD stores looking for odds and ends and used CDs. NYCD,Sounds,Revolver,CD warehouse,Compact Disc World,Sounds,Joe's CD's,Rockin Rex,Etc.... ALL GONE !
and needless to say, HMV,Tower,FYE,gone ! we counted over 30 stores gone that sold CD's So the medium is going fast the way of the 45. PLAIN SHAME !
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Amen Blindjim,
When I go to burn my CD's using Pure Music ( I assume) can someone tell me what I choose for best sound - 16bit/44.1 ???
I am new so be easy on me.
Also, must I have a MAC laptop for best synergy and sound or will any laptop do? |
Grannyring
I understand. I run into people all the time who do use that "I'm waiting for..." and apparently have no real interest in even testing the PC music waters. Maybe ever.
...and I was the same way waiting until almost 2001 to get my first pc, and '05 or so before I began trying to have it outperform my Sony SCD xa777 CDP + DAC setup.
It took a while but I did it IMHO.
There are learning curves, and always will be... software folks aren't happy unless they can rearrange and re-lable things all the time. Look at MS Office 2007 vs 2003 if you don't believe me.
it/they are playing the shell game... hiding this, moving that. Even in media players things change. sometimes a lot. Well lately anyhow. Mostly for networking or zone specific playback, and for new hardware.
I've found no matter how much simpler things tend to get, there is always a learning curve. Especially if you've not been in the mix already and paying attention to the changes.
I'm about to upgrade to Win 7 in the next mo or so... No matter muy previous exp with Windows... XP & Vista... 7 is going to have it's own quirks, identity, and ways of doing things unlike it's ancestors... so I'll have to relearn and learn a new OS.
It's always going to be that way... until they make a personal confuser that takes the confusing part out of the equation... one that operates on mental commands. Brain waves. Even then, there'll be some obstacles to overcome, items to learn about etc.
Human beings are always going to complicate the simplest of things when ever and where ever possible... if they think it'll make them money.
None of us here are going to live long enough to see computers that mesh with mind commands or work instinctively and intuitifvely for us.
complicated stuff becomes simple stuff when you figure out the complications. When you do you'll be surprised to find out just how uncomplicated things were to begin with.
Happiness has an element of comfort deep within itself. Whatever one is comfortable with at any given time, allows happiness to be close at hand instead of distant.
|
Cbw723,
Will a less expensice laptop other than the MacBook Pro work and sound just as good? I really may jump in.... |
|
I think that most of the bigger manufacturers of audiophile CD players will likely discontinue them within the next few years. There will likely remain a few boutique brands for years to come, but the advantages of computer audio are simply too great for most audiophiles not to jump ship once they've experienced it. Jim Smith ("Get Better Sound"), said in his recent Quarter Notes update: My little MBP/Ayre/Pure Music rig is simply better than the best CD playback that I own, have owned, or that I have ever heard. As I’ve voiced systems around North America, I’ve run into some systems with really sophisticated CD playback – as well as excellent vinyl playback.
In every instance, the client has been struck with the compelling sound quality I get with every-day 16bit/44.1 music that I imported from standard CDs. It’s no exaggeration to say that some were literally dumbfounded. They had no idea that level of sound could be available from standard CD-sourced digital, not to mention that it came from a simple and relatively small - portable - rig. And every visitor to my place has had the same reaction. "MBP" is a MacBook Pro, the "Ayre" is a QB-9, and Pure Music is a program that piggybacks on iTunes and offers better playback and many other powerful options (crossovers, audio plug-ins, upsampling, downsampling, etc.) Actually, here's a list Jim made of computer audio advantages (which includes the above quote): (1) Ease of operation – this is a no-brainer. No discs or tapes to handle. No danger of scratching them or other wear and tear issues. In my absent-minded professor style, I’m always misplacing my music. Instead of searching through your source material for that music that you thought you knew where you’d left it, you just look into your computer list, select the music, push play, and voila!
Also, I often only want to hear certain songs from an album. So I can store only those certain songs. Or easily select them with a mouse click.
(2) I was unprepared for the improved sound quality as I introduced some options that were available in Pure Music. Of course, some of these options may also be available in other software programs. The cool thing is that you can try them out and see if you like them. If not, go back to what you had. No equipment to buy.
As upgrades come along in the software, the downloads are easy and they are free. No sending your component back to the factory for days or weeks. As a hard-core audiophile over the years, I can tell you that hardware upgrades are NOT free!
My little MBP/Ayre/Pure Music rig is simply better than the best CD playback that I own, have owned, or that I have ever heard. As I’ve voiced systems around North America, I’ve run into some systems with really sophisticated CD playback – as well as excellent vinyl playback.
In every instance, the client has been struck with the compelling sound quality I get with every-day 16bit/44.1 music that I imported from standard CDs. It’s no exaggeration to say that some were literally dumbfounded. They had no idea that level of sound could be available from standard CD-sourced digital, not to mention that it came from a simple and relatively small - portable - rig. And every visitor to my place has had the same reaction.
If you still haven’t dipped your toes into the Computer Audio water (and from the correspondence I get, at least half-to-two thirds of you haven’t), come on in. The water is mighty fine!
(3) Stumbling blocks. Yep, there are some. I think some people (who are not totally computer savvy) will have a moment or two where they don’t understand how to make something work in the set-up. Please trust me here – it is TOTALLY worth the possible momentary frustrations to get another level of performance that is easier to access. And you may not have any troubles at all.
Whichever software you select, I’d definitely start out with the stock music player program and use it for a while. Then, if you’re so inclined, try some of the options.
Some folks worry about the “time lost” importing their CDs. I haven’t found this to be an issue. I can do it while working. I can do it while watching TV or listening to music. I often do it while reading.
(4) Relative cost of upgrades – hardware vs. software. Pretty much of a no-brainer and one of the big advantages of Computer Audio.
(5) If only the CD had been conceived of, designed, and supported by audiophiles. Fortunately we do have musically sensitive audiophiles on the digital design scene now, so it’s a new day! Two points I'd add to the above: It is not necessarily true that software updates are free. They often are for minor versions, but major updates often cost something. Pure Music costs $129, so I'd expect a major update (once every year or two) to be $59 or $79 or thereabouts. The other point is that if someone has a really large CD collection and doesn't want to rip the whole thing, there are services that will do it for a fee. All of what Jim wrote above says nothing about the huge sonic improvements that come from hi-res material. The manufacturers of high-end CDPs need to get on board, because within five years, that market is going to be 10% or 20% of what it is now. |
Elizabeth ... What part of Switzerland would we be going to . And will there be a music store . |
One mans trash is another mans treasure. So, rip away and sell those discs! |
