Killer Specs for High End PC in 2006

Kana813, I am not sure there would be a difference between Foobar on a PC conected to a DAC versus iTunes on a Mac connected to a DAC provided that the PC is using kernal streaming (i.e., bypassing Windows' k-mixer).

My point has always been that to get a PC to "sing" like a Mac, you have to invest in the necessary hardware and software to get bit-perfect audio out of a PC to feed to a DAC, so why not get a Mac and save money and frustration? Not only that, but as far as I know, Foobar 2000 and iPods don't exactly work together as seamlessly as iTunes and an iPod. I'm with Quadophile and other Mac enthusiasts in recommending a Mac.

By the way, the new Intel-powered iMac and MacBook Pro have built-in digital audio optical outputs, so there is absolutely no need for an external digital conversion device to send digital audio straight into a DAC with digital optical inputs like the Benchmark DAC-1 or the Apogee Mini-DAC. It will be interesting to see what other great products Apple will be introducing throughout this year. I'm going to Macworld in San Francisco later this week to talk to one of Apple's techies about digital audio. If anyone is interested, I'll post my findings.

I went to Macworld 2006 at San Francisco's Moscone Center. For Mac enthusiasts, the place was buzzing with the new dual core Intel-powered iMac and MacBook Pro. These machines are beautiful and do move fast. They are overkill for sole use as audiophile music servers, but they do have the power for those who are interested in transferring their vinyl collections into high resolution digital audio file formats. Unfortunately, the show didn't have much going for high end audio, but I wasn't expecting much either. What I did find was the following:

Maxtor had a Network Attached Storage (NAS) device connected via 100Base-T streaming high definition video to a very sharp plasma screen from a Mac. The Maxtor rep said this same NAS hard drive (250GB in this case) could easily stream high resolution digital audio signals as well.

LaCie and G Tech displayed their beautiful Aluminum-clad FireWire hard drives and FireWire RAID arrays. LaCie displayed their "mini" hard drives and hubs. The hubs combine a single hard drive with additional FireWire or USB ports. They were designed to stack perfectly underneath the Mac Mini PC with clearance to allow adequate ventilation to the Mac Mini. G Tech's hardware have that cool-looking G5 Power Mac perforated Aluminum enclosure. Since there was so much noise on the expo floor, it was very difficult to gage just how quiet these hard drive products could get.

JBL had their clear plastic-shelled speakers on display, but you can only imagine what the sound was like (not good at all). There was also a small booth promoting ADS Technologies' low cost DAC for vinyl and tape transcriptions into the digital format. They were touting the device as a high end audio application, but I wasn't impressed.

I spoke to an M-Audio representative who was at the Guitar Center (pro audio equipment retailer) exhibit. He said that M-Audio should be releasing drivers their digital audio interface products for Intel-powered Macs by this Summer. He explained that their Audiophile 192 soundcard does output bit-perfect digital audio through the S/PDIF coaxial output jack and that it fully complies with Max OS X's Core Audio. Of course, for Windows PCs, they offer ASIO drivers to bypass the Windows k-mixer.

There were numerous purveyors of iPod accessories like Griffin Technolgies, Shure, Eytomotic Research, Altec Lansing, JBL, manufacturers of multicolored Silicone iPod skins, high fashion cases and other neat little gadgets.

What was most disappointing was that there seemed to be fewer exhibitors than in previous years. Macworld used to take up both sides of the Moscone Center--North and South. The creative section that would normally feature many pro audio equipment manufacturers was dramatically trimmed down from what I remember. I know NAMM will take place in Southern California next week, and perhaps pro audio equipment manufacturers don't want to be stretched thin on expo expenses. I am sure that the CES Show in Las Vegas was probably a better forum for PC audiophiles anyway.

Prior to going to Macworld, I contacted a local Wavelength Audio dealer in Northern California, Synergistic Sound in Rohnert Park. Jim said he may try and setup a demo booth at next year's Macworld to show off Wavelength Audios's Cosecant and Brick USB DACs with an SET setup using a Mac Mini as an audiophile music server.

Cwlondon:

The answer is NiveusMedia... They create by far the best HTPC I have ever encountered. I have been building PCs for the past 15 years and built a HTPC about 5 years ago (which I thought was great) until I got my hands on a Denali by NiveusMedia.

Their intro line, Denali, is a fanless PC and I believe it is the only PC out there to be ISF certified. It is built strong; about 80lbs strong.

In terms of making it a central hub... Yes! Using Media Center Extenders over CAT5 or wireless, you can access live TV and any music, photos or videos stored on the HTPC from an extender. Another kicker is the XBOX 360 supports realtime transmission of HD content from the HTPC to the extender over CAT5.

Anyway, check it out at http://www.niveusmedia.com

Let me know what you think.

Rhing- thanks for taking the time to answer my question.
I have no interest in owning a iPod or using Toslink connections. If there's no sonic improvement, IMO
there's no reason for audiophiles to an buy a MAC.

I have recently replaced my Pre/Pro,scaler-line doubler,dvd player, swithcer and processors with my HTPC.

I have the following:

Win XP Professional

1GB Ram (expandable to 4GB)

512 MB Nvidia video card with DVI,VGA,Component,S-Video,or Composite out.

2 DVD Burners

200 GB 7,200rpm Seagate Hdd

Onboard SATA Raid

M-Audio Delta 410 Sound Card (1010 will be next upgrade)SPDIF in and out and independent bass management on each channel!

Wireless keyboard and mouse

Air2Pc HDTV Tuner

WinDVD 7 Platinum

Intel P4 3Ghz Processor

This processor is connected to 3 Yamaha Power Amps and 1 dbx 4 channel power amp.

Speakers are as follows:
Snell E-II (3X - Front Array)
Custom 15in Subwoofers (2 Eminence drivers)
Def Tech BP1 (Side Rear)
DCM Subwoofers (2 - connected to Def Tech's Full range)
RCA 2-way (Back Rears Kevlar midbass drivers)

I want to replace the rears with Snell's also - but this system is nice. My old pre/pro was a citation 7.0/technics shac-500 combo. I'm happy to report that my computer has taken the pain away - along with over 20 cables