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New Computer: What Should I Get for Audio?

I need to buy a new computer (I've been without one for a while..writing this from work). I'd like to get something that will help me take advantage of high-resolution audio. I know virtually *nothing* about the subject at this point. I'd like to have something that will make doing hi-rez as easy as possible (without compromising sound, if possible).

Thanks for any help and suggestions you can offer. After I get the computer, I'll to figure out the rest of it, of course!
jfz

Showing 5 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Get a used late 2009 Mac Mini on ebay and then buy a 120GB SSD from Other World Computing and 8GB of DRAM from them and install it yourself.

Then do all of these SW tweaks:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=105944.0

Then put this older version of Amarra on it:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=105236.0

Then plug your USB cable in the slot next to the center slot.

All of these optimizations result in a spectacular SQ.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
You should think about ripping CDs, with dbpoweramp on PC or XLD on Mac. You will not find very much of the music you like and are familiar in hi-res downloads. Very limited IME.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Doggie - Yes I've tried Amarra 2.4. Dont like it, and I've given feedback to Jon Reichbach. He fixed the bugs, but nixed the SQ unfortunately.

I am trying 2.3.3 4344 today. I also really like 2.3.2 4319.

Differences in MINI SQ can be easily caused by break-in and even using different USB ports. Also power grounding and ground-loops can have a big influence. If you compare two of them, they need to be in exactly the same system and configuration.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Jfz - sonic improvements of CD ripping depend on the hardware and software that you are using for playback. With the right combination, it can beat even the best CD transports. I personally dont do it for convenience, nor do I design products for this goal. Its all about sound quality.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Doggie - dowload this one and install it. Its the best I have heard. Really live, airy and clear. Better than 4344 or 4347, the latest release. Unfortunatley troublesome for 176 and 192 tracks. Otherwise behaves okay:

www.sonicstudio.com/releases/Amarra_233_Release_4319.zip

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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