2. pc-audio
  3. 1206978568

Sound levels: Apple lossless vs. original CD

I have been following many threads on this as I try to set up my computer based server system. I have gone out and purchased a Mac in order to simplify all the issues vs. a PC based system.

I have been recording in Apple lossless format and I find there is a noticable difference with lower quality as compared with my inexpensive CD player that I am using (an inexpensive Panasonic).

I am playing both methods back through a DAC - Musical Fidelity X-Dac v8 (the latest model).

The data stream from the CD player is via optical output miniplug - through an optical converter to digital coax cable (there is no cable available directly from optical mini to coax). The data stream from the Mac is via USB output to the DAC USB input.

First - the music via the inexpensive CD player sounds better. There is a noticable difference in the voices being more forward from the music (less compressed?). The Mac sounds excellent - but the CD still sounds better.

Second - the sound level from the CD player is much louder (perhaps 25-35%% louder). If I am streaming digital bits from both sources, why is the CD player much louder than the Mac? This doesnt make sense to me??

Lastly - would there be any reason to copy in AIFF rather than Apple lossless? It seems now - but I just want to get the lastest view.

Any help is appreciated ! Thanks !
markny

Showing 3 responses by markny

markny OP
7 posts
 
Thanks for the replies so far. The USB to DAC is powered by the USB output? How do I add a battery supply?

Also - I have checked every sound level in the MAC and they are all on full.

Should the sound levels of the pc and cd player be the same? I would think so .
markny OP
7 posts
 
Thanks again yo everyone thus far. I will experiment tonight and post an update tomorrow.

Re the question of which Mac - I am using a Macbook. The middle model 2.4 ghz dual core with 2 gig of memory.

The equalizer was on ! I will try that with it off. Another good suggestion. There are so many variables !!

Thanks again !
markny OP
7 posts
 
Thank you for confirming this ! It is exactly my experience thatyou also seem to have confirmed. The USB output is initially very disappointing when doing an A/B comparison between the CD player and the Mac. However, when I raise the volume on the amp when the Mac is playing, it does sound much better and the detail re-emerges.
The question is - while both sound good - why do they sound different if it is a lossless format, and in both cases I am playing a digital stream through the DAC which should be identical ?
Thanks,
Mark
More to discover