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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
mlsstl
1,418 posts
 
Sounds like it may be a software issue. Computer based player software often has settings that can be adjusted. For example, you may have a replay gain or other setting enabled on the computer that is affecting volume or other adjustments.

There could also be other issues (say with the USB interface, etc.) but I'd start by carefully going through every software setting you can find.
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
Did you check the box for Itunes to do Error correction when reading Discs? This is key...
Otherwise get a program called "MAX" for the Mac for losseless ripping like EAC on the PC side.

is your USB DAC interface using USB bus powering? if so look to add a battery powersupply otherwise you will be lossing dynamics and focus..

Try the Toslink out of the mac mini to see if the USB DAC you have is really that good....
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 .
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,756 posts
 
I've got an iMac with all Apple Lossless files going through a Benchmark DAC to my preamp, along with a Denon 2910 as a CD transport going to another input on the Benchmark and on the the preamp. The sound level and quality from either source is the same.
edo_musica
113 posts
 
Mark,
Your situation is a surprise. I have a similar Mac to USB setup. I would suggest you check a few settings. There are no-brainers....but just making sure.

A) make sure iTunes volume out put is set at maximum.

B) Make sure your iTunes equalizer is not active ..uncheck the "ON" button

Then I would play a CD in your Mac with itunes and compare that to your Panasonic. If the Pana CD still sounds better there could be an issue with your USB connector.

But I would also want to check your DAC. either use another Mac to provide the source to the DAC or connect your Mac to using Optical or even 3mm analog. to your amp/pre-amp. It's a matter of isolating each component to find the problem. I don't think that Apple Lossless vs CD is the issue here.

Good luck, ed
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