2. digital
  3. 1368155338

Cart Before the Horse: Signal Path Help Please

Hello all -

Short version:
What is the best way to get FLAC files from an external HD --> DAC --> integrated -->Speakers?

Long Version:

I have been digitizing my CDs, building on my extensive Pink Floyd Bootleg collection and purchasing some HD Audio. Currently all of this is housed on an external FireWire HD - with me swapping files to my Laptop as I feel like it. I also listen to a lot of Spotify to discover new music (much of which I then purchase on CD, LP w/ Download or HD).

I'm trying to figure how best to tie all of this together in the cleanest AND user friendly way. For instance - I'd love to be able to rip CD's or Download HD to my laptop and then wirelessly transfer to an external HD and then be able to control that via my iphone. Or be able to do spotify direct from a magic box, etc ...

I hope this isn't too wide ranging a question and there is an obvious way that I am missing.

So I'm building my new system in somewhat of a convoluted order. At this point i have:
- Primare i30 Integrated Amp
- Primare CD31 CD Player
- Music Fidelity m1DAC A
- Pair 1 Meter XLR interconnects
- .5m Fairly nice TosLink Cable
- 1st Generation 40 gb appleTV

On the Way:
Orbit Turntable from KickStarter (Just for fun!)

Left over - to probably be upgraded (but that is a whole other thread!)
- 1 Pair B&W 685s
- 1 Pair Kimber In Wall Bi-Wired Speaker Cables (25') Decent at $2.75/ Foot

thank you!
Septemous
128x128septemous
septemous's avatar
septemous OP
26 posts
 
I think the m1DAC has reclocking built in:

"In addition, our smart data-reclocking system ensures there is virtually no audio-damaging jitter imparted to the signal."

http://www.musicalfidelity.com/m1dac/
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
4,410 posts
 
Septemous, they claim that oversampling converter upsamples all incoming data to 192kHz. Oversampling and upsampling are two different things. Oversampling is usually done by Phase Lock Loop (PLL) and is integer multiple of incomming frequency while upsampling is done by asynchronous rate converter that can upsample to any, usually eneven number and then output data at particular frequency like 192kHz. Upsampling provides superior jitter suppression and since your DAC "Upsamples to 192kHz" it perhaps is asynchronous rate converter based since 192 is not even multiple of 44.1
You have to try it with different sources. It is also important to keep quiet supplies to DAC because any noise can convert to jitter inside of the DAC. I use Furman Elite 20PFi conditioner for that.
septemous's avatar
septemous OP
26 posts
 
Thank you ..

I have been getting some 192kHz Flac files and I would like to get them to the DAC at 24/192.

Can someone suggest the best way to get the content form an external HD to the DAC?
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
I just set up a compueter music system and my solution was to use my Macbook Pro and external Passbook HD, connected via USB, to play hi rez files via Fidelia software, output via USB to a Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2 then into my preamp. Great system!
septemous's avatar
septemous OP
26 posts
 
Stevecham -> Yeah I guess that is what I'm trying to avoid -> Having to keep the Hard Drive connected to the Macbook and then having it all wired together.

I take the CPU back and forth to work a lot - so I'd love to have a system that is sort of independent of hooking up the laptop with wires.
More to discover