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iMac vs. PC Laptop

I am currently weighing the pros/cons of an iMac vs. a PC laptop for a variety of uses at home, including as a digital music server. Can someone educate me on the pros/cons of each as they pertain specifically to setting up and running a digital music server? Ideally, I would like to go wireless to a DAC.

The rest of the system is a Rotel 1067 pre-amp/1075 amp, Paradigm Studio60 V.3 speakers, matching center and rears (current sources are Music Hall CD25.2 CD player, Oppo DVD).

Thanks to all.
fishbone

Showing 5 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Fishbonegt wrote:
"So, will PC at 24/96 deliver the same sound quality as my Music Hall cd25.2 CD player?"

Definitely, with the right USB or Wi-Fi converter it will probably pass it up. I have yet to find a CD player that beats good computer audio.

Steve N.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
The PC with upsampling to 24/96 delivers the best quality (with ASIO and SRC), but the MAC is superior at 16/44.1

Less hassle with the MAC to set it up, but you are limited to iTunes. They both sound identical whan using the AE, and they are limited to 16/44.1 with the AE.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Sbrtoy wrote:
"A question for Steve, I have been contemplating your Turbomod for my DAC1, what are your thoughts on the value of completing the mod and continuing to use a Squeezebox and feed to the DAC1 via spdif?"

The DAC mods will improve the bass and the dynamics. It also improve the extension and clarity, particularly if a Superclock4 is added.

"Is there a major difference in going straight from a usb offramp to DAC?"

Yes, the clarity and HF extension/imaging will be better than the SB. If you go with a Off-Ramp I2S with the I2S interface on the DAC-1, this is the best clarity and imaging I have heard from ANY digital gear, including the best Meridian DAC with DSP, the Dodson 218 and others. This combo is being currently reviewed by 6-moons.

Just yesterday I powered-up the first proto of the Off-Ramp Wi-Fi with I2S interface. This is a modded AirPort Express. Amazing sound driving the DAC-1 with I2S, even though it's only 16/44.1.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
What's an Aberdeen? I also mod the Northstar transport and DAC. Really excellent with mods, but the Off-Ramp I2S is still better. IMO, the Northstar Transport and DAC with my mods is the best CD playback that I have heard. Very close to computer-driven audio. For folks that dont want to mess with computers, this is what I recommend. The Northstar transport has I2S output at 24/192, compatible with my Benchmark DAC-1 and the Northstar DAC has I2S input compatible with my Off-Ramps.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio
Manufacturer
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Fixed what Northstar DAC for me? I have modded four of them and never had Aberdeen fix any of them to my knowledge....

You are entitled to your doubts. This is what my dealers and customers tell me and my own ears doing A/B's in my reference system. Why dont you contact Bill at Bauls Audio in Mesa, AZ? [email protected]

Better yet, just wait and read the 6-moons review.

Steve N.
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