Music Server vs. PC vs. Transport vs. ?


I don;t really want to add another rack in my living room. If I do, I may end up sleeping on one of the couches. Ideally, I would like to do the following:

1. Either use a pc or a server to store discs and have them accessable.
2. Have a way for the kids/wife to hook up their ipods
3. Have a way to get digital radio (xm, sirius or even computer streaming, doesn;t matter)
4. Do all of this WITHOUT degrading the sound quality ( i know, the ipod, by definition will do this)

My understanding of most high end DACs is that they do not have USB ports, but that is the ideal port to use to negate jitter. As I was researching this, I got the latest issue of the absolute sound, and they address some of this a bit. My feeling seems to be that one pays a HUGE premium for a server, that both their DACs and PCs DACs suck, and one has to get a USB to AES or other adapter, and still use an external DAC. It also seems that if one is willing to use a lossless system, that the universal opinion is that a hard drive rivals or beats any transports.

So my initial thought would be to get a pc with an ipod dock, run lossless, get an additional adapter say from Wavelength, and use the current dac. That adds at least two pieces, maybe three.

Help?????
Thanks,
Chris

Help??????

Thanks,
Chris
128x128mount_rose_music

Showing 7 responses by sammie

Chris, get a Mac (my preference), or a PC. The beauty is that once you've ripped all of your CD's, your music can be easily manipulated in any number of ways depending on what system you use, or will use in the future. Your music is suddenly future proof!

Want to use a PC as a music server? No problem. Prefer a Mac? Again no problem. Your music collection can be easily changed to Apple formats, or vice-versa. Need a remote? --any number of devices can be used as a family friendly remote.

The learning curve for PC's is a bit steep, at least it was for me. But if you go PC, there's a ton of free software: rippers, players, upsampling software, etc. available. The Mac is easier and more intuitve of course, but less customizable, although that's changing rapidly.

I started with a PC using EAC to rip and Foobar as my player. Now, I use a Macbook with Apple's Front Row media software and the Apple remote (both included with the Macbook). I have every CD in my coolection available to me in a few clicks of the remote, and the major bonus is that it sounds fantastic!

I couldn't be happier. Good Luck!
Pscoi--

Macbook to Wavelength DAC (also configured as a preamp) to active speakers

1. Not yet. Entire CD collection in Apple Lossless format fits on 200GB HD in Macbook for now. I use a 3.5" WD 320 GB HD connected via firewire to do periodic back ups, which will become primary music drive when we outgrow the Macbook drive.

2. Kimber USB cable

3. No delays, interruptions, skips, squeaks, hesitations, pauses, gasps, etc. I mean nothing! Entire process is seamless. Changing albums, songs,playlists, etc. takes milliseconds.
Yep, it seems very few know about the computer/stereo connection, least of all the Apple store dregs who act like they're enlightened, but are really no more enlightened, and possibly less so, than the guys working in the local Walmart electronics section. I had the same experience...they looked at me like I was crazy! LOL

Anyway, you've decided on Apple...I think that's wise. Based on the opinion of most folks it seems the Mini or Imac will offer superior sound to the laptops. Mini = cheaper, but you'll have to spring for a display (temporarily), keyboard, and mouse, and external HD. With the Imac, you'll get all of that + a much bigger HD and a beautiful display if you opt for the 24" version. You'll have to decide what you want the thing on or near your rack. Both Mini and Imac come with a small IR remote, which works really very well in controlling the also included Front Row multimedia software application, which allows the user to access all of their music, movies, or photos from a distance. When you go back to Apple, have them demonstrate Front Row for you with the Apple remote.

Don't worry about whole house audio (Apple Express, etc.) at this point, just be sure you have internet access for the main computer. I'd suggest buying the Apple base station as your router if you don't have a wired internet access solution at your stereo rack. The router works flawlessly with Apple computers.

Let's say you don't want a computer display on or hovering near your rack, then you'll have chosen the Mini. Once you're done ripping and ready to listen, you'll need to buy a laptop running Nettunes (probably overkill) or an Itouch running remote buddy software that's available on the web. Or, there's one other remote option but I don't remember the name of the company.

And, for even more info relevant to what you're about to undertake don't be afraid to scroll down past your own post a bit, and see that there's at least 6 previous discussions that are relevant to Apple systems on the first page alone.
Kana--I haven't tried a mini or Imac. I am using a Macbook for now. But, in every post I've read, folks who have tried both always prefer the desktop to the laptop. I'm not sure why...one guy speculated it was power supply differences. Who knows?
For me the Macbook running on battery -or with PC connected- sounds excellent!
I'd love to get my hand on a mini or an Imac and give it a try...will you lend one to me?
Once set up, you all seem to like the harddrive option much better, or are willing to deal with potentially slight sonic losses for ease of music.

The convenience factor is certainly nice, but the real bonus of going to a HD system is the better sound quality. If done right, a computer system will just sound better than a CDP. At least that's been my experience and it seems the experience of many others based on what I've read here and on other sites. I've used some higher end players in the past that just don't compare to the sonics made available by my laptop and DAC. Check out this thread:

PC-Audio vs. High-end CD Player-GAME OVER