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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

Showing 2 responses by edo_musica

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
edo_musica
113 posts
 
Another thought....Do you have a DVD player? Maybe connect the DVD player and play a CD through it to see if your CD player has an abnormal high output.

BTW your DAC is AC powered (Spec: 100 / 115 / 230Volts AC 50/60Hz)so it is not USBbus powered. Bus powered would be something like your mouse or keyboard (no additional AC input).

Sounds like you already checked your itunes and OS settings

try a cheap Radioshack 3mm-to-RCA cable~$6 confirm the level. that directly to your pre or amp.

Unfortunately you can't use Toslink cable direct to the DAC since the MF X-DAC doesn't accecpt Toslink...a good converter is expensive route. USB *should* work.

BTW which Mac are you using?
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