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Want To Hear How Amazing Computer Audio Can Be?


At the end of last year I decided to make the leap of faith from CD to computer audio, the results have been staggering! I am now 100% convinced this is the best option to achieve studio quality sound in the home.

If you want to hear just how good computer audio can be, download the, for free, HD Tracks 2013 24/96 FLAC sampler and listen to tracks 1 and 5 (all 10 tracks are amazing, these just happen to be my favorites). I have never heard my HiFi system sound this good, every bit as good as anything I have heard before at various HiFi shows over the years. I am not going to get into a subjective discussion on why my system sounds so good (bass extension, dynamic range, resolution etc., etc.), just listen for yourself.

My system is comprised of a MacBook Air (2012 MY running OSX 10.8.3) with Audirvana Plus, via USB to a MF V-Link 24/96 USB to S/PDIF converter, feeding a Krell HTS 7.1 (DAC and volume control) into a Krell KSA-250 power amp and B&W N801 speakers. I could not be happier, OK I exaggerate somewhat, if money were no object I am sure some changes would be made!

Forgot to mention, the cable to the Krell HTS 7.1 from the MF V-Link is Toslink, sounds better than digital coax to me.
mgattmch

Showing 1 response by williewonka

williewonka
3,066 posts
 
Hifiharv - how much do you want to spend - does that include the computer or do you have one?

A very simple implementation would be to plug you computers speaker jack into you hi-fi - load iTunes (or one of many others) to play the music or stream internet radio - voila!

If it's a more recent computer, it may have an optical output or USB, so you could progress to the next level.

Next level would be to include a DAC - affordable/quality units like the schiit bifrost at $350 - see review - will give you pretty good quality sound

http://www.tonepublications.com/review/the-schiit-bifrost-dac/

And from there the world is YOUR oyster

Then you can get into the hi-def stuff - but ensure the DAC you choose supports the sample rate you want to get to.

Also, some dacs support different maximum sample rates for optical vs s/pdif vs USB - just be sure to check before you buy

And yes - cable quality does matter - I like DH Labs - great quality at reasonable price.

You have to decide what you want - simple, or better sound, or even for ultimate portability - Bluetooth from your cell phone

Your choice
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