2. pc-audio
  3. 1187700527

PC-Based Set Up/Process - Comments?

I am finally going to bet around to setting up a PC-based music server for my mid-end system (Rotel components, Paradigm reference speakers, Music Hall CD player, etc.). I am NOT seeking perfect sound. I am seeking a music server system that will sound as good as my Music Hall CD player.

Can you please provide comments with respect to any potential flaws in my system and or process to achieve the above?

- Rip CDs to Dell laptop (La Cie external hard drive) using iTunes in Lossless format (Windows XP environment)
- Play CDs using iTunes
- Airport express connected to external DAC (eg. Bel Canto)

I know that in the past I have heard issues with playback on the PC under windows XP. What specifically do I need to be aware of and how do I solve that?

Thanks to all.

Lawrence
fishbone222
fishbone222 OP
6 posts
 
So I simply need to download an ASIO-based driver? Is there are particular driver that I should use? I have

Also, I have a sound card in my computer currently. Is there are particular sound card that I should use?

Thanks again to all.

Lawrence
larryrx7's avatar
larryrx7
137 posts
 
I use a modified Squeezebox and I don't miss my CD player at all
jimmdavis
63 posts
 
Larry, what is mod'd on your Squeezebox?

I've been pondering an SB, as they appear a good value, but am hesitant about being forced to connect via ethernet. Seems like if the DAC is sitting right next to my computer, would make more sense to connect more directly via USB. Anyone have insight on this concern?
kublakhan
717 posts
 
I'm confused by the rash of recent posts regarding the airport express connecting straight to a dac.

As I understand it, the Bel Canto DAC has USB.

Here's my setup. Airport EXTREME connected via usb to an external hard drive (where my music resides.) Then the music is streamed wirelessly to my computer and fed via USB to my USB dac which connects to my integrated amp.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
You can connect the AE directly to the Toslink input on a DAC, but the jitter is really awful. Requires a reclocker to clean it up, or at least a really good clock and S/PDIF digital output mod.

Jitter is not bad on a Squeezebox, even stock. Slaved from a reclocker such as the Pace-Car, these networked servers can have extremely low jitter. This is the main advantage over USB. The disadvantage is that most do not do 24/96 yet.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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