I have a laptop, I have a stereo, where do I go from here?

[JJack]

I'm rebuilding my system and I've never done streaming, computer audio, downloads, etc.

I currently have no digital front end, so I'm wide open as to what I'll be connecting to my new Luxman integrated amp, which has both RCA and balanced inputs, fwiw. I own a HP dv6-1355dx laptop that only sees light use for internet surfing, personal banking, etc (no gaming, no word processing).

I want to keep it simple (1-2 new boxes), and simple to operate. [ don't own an Ipad or Itouch or I-anything so the unit will have to have remote control built in.

I want the highest resolution possible; that is, the ability to get those 96 and 192 files from, say, HD Tracks or Linn, to my speakers. It will also have to be great on CD playback.

My computer is loud so I'd prefer to keep it out of the equation during playback time.

I listen to 90% classical. I am not interested in convenience (e.g., Sirius) or getting CD-quality sound, but it does need to be simple to operate (I don't mind taking a lot of time to set it up initially) and reliable as I lack the ability to troubleshoot computer stuff when it malfunctions.

My budget would be from US $500-2000. I do have an older Arcam that I could use as a transport only. It has digital outs.

I'm not an idiot in real life, just when it comes to digital audio.

I hope I've anticipated some of the typical questions; thanks for your help.

[goraman]

A very simple way to get great digital audio is a first gen. apple tv.
When you link it via a nice optical cable to a stand alone DAC the results can be amazing and if you use Apple Lossless in itunes there is little work making everything work easily.
The factory hard drives are 40gig. and 160 gig. mine has been moded and is 500gig.
This gives you a simple music server,that sounds so good I gave up a huge L.P. collection and a 1st class vinyl rig.
You can see pictures in the gallery.

[JJack]

I'm not sure how a television figures into this... I don't own anything by Apple and I don't think I could play my CDs on that; unless I'm totally missing something (which is entirely possible)

[Whell]

Something like this could get the job done, and give you several options for playback that don't rely on your laptop to be connected. You could wirelessly stream audio files to the Cambridge, you could fill up a USB stick with music and play them back on the Cambridge, or you could attach an external hard drive filled with music.

http://www.cambridgeaudio.com/summary.php?PID=604

A few different manufacturers make units like this, so you've got other options besides the Cambridge if it doesn't float your boat.

[Stratmangler]

Why not buy a CD player?

[goraman]

I'm not sure how a television figures into this... I don't own anything by Apple and I don't think I could play my CDs on that; unless I'm totally missing something (which is entirely possible)

An Apple T.V. isn't a T.V. at all its pretty much a digital storage vehical,just add a Dac and you have a music server!

I do have a T.V. hooked up only to display the server menu and album artwork.
But it is not in the path.

Ok, you have a computer right, assuming yes, you down load itunes then rip your cd's to a lossless format in itunes, down load the art work for the album and when your done with that.
Simply link the computer via Ethernet cable or wifi to the apple T.V. and click sync then all the music from your computer will be sucked into your apple tv, then just scroll through your albums by album,artist,format,ect.. and press play on your remote! Then put your computer away unless you want to add new music to the server.
You can get thousands of CD's on 500gb. in perfect loss-less format and never have to look for that missing CD or album thats out of place.
You can create song lists and even upgrade the DAC as you go.
I hope this helps you out Jack as it will save you a ton of $$$ and sound as good as the Linn I just heard,and best of all you don't have to stream! The music is in the server so your computer is out of the loop!

[AndrewR]

My computer is loud so I'd prefer to keep it out of the equation during playback time.

First of all, if your laptop is loud then I'd consider buying a quiet netbook. You could go for a Squeezebox, but would have to forego the ability for asynchronous USB.

My preferred routes would be:

* Netbook -> Musical Fidelity V-Link II 192 -> Audio Note kit DAC
* Netbook -> Musical Fidelity M1 mk2
* Netbook -> Audiolab MDAC

The last two requiring a simple USB connection. The first requires a USB into the V-Link and a coaxial to the DAC

Best playback software is probably JRiver with the JPlay extension.

I'd also recommend an external 1TB hard drive for your music files. Also a backup 1TB as well.

There you go!

Andrew

[Welder]

This is an excellent site if you're a bit hazy about file/computer based audio.

http://thewelltemperedcomputer.com/

[wee tee cee]

Jack,
Nice and simple way to do it is load i tunes onto the lap top. You dont have to bother with and I tunes account if you dont want album art or want to purchase music tracks.
Buy a dac that has a good usb input like the schiit bifrost. A 5m usb cable/ import your CDs at lossless. It will sound great be reliable and be simple to use.
Tony.

[bobbasrah]

Jack,
Nice and simple way to do it is load i tunes onto the lap top. You dont have to bother with and I tunes account if you dont want album art or want to purchase music tracks.
Buy a dac that has a good usb input like the schiit bifrost. A 5m usb cable/ import your CDs at lossless. It will sound great be reliable and be simple to use.
Tony.

And use closed headphones to isolate the noise of the computer?

You have to get the digital stream off the computer and convey it to the DAC, which will be at your stereo.
If you are using a computer which is noisy, consider either replacing the computer or locating it somewhere out of earshot (soundproof cupboard, next door, mother-in law). If you have a TV in your room you could feed the TV from the computer's video out. A wireless keyboard and mouse/ytackball, wireless remote control and receiver can work the menus, even through a wall.

[goraman]

Jack,
Nice and simple way to do it is load i tunes onto the lap top. You dont have to bother with and I tunes account if you dont want album art or want to purchase music tracks.
Buy a dac that has a good usb input like the schiit bifrost. A 5m usb cable/ import your CDs at lossless. It will sound great be reliable and be simple to use.
Tony.
I use tune up companion to get artwork it's cheap and it gets the artwork right.
And I don't have to give my credit card info to apple.

[synsei]

I'm not a big fan of Apple products myself, I find them overpriced for what they provide, although I can see the attraction ;)

Is Apple TV actually available in the UK?

[goraman]

I'm not a big fan of Apple products myself, I find them overpriced for what they provide, although I can see the attraction ;)

Is Apple TV actually available in the UK?

It is via ebay,you would want the 1st. generation anyway.

[synsei]

Ah ok Jeff. I'm not sure it is exactly what Jack is looking for anyway. The Cambridge Audio Sonata would be an excellent solution Jack if you hooked it up to your existing CD player ;)

[wee tee cee]

I use tune up companion to get artwork it's cheap and it gets the artwork right.
And I don't have to give my credit card info to apple.
Jeff,
I just wanted the music on the computer. I kept it as simple as possible using the least space possible. Cheap dell lap top with reasonable processor / 5m belkin pro usb cable. usb goes into v link....co-ax....dac. Sounds superb, no faffing about with programs or signal drop outs when I was streaming with a squeeze box.
Simple/ reliable/effective and cost nothing to set up.
Tony.

[goraman]

Jeff,
I just wanted the music on the computer. I kept it as simple as possible using the least space possible. Cheap dell lap top with reasonable processor / 5m belkin pro usb cable. usb goes into v link....co-ax....dac. Sounds superb, no faffing about with programs or signal drop outs when I was streaming with a squeeze box.
Simple/ reliable/effective and cost nothing to set up.
Tony.

Right but he doesn't want to use his computer.

[wee tee cee]

Oh...I thought his desk top was noisy. Jack mentioned a lap top, I thought he could maybe have utilised that with a dac and kept things straightforward.

[Stratmangler]

This any good? http://www.superfi.co.uk/p-9861-marantz-ud7006-networked-3d-ready-blu-raydvd-player-opened-box-black.aspx

The streaming capability might be useful :)

[JJack]

Okay, thanks everyone.

Just to clarify:
I need to retain the ability to play my current batch of 1,000 CDs (that is, play them the old-fashioned way, by loading them into a tray on a CD player or transport or whatever - I will not be ripping CDs). I like to play CDs the way I always have. I have no interest in ripping, copying, downloading, etc. CDs. I know that people think they sound better ripped, but I won't be doing that.

The only reason I'm looking at getting into this is to access hi-rez files on sites like HD Tracks or Linn, etc. I play music one symphony at a time, so convenience isn't an issue as I'm only playing one thing per hour, on average.

I'm not handy or a DIY-er, so I'm really looking for store bought solutions, with warranty.

I think there's one good lead from the Musical Fidelity/Audio Note suggestion.

I'll look into the Cambridge.

On I-tunes, I'm not certain how this is hi-rez or how it would work in practice, so appreciate any further light you can shed on this.

I can use my Concrete brand name suggestions welcome. Again, the budget is 500-2000 USD.

Thanks again for walking me though this.

[JJack]

First of all, if your laptop is loud then I'd consider buying a quiet netbook. You could go for a Squeezebox, but would have to forego the ability for asynchronous USB.

My preferred routes would be:

* Netbook -> Musical Fidelity V-Link II 192 -> Audio Note kit DAC
* Netbook -> Musical Fidelity M1 mk2
* Netbook -> Audiolab MDAC

The last two requiring a simple USB connection. The first requires a USB into the V-Link and a coaxial to the DAC

Best playback software is probably JRiver with the JPlay extension.

I'd also recommend an external 1TB hard drive for your music files. Also a backup 1TB as well.

There you go!

Andrew

I think this is the type of answer I was hoping for.

Am I right that I would then play my existing physical CD collection with upgraded sound, by routing a digital cable into the DACs?

[AndrewR]

I think this is the type of answer I was hoping for.

Am I right that I would then play my existing physical CD collection with upgraded sound, by routing a digital cable into the DACs?

Hi JJack,

In the case of a laptop I'd give a 99.99% certain "yes".

One thing to bear in mind, though. If you are generally using a laptop to playback CD's rather then ripping them, I would encourage you to just rip one CD and compare the file against the CD.

I did that once and was *really* shocked by the difference.

There could be a number of reasons - including the lack of rotating disc, back EMF, secure ripping vs. real-time data reading, data transfer modes, etc.

Cheers,

Andrew

[bobbasrah]

Hi JJack,

In the case of a laptop I'd give a 99.99% certain "yes".

One thing to bear in mind, though. If you are generally using a laptop to playback CD's rather then ripping them, I would encourage you to just rip one CD and compare the file against the CD.

I did that once and was *really* shocked by the difference.

There could be a number of reasons - including the lack of rotating disc, back EMF, secure ripping vs. real-time data reading, data transfer modes, etc.

Cheers,

Andrew

Not quite - Either CD spins or HDD spins.
Some CD mechanisms are better than others, but as Andrew stated, once a secure copy is made it can not be any less than the data on the CD.
Convert and store the CDs on HDD, so you can select them from the computer. No need to go get and load the CD thereafter, unless you have a very advanced/expensive player.

[Reid Malenfant]

Not quite - Either CD spins or HDD spins.

Not quite - solid state HDD doesn't spin at all :eyebrows:

:D

[bobbasrah]

Not quite - solid state HDD doesn't spin at all :eyebrows:

:D

Do you mean SSD Mark?:scratch:

[Reid Malenfant]

Probably, you can tell i'm not into computers huh? :rfl:

A solid state drive to replace the HDD :)

[bobbasrah]

Probably, you can tell i'm not into computers huh? :rfl:

A solid state drive to replace the HDD :)

Wot? No htpc in that AV forum????

No worries - I think they are Solid State Drive, silent, fast, unknown long term reliability, and bloody expensive/Mb....:eek:

[Reid Malenfant]

Wot? No htpc in that AV forum????
Not that I can recall as yet :scratch:

Time for you to get a move on & be the first Bob :)

[bobbasrah]

Not that I can recall as yet :scratch:

Time for you to get a move on & be the first Bob :)

I might just do that Mark as there was a thread recently where HTPC turned up, and there was considerable confusion over whether it was audio or video.
Went to have a look but saw little in the AV Forum to point the discussion to it.:cool:

[JJack]

Like I said, I won't be ripping my CDs. I've tried it, I don't like it. I'll go to the trouble of that for hi-rez, but not for CDs.

I'm going to buy an Oppo 95 for direct play of SACD and CD silver discs. I'll be downloading hi-rez onto an external drive to play through the Oppo, which has that connection. I tried it the other day and it works fine for me and keeps things simple, and sounds glorious.

One box (Oppo), plus a thumb drive. Laptop is removed from the listening room. Perfect.

Thanks everyone

[Reid Malenfant]

I'm going to buy an Oppo 95 for direct play of SACD and CD silver discs.
You won't be disappointed, it's a fantastic sounding machine :) Must admit I haven't tried using it as a streamer, but if it's performance on everything else is an indicator it should be superb :D

[Reid Malenfant]

I might just do that Mark as there was a thread recently where HTPC turned up, and there was considerable confusion over whether it was audio or video.
Went to have a look but saw little in the AV Forum to point the discussion to it.:cool:
Well if you are using an HTPC then come on in ;) I know there are graphics cards that support HDMI with content protection so it's just a question of time...

[Welder]

Dont even need a gfx card these days. Some MOB and processors come with on-board gfx and they're getting pretty decent performance out.

[bobbasrah]

Dont even need a gfx card these days. Some MOB and processors come with on-board gfx and they're getting pretty decent performance out.

Glad things worked out for you Jack, would never have thought of that as a solution... Enjoy...

John is absolutly correct Mark, I get 1080 no problem direct via hdmi and audio over optical to the decoder from the motherboard, other than hifi over usb to the DAC.
No dedicated players anymore, just one big quiet black box.