[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Looking for advice on sound quality
Well, I'd have to get an external/firewire drive or something, so that'd be a little more expensive than $100, and I'd have to keep it hooked to my laptop (I'm assuming). But I'll do a blindfold test on a random sample of songs and see how much difference I can detect between lossless and 320. If I can tell the difference, I'll step up. Thanks for the advice. -- Mike Anderson ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Looking for advice on sound quality
Mike Anderson Wrote: Well, I'd have to get an external/firewire drive or something, so that'd be a little more expensive than $100, and I'd have to keep it hooked to my laptop (I'm assuming). But I'll do a blindfold test on a random sample of songs and see how much difference I can detect between lossless and 320. If I can tell the difference, I'll step up. Thanks for the advice. Also check out this thread for tips on mp3 vs. lossless: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=16497 The differences between 320kbps mp3 and 750k-ish FLAC will be all about high frequencies and phase accuracy. You will need a VERY good system, especially the tweeters, to appreciate a difference. I have always believed that room acoustics and speakers are the most imporant factors, but that's not our business. :) Sb2 aims to be the most accurate source, but there is so much more to the whole systems. -- seanadams ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: optimal sound level squeezebox2?
I too would be interested in knowing what the optimal level is for going into my amp (Musical Fidelity A3.2). The SB2 definitely puts out a hot signal at 40; that just can't be optimal. -- Mike Anderson ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: optimal sound level squeezebox2?
Well said Pat. I spend a reasonable amount of money on equipment with the sole objective of making the music I listen to sound as good and enjoyable as possible. I suspect though, that I'll always spend more money on the music than the equipment as the that is what it's all about. I too have found that I listen to more music since I started using Squeezeboxen. I put it down to that near perfect marriage of sound quality and convenience. Nick, as Pat says, if it sounds bad, there's probably something wrong. If it sounds better with the SB volume down, then leave it down as the max volume might be overdriving the input electronics of your amp causing clipping and/or other distortion. -- Fifer ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Squeezebox2 and Tivoli questions
This is a question not so much about the Squeezebox itself, but you all seem to be a knowledgeable lot about audio systems in general, so I figured I'd ask for advice. I'm looking at getting a Squeezebox2 setup for casual listening environment in one part of my house. I'd like to have a CD option in that area, too, and have been looking at the Tivoli Model Two RadioWorks system: http://www.tivoliaudio.com/customer/product.php?productid=195cat=page= A few questions: 1. Will the miniplug aux-in be okay? I just need an RCA-Miniplug cable, correct? Is there much of a loss in quality? 2. Is there a way to use an additional line-in for an iPod, without having to unplug the Squeezebox and plug in the iPod? 3. Is it at all possible to add another speaker or set of speakers for the nearby room? Any other options besides the Tivoli that I should be checking out? Many thanks in advance -- zwomp ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: optimal sound level squeezebox2?
I agree with everything Pat's said. Fifer too. Have you tried the latest Slim Server Beta? I'm using a fairly recent build (from maybe a week ago) and I've noticed that the output levels are much lower. I believe they're now optimised so that the SB2 can directly drive a power amp (eliminating the need for a preamp). You might want to give it a try. By the way, I'm not a wacko audiophile. All of my normal friends (wife included) would beg to disagree though. :) -- Aylwin ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Looking for advice on sound quality
Does your A3.2 have the ability to connect direct into the power amp side, bypassing the preamp? If so, I recommend you try feeding the SB2 analogue outputs direct into the power amp and use the SB2 volume control. Even the best preamps will slightly degrade the signal, and in my experience eliminating the preamp is a bigger gain than improving the DAC (probably because the SB2 DAC is pretty damn good to start with). -- cliveb ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Looking for advice on sound quality
cliveb Wrote: Does your A3.2 have the ability to connect direct into the power amp side, bypassing the preamp? Nope; it's a very basic (albeit high-quality) piece of gear. -- Mike Anderson ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Looking for advice on sound quality
Even the best preamps will slightly degrade the signal Yes, we can tend to forget that anything in the signal path, however esoteric and expensive, degrades the signal. I sometimes feel that we should not talk of 'upgrades' or 'improving the sound', but that the focus should be on minimising the degredation. A better amp doesn't improve the sound, it just screws it up less. Sorry, I know nothing about Apple products so cannot advise on software. -- Fifer ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Looking for advice on sound quality
^^^ Right, I gather that's what makes this a nice (integrated) amp - It has no tone knobs, no balance, nothing -- just a volume knob and input selectors. -- Mike Anderson ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: optimal sound level squeezebox2?
Thanks for the feedback. Let me see if I'm understanding correctly. (I'm only too lazy to TRY and learn..when it's happening accidentally, I actually enjoy it). In my head (at 11:32 last night), I was thinking perhaps my SB2 at full volume was distorting it's own music output. But if I'm understanding you correctly...it's more likely that my cheap HT receiver is being fed too much power by the SB2 and it's distorting the output? In other words, it's really my HT receivers fault? Oh God..if that's the case, it's no wonder you people upgrade every 3 weeks. I can live with the SB2 lower and my receiver higher for a while, but no way I can handle that long term... And thus it begins. Nick -- x94blair3 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: optimal sound level squeezebox2?
In my head (at 11:32 last night), I was thinking perhaps my SB2 at full volume was distorting it's own music output. But if I'm understanding you correctly...it's more likely that my cheap HT receiver is being fed too much power by the SB2 and it's distorting the output? In other words, it's really my HT receivers fault? Yes, except it's probably a mismatch rather than a fault. If you are happy with the sound with the SB2 volume turned down, there's no need to upgrade. I'm pretty sure that Slimserver 6.2 (or if you cannot wait, the latest nightlies) have a programmable attenuation feature where you can adjust the output level so you can comfortably use the entire range of the SB2 volume control (or did I dream that?) -- Fifer ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Amp? solution for my squeezebox2
That's what I have in my bedroom, the t-amp driving a pair of in-wall BWs. Scroll halfway down this page and you can see it..The t-amp sounds pretty good. The low end lacks a bit of course, but mid/high sounds pretty good. I played a bit with it driving my Mission speakers (753 i think, floorstanders), and was pleasantly surprised listening to Andrea Bocelli, his voice sounded impressive... When have some time i'm going to try my BWs with my old Carver cube, to get a feel for the difference. And i still want to make some modifications to my t-amp.. Some links: http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/t-amp_tweaks_e.htmlhttp://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/t-amp_opinions_e.html http://mywebpages.comcast.net/ampbox/page2.htmlhttp://www.audio-ideas.com/reviews/power-amps/t-amp.htmljan ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
Mike Hanson Wrote: There's a good chance that my system is faster than yours. wink It's a Naim 52 with Super-Cap power supply, two NAP135 power amps, and Royd RR3 speakers. About six years ago, during my massive speaker hunt, I listened to every speaker that I could. The Thiels that I heard (which I think included the CS2.0) weren't anywhere near as quick as Royd's offerings. As for Krell, what can I say? Krell amps usually have lots of power, yet tend to sound pretty cold and lifeless. [deleted] Ultimately, you'll never know for sure until you try it in your own system. Everyone has different expectations, and system + stand + room variations will cause everyone's setup to sound different. For example, the coldness of your Krell may make the Benchmark unlistenable (to you). Do your best to try each of the options, or you'll be second-guessing yourself forever. -= Mike Hanson =- FWIW, my system is not the Krell/Thiel...that was from the original poster. I use Blue Circle hybrid gear driving Focus Audio speakers. Yes, not quite as fast as your Naim setup (I've never thought Naim to be edgy), and hardly a system that would be considered analytical. And yes, I have tried the Benchmark in my system. My reference DAC is the Dodson DA-218, and I also have a Resolution Audio Opus 21 cd player. Relative to both of these, the Benchmark left me cold (as did the Scott Nixon for completely different reasons). I still feel that the Bel Canto DAC2 is a better alternative in systems that might be fast and analytical (eg. Krell/Thiel). FWIW, I have a friend who owns a Naim/Neat Acoustics system who felt that the Bel Canto was a better match in his system than the Benchmark, so yes, it is very much a personal taste thing... -- PhilNYC Sonic Spirits Inc. http://www.sonicspirits.com ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: FLAC vs. VBR MP3: should I hear a difference?
pfarrell Wrote: Now, since I'm old, most of my favorite rock is what younger folks probably scoff at. -- Pat Yeah. When I was a kid, my parents would say what is that noise? when I played the beatles or the stones. Now my kid plays this rap stuff, and I go to say what is that noise? and then I think ... I've turned into my parents. So I hold my mouth closed (and just think it). Which reminds me ... I was surprised to find out recently that Queen Latifah (the rapper) can actually sing ... -- Michaelwagner ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Looking for advice on sound quality
Mike Anderson Wrote: Looks like it will take well over 30 mins to encode most of my CDs, Wow. Why? Do you have a very slow CD drive or something? On my PC using EAC a typical rip takes about 2 minutes, with compression happening in the background and rarely taking more than another 30 seconds. I'm afraid I can't offer any specific software recommendations for Mac, though I know there are people on the forum who are Mac users. -- radish ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: switching vs. linear - on a scope
Hiroyuki, The gathering is still on. I am not sure about the PM system here. I can be reached at boldercable (at) comcast (dot) net It will start about 6 pm tomorrow night. I will also be at the Great Divide Lounge for the meet and great this afternoon at RMAF. Just look around for the Audio Circle group. -- Wayne1 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: switching vs. linear - on a scope
Wayne1,Thank you Wayne1. I emailed my friend and he should contact you. I wish I could attend too... Please report us the findings. Good luck!Best,HiroyukiOn Sep 30, 2005, at 1:44 PM, Wayne1 wrote:Hiroyuki, The gathering is still on. I am not sure about the PM system here. I can be reached at boldercable (at) comcast (dot) net It will start about 6 pm tomorrow night. I will also be at the Great Divide Lounge for the meet and great this afternoon at RMAF. Just look around for the Audio Circle group. -- Wayne1 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Amp? solution for my squeezebox2
Thanks for the links. I can't imagine modding one of these myself, but then again I can't imagine paying $265 for what was once a $30 piece of electronics. Not that it wouldn't be better, it obviously would. Not to over simplify, but it appears the electronics of this box is what makes it sound so good, but the rest is junk? Anyone use the same electronics and bundle it in a $100-200 range? If not, perhaps that pre-modded option is worth considering. Thanks! Nick -- x94blair3 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: FLAC vs. VBR MP3: should I hear a difference?
I completely agree with what both Pat and Sean wrote. So I have very little to add except that MP3-encoders can make a hugh difference in the quality of your Mp3. Obviously settings within those encoders can make a big difference as well. If you are going the Mp3 route, I'd seriously consider ensuring that you used LAME and a standard -preset when you encoded your tracks. LAME has been very widely tested and the presets have equally been tested many times. The reason why older MP3s that you find (and somteimes newer ones as well) sound terrible is because they were ripped improperly with poor Mp3 codecs and poorly thoughtout settings. -Very- few people can tell the difference between a properly encoded Mp3 and a FLAC. You'll need a golden system AND golden ears. As Sean pointed out, this can heavily depend on the source material. MP3 presets are optimized to be a general as possible but some types of music will fall outside that optimal range. Having said that, I have neither (a golden system nor golden ears) but I use FLAC because a) hard disk space is very cheap right now. b) I know i'll never need to re-rip all my CDs again if improved lossly codecs come out. c) its nice to -know- that you aren't missing out on any of that amazing sound. ss. -- street_samurai ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: Looking for advice on sound quality
radish said the following on 30/09/2005 17:17: Mike Anderson Wrote: Looks like it will take well over 30 mins to encode most of my CDs, Wow. Why? Do you have a very slow CD drive or something? On my PC using EAC a typical rip takes about 2 minutes, with compression happening in the background and rarely taking more than another 30 seconds. I'm afraid I can't offer any specific software recommendations for Mac, though I know there are people on the forum who are Mac users. If your rips only take 2 minutes using EAC then you're not using secure mode whicn means you might as well not use EAC. I suggest you visit one of the oft-posted links telling you how to set up EAC correctly. R. -- http://robinbowes.com If a man speaks in a forest, and his wife's not there, is he still wrong? ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
mac Wrote: Now that's a novel idea. And who do I have to thank for the idea? hehe... -- joshk ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: External DAC?
PhilNYC Wrote: I use Blue Circle hybrid gear driving Focus Audio speakers. Yes, not quite as fast as your Naim setup (I've never thought Naim to be edgy), and hardly a system that would be considered analytical. And yes, I have tried the Benchmark in my system. My reference DAC is the Dodson DA-218, and I also have a Resolution Audio Opus 21 cd player. Relative to both of these, the Benchmark left me cold (as did the Scott Nixon for completely different reasons). I still feel that the Bel Canto DAC2 is a better alternative in systems that might be fast and analytical (eg. Krell/Thiel). FWIW, I have a friend who owns a Naim/Neat Acoustics system who felt that the Bel Canto was a better match in his system than the Benchmark, so yes, it is very much a personal taste thing... I actually like Blue Circle quite a bit, and I would strongly consider it, if I was in the market again. I've not heard the Bel Canto, so I'll keep an eye out for it. -= Mike Hanson =- -- Mike Hanson ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: FLAC vs. VBR MP3: should I hear a difference?
street_samurai Wrote: -Very- few people can tell the difference between a properly encoded Mp3 and a FLAC. You'll need a golden system AND golden ears. As Sean pointed out, this can heavily depend on the source material. MP3 presets are optimized to be a general as possible but some types of music will fall outside that optimal range. Just call me Midas! :D Seriously, with any half decent equipment the difference is audible. During casual listening, or with high background noise, it might not be so apparent but if you adopt the audiophile position; sat still, lights out, concentrating on nothing but the music you will hear the difference... Mark -- Mark_H ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Re: FLAC vs. VBR MP3: should I hear a difference?
Is that even true between FLAC and, say, 360 CBR LAME mp3?On 9/30/05, Mark_H [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:street_samurai Wrote: -Very- few people can tell the difference between a properly encoded Mp3 and a FLAC. You'll need a golden system AND golden ears. As Sean pointed out, this can heavily depend on the source material. MP3 presets are optimized to be a general as possible but some types of music will fall outside that optimal range.Just call me Midas! :DSeriously, with any half decent equipment the difference is audible.During casual listening, or with high background noise, it might not be so apparent but if you adopt the audiophile position; sat still, lightsout, concentrating on nothing but the music you will hear thedifference...Mark--Mark_H___ audiophiles mailing listaudiophiles@lists.slimdevices.comhttp://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
