Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] What to upgrade next to improve sound quality ?
Above all a decent pre amp is the most important. Tact 2.0S ACTIVE will transform your hearing experience. It has dropped in price and has changed my listening. Of course, good speakers are necessary but it is the preamp stage that decides what is blown into your speakers. It is not magic. Best Ivan -- IvanSlade IvanSlade's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=12094 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39226 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Hi-Fi critric reveals their limited vision
Just to put things in perspective, here are some quotes from his column in the latest edition of HI-FI CHOICE (October 2007), titled History Lesson: Ripping a CD to the hard drive is quick and simple, and with the assistance of an audiophile-oriented streamer - such as the SB+ from UK specialist At-View - very good replay results can be obtained through a top quality hi-fi system. ...[snip]... After discharging the obligatory nit-picking of a serious hi-fi nut, the real strength of the SB+ lies in the sheer convenience and accessability that computer-based music storage brings to the party. ...[snip]... One reason why CD initially took off as a replacement for vinyl was because it brought full remote control convenience to the masses. Computer-based music storage and replay goes another major step along the same path, in allowing finger-tip access to one's entire music library. Even though I'll still seek out and spin vinyl for personal pleasure, there's no doubt in my mind that computers and servers represent the future of hi-fi for the majority of consumers. So, in my opinion he completely gets it... -- Jaco Jaco's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=10726 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39438 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Squeezbox with Word Clock in, AES/EBU etc.?
And that is not being talked about. So.someone here has seen fit to point out my TDR work on AC. Has anyone noticed that an important person here also does not like SC transformers? Can we finally agree that they are mostly marketing hype? As for the bead...for those of you who did not read closely... Yes, it is there for EMI compliance. Try making millions of something without one. Recovered jitter is affected by TX and RX impedance, but any manufacturer has to weigh the benefits of higher output dv/dt, BW, etc., with all the grief it will cause gaining compliance acceptance. Small companies, and the hordes of after-market weeines, can skate by without such measures. BTW..why do so many of you send off these units to be modded..at an exorbitant price, in some case..so willingly? The logic of paying 2-3X the cost of the unit to be improved, by sometimes dubious means, escapes me. But..you paid for it: enjoy it! Regards to all, Pat -- ar-t ar-t's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=13619 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=38637 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Squeezbox with Word Clock in, AES/EBU etc.?
ar-t;236631 Wrote: The logic of paying 2-3X the cost of the unit to be improved, by sometimes dubious means, escapes me. That's because logic hasn't got anything to do with it. -- opaqueice opaqueice's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4234 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=38637 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Squeezbox with Word Clock in, AES/EBU etc.?
Hey Pat welcome to the Slim Devices forum. Looking forward to your insights! -- crooner Customized dual chassis Super Squeezebox EAD DSP-7000 Series III DAC with HDCD and mods. VPI Scout with Benz Micro Glider M2 Marantz 10B tube FM tuner Audio Research PH3, SP16L and VS110 Vandersteen 2Ce signatures, 2W subwoofer. crooner's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3379 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=38637 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] How to plug component audio cables into 5.1 speakers?
Hey folks, Looks like people here seem to know their stuff, so I was hoping somebody could help me out. First, I'll describe my situation: I would like to play my game consoles (PS2 and Wii) on my LCD computer monitor (Samsung 226BW, 22, DVI, VGA inputs). To be able to do this, I bought a Neoya X2VGA2.0+ VGA/Component converter (www.x2vga.com). With this I can plug my component cables into the device, and then a 15-pin monitor connection into the device, and I'm good to go all the way up to 1080p (although, sadly, it won't convert 480i). So that's fine, but now my problem is audio - I can't play games without sound! So what I would like to do is to find a way to plug my two audio leads (from the component cable) into my 5.1 computer speakers - maybe there's some sort of adapter I can get? Please note that the computer speakers are regular - they only have the 3.5mm plugs (three), which go into the sound card on the back of my computer. I'm hoping there's some way to get the component cables to a converter, then plug that into the 5.1 computer speaker jacks. Any ideas? Thanks a lot! -- dementia13 dementia13's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=13581 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39501 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Any SB2 owners want to upgrade?
crooner;236564 Wrote: There's nothing like the old SB2 for a DIY project, the form factor is perfect for the job. I hope Slim Devices/Logitech gives the upcoming SB4 a more conventional enclosure. Exactly, the display mounted to main board on the SB3 is very limiting for DIY. -- Jitterbug Jitterbug's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4955 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39471 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Any SB2 owners want to upgrade?
crooner;236564 Wrote: I hope Slim Devices/Logitech gives the upcoming SB4 a more conventional enclosure. I would not hold my breadth for this hope. Rumours are that sales went up significantly when the SB3 came out. As we all know, inside a SB2 and SB3 are identical, but the SB3 package connects with the customers and the customer's wallets. I'd lobby instead for SqueezeBox, OEM version that skips the case. Probably be no cheaper, but would server as a better DIY base. -- pfarrell Pat http://www.pfarrell.com/music/slimserver/slimsoftware.html pfarrell's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=200 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39471 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Any SB2 owners want to upgrade?
pfarrell;236686 Wrote: I would not hold my breadth for this hope. Rumours are that sales went up significantly when the SB3 came out. As we all know, inside a SB2 and SB3 are identical, but the SB3 package connects with the customers and the customer's wallets. I greatly prefer the SB3 form factor, and I suspect that's the case for most people. In any case the SB4 may be just a little featureless box with some outputs, with the Jive controller to act as a display. I suppose modders would be pretty happy with that. -- opaqueice opaqueice's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4234 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39471 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Digital Amps
DAC,DAC,DAC. I know that serious audiophiles view analog as the one and only way to play music. Well, I know serious people (me included)who have gone full digital. My Panasonic SA-XR70 has no DAC at any stage. It also has none of the problems of analog amps. Do a little research. Sony has published an article about one that they make. http://www.docs.sony.com/release/STRDA9000ES_TWP.pdf By the way the SA-XR70 has been replaced by newer models, but you will not find one used unit for sale. No one will give one up. -- dancemanster dancemanster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=13530 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39504 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Squeezbox with Word Clock in, AES/EBU etc.?
acousticsguru;229431 Wrote: I'll admit it, I'm new around here, but have spent several days reading through hundreds if not thousands of posts here and on other boards, and come to the conclusion that many, if not most (!) audiophiles are looking for exactly the same product as I am: an easy-to-use streaming client to feed data into their high-end D/A-converter, in other words, an already existing stereo in which it would replace the CD-transport. I appear not to be alone in looking for something like the Squeezebox, with all the necessary digital outputs (AES/EBU still seems the choice of audiophiles), a word clock input (to complete the wish list, 24/96 or higher resolution capability appears on many people's wish list - but I understand the latter could not be implemented in the current Squeezbox), with *NO* unnecessary expenses for DAC, output stages, extra power supply and regulators (nor even, necessarily, a costly aluminum chassis - most users seem wholly satisfied with their Squeezebox). At this point in time, all there seems to be is the Transporter, at (depending on the source) rougly seven times the cost. Looks like a neat product to me, just not what any audiophile not born yesterday needs (i.e. it aims at people who are in the market to buy their first high-end stereo). Maybe the product I'm alluding to, a streaming client to replace one's high-end CD-Transport can be had from some Squeezebox modder and I just haven't found it yet? Of course, the existence of modders merely proves my point, that there are others looking for a streaming client to replace their high-end CD-transport. Makes me wonder, is Slim Devices/Logitech going to offer an audiophile Squeezebox anytime soon? I mean, since it's so obvious from these (and other forums') pages that if fairly priced, it would sell like hotcakes? Greetings from Switzerland, David. I support this idea 100%. I would love to have a SB-like purely digital device, a transport with maximum possible connection versatility, without being have to pay for rather expensive high quality analog stage that I don't need anyways. I always believed in modular architecture, and even though modularity has it's obvious overhead over integrated devices, the inherent flexibility makes it worth the trouble for me. -- 325xi sb3 || simaudio nova cdp simaudio moon i-5 revel performa m20 on *skylan* stands via acoustic zen matrix reference ii and acoustic zen satori sb3 audioengine 5 325xi's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=5661 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=38637 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Squeezbox with Word Clock in, AES/EBU etc.?
crooner;236650 Wrote: Oh, BTW, who's the fella that doesn't like the SC transformers, ezkcdude? Sean Adams, IIRC. -- opaqueice opaqueice's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4234 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=38637 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Digital Amps
dancemanster;236703 Wrote: DAC,DAC,DAC. I know that serious audiophiles view analog as the one and only way to play music. Well, I know serious people (me included)who have gone full digital. My Panasonic SA-XR70 has no DAC at any stage. Strictly speaking, the whole thing is one big DAC with lots of gain and a good power supply. Still, I agree that class D amps are an interesting way to go. -- opaqueice opaqueice's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4234 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39504 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Transporter - Face Plate Issues....?
Hi Guys, I've a Black Transporter - wondering if you had seen these problems? [image: http://img.hexus.net/david/the_pain.JPG] Any ideas how to get it fixed, or fix it myself? Is this a known issue? -- tporter_user tporter_user's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=13629 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39509 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Transporter - Face Plate Issues....?
tporter_user, it's awfy dusty!,i have the sane complaint here. no doubt your Transporter does look a wee bit out of sorts.. i'm presuming here that mabye you started with a SB of some flavour,here i have a black SB3 and seriously contemplating upgrading to the TP.any pointers?. dennis -- dennis55 dennis55's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=8884 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39509 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Transporter - Face Plate Issues....?
No no - you don't get me :) Firstly it's at my friends place - I took it over there today to try it out and compare it to his SB3 When I unboxed - I left it powered up for an hour or so - and the front perspex is buldging out - and I pushed it back in to place and it popped out. Excuse the dust/crap in the picture - it was only to show people the issue with the face plate. My first one of the Slimdevices was a SliMP3 unit I've been with Sonos since - but I've upgraded my home setup to: Primare Pre/Power Primare CD Dali Helicon 400 Speakers Chord Signature Interconnects and Speaker Cables Hence wanting a sweet MP3 box - but worried about the perspex popping out and wanted to know if it was a known issue and how to resolve. -- tporter_user tporter_user's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=13629 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39509 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Any SB2 owners want to upgrade?
The SB3's case is prettier, but useless for DIY projects. The SB2, while uglier in stock form, it's the perfect platform for modding. The results can be mighty impressive! +---+ |Filename: super sb outdoor 2.jpg | |Download: http://forums.slimdevices.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3582| +---+ -- crooner Customized dual chassis Super Squeezebox EAD DSP-7000 Series III DAC with HDCD and mods. VPI Scout with Benz Micro Glider M2 Marantz 10B tube FM tuner Audio Research PH3, SP16L and VS110 Vandersteen 2Ce signatures, 2W subwoofer. crooner's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=3379 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39471 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Any SB2 owners want to upgrade?
Well, while we're wishing: an OEM version which could take multiple display types and with a programmable interface would be on my list. A large colour LCD display with album art would delightful. -- Jitterbug Jitterbug's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=4955 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39471 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Transporter - Face Plate Issues....?
Neither of my two Transporters has had this problem... I'd suggest you email Slim support, they're normally very helpful. Dave -- DCtoDaylight DCtoDaylight's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7284 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39509 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Digital Amps
dancemanster;236703 Wrote: It also has none of the problems of analog amps. Lets see, your amp has distortion, just like an analog amp, it has limited bandwidth, just like an analog amp, it produces noise, just like an analog amp Class D amps do have some benefits, mostly in terms of power efficiency, but they certainly are not flawless! Glad you like yours, but I'm afraid your claim of them not having the same problems of analog amps is completely wrong. Dave -- DCtoDaylight DCtoDaylight's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7284 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39504 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] What to upgrade next to improve sound quality ?
Hello Auronthas, The most bang for the buck music wise is your output source i.e. your speakers. Is buying the DAC a move up in performance, it is. With your current system equipment will it be a realized gain, in other words, will I hear an improvement? IMO, one would be hard pressed to hear an over all improvement. It would probably be more hit and miss with certain little things under specific circumstances. IMO, buy a pair of Vandersteen Model 1Cs (or other floor standing full range speaker maybe used Thiels or Vandy Model 2Cs) with the grand then save up some bucks and get a Transporter. Keep the Squeezebox for a second system or pair of powered speakers. If space is an issue or you are going to upgrade to pricier speakers later then buy a pair of Vandersteen VMS-1s to hang on the wall. When you upgrade from VMS-1s they can move to your secondary system or become your rears or surrounds in a 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system. Think about the reason you would be buying the DAC. Isn't it to get more audio information to your source devices? Maybe more defined highs, deeper lower tighter bass, and to improve the clarity of the midrange. It is my opinion that the biggest issue in the audio market is that people have forgotten why they are buying what they are buying and that is what is driving the retail market. Ask yourself first, Why do I need a DAC? The next question is, Do I really need a DAC with the current equipment I have? Now even if the answer to question 1 and 2 is positive reason for getting a DAC, think again about why I need it, what area of my system it will improve, and what effect it will have on the other equipment. Will it force me to upgrade something else, if the answer is yes, buy what it will force you to upgrade first because that is where money needs to go, that is where the most improvement will be heard. Even more importantly, those spent hard earned dollars will be paying music dividends immediately instead of waiting until the piece that needs upgrading because of the change gets upgraded. Don't buy a turbo charger for your car just because you think you need one, think that you want one, or because everybody else is. This is doublely true if you want to turbo charge a Mustang GT and you own a Kia. Get the Mustang first, then maybe a Mustang GT, and then if you want more power and speed, buy the turbo. -- iPhone iPhone's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=13622 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39226 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Transporter - Face Plate Issues....?
My TP hasn't had this issue at all.. looks like a defective glue job, or a mis-cut in the plastic. I would call slimdevices, I'm sure they'll take care of the problem. -- SuperQ SuperQ's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2139 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39509 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] HD Music Downloads from iTrax
I was thinking about downloading a couple Linn 24/96 studio master songs just to see what they sound like. Anyone like particular examples that demonstrate quality? I was thinking of a Claire Martin and maybe one of the classical ones. -- thomsens thomsens's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=1352 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=34870 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Digital Amps
Digital amps are really cool.. however Class D doesn't always mean no DAC. If memory serves, the Panasonic units use the TI PurePath chips to do the PWM amplifications. I don't remember if these do the DAC functions internally or not. -- SuperQ SuperQ's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2139 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39504 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Digital Amps
Sorry folks, i didn't mean to sound all uppity. My point was really about the fact that i wasn't seeing anything about digital amps. In trying to learn about my sb it seems to be all about connecting to a DAC. I am also learning about other things including my receiver/amp. As far as specs-i can turn the amp all the way up with no signal in and hear nothing. The bandwidth is indeed limited-to 4Hz-88kHz. I like it and i just wanted some discussion so i can learn. i would say this tho, try it. Peace -- dancemanster dancemanster's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=13530 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39504 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
