Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] How would you spend this windfall? (DAC question)
I have the Benchmark DAC1 USB which I have connected via an optical cable and the sound is awesomemuch better than without the DAC. It's like having the live orchestra right in our listening room. Is the DAC2 that much of an improvement over the DAC1? In sound quality? Ikabob Squeezebox Touch w/LMS;Benchmark DAC1 USB;Marantz Pre-amp; SAE Amplifier;ESS Heil Speakers(main listening speakers plus various additional speakers). Multiple players: SqueezeBooms,SqueezeRadios; SB3; Services:Slacker;Sky.com; MOG; Sirius.com; Ipeng remote controller. Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=99265 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Surge protector question
Thank you for the information. Is there a simple SP strip that is made out of very high quality materials? Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=95953 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Surge protector question
Why avoid Monster? Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=95953 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Surge protector question
banned for life wrote: +1 You would be better concerned with the capacity of the circuit your stereo is attached-to. While surge protectors vary with price and efficacy (avoid any Monster product,) changes in fidelity are likely more changed when your amplifier(s) cannot obtain current. bfl I understand what you are saying. It may be imagination but I think the higher priced surge protector does attenuate the amplifier's current. The result is a dulling pf the sound quality IMHO. So, I have now decided to try the lower priced sp. We'll see. Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=95953 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Surge protector question
Ok. Thank you very much for such educated explanations. We're lucky to have so many expert responses. I had purchased a surge protector that was made for a computer system... Maybe the electrical suppression (is that impedence) was too great for a sound system. So, I exchanged it for a very inexpensive SP and the pops and snaps are no longer present and the fidelity seems the same. There were some audio Monster SPs also which I passed up. They were advertised to clean up electrical noise but I was only interested in stopping the pops and snaps and I was fearful that the noise reduction promises might be at the expense of some high end sound. Should I give them a try? I'm very tempted to try one. What do I have going into the surge protector: Marantz preamp,Squeezebox Touch, DVR. Thanks again. Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=95953 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Surge protector question
I think you are correct, the old suppressor was old and probably deterioration did occur. At this moment I am listening with the Monster surge protectors which also claims noise filtration. I believe there is a positive improvement in the sound and I'm planning on checking them out further. So far it's good! Thanks for the responses. Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=95953 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Surge protector question
Thank you for the explanation. I'm not sure if I have lost some fidelity or not... Especially the high end. Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=95953 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Surge protector question
Whenever I make a change to some part of my music system (cables,component), I wonder if the sound quality has been affected pro or con. After experiencing some occasional and infrequent snaps/pops, I decided to troubleshoot. Luckily, changing out the surge protector has eliminated the noises. But, now I wonder whether the sound quality has been altered in some way with this new power surge protector. I don't think so but being obsessed and possibly paranoid with my system, I'm not real sure. So, my question is, can a surge protector influence in anyway the sound quality of a stereo system? Are there surge protectors that are specifically recommended for sound systems rather than computer/misc. protection? Recommendations, if any? Thank you. Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=95953 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Occasional random pops(snaps)?
Just recently I have noticed that when listening to my stereo system (Touch), that I will her At an occasional audible pop or snap. It sounds like an electrical thing but it has not become a problem until recently. I have changed the power inputs on the power strip, checked for any appliances that kick on and off, done a complete reboot of the router, modem and computer etc. I think all that did help a bit but even though less frequent , it still happens. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you. Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=95511 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Occasional random pops(snaps)?
I hear the occasional pop randomly, even when nothing is playing but the stereo system is on. I believe it may be an electrical interference coming from somewhere. It's a very rare occurance since I made some adjustments with the cords and after the rebooting procedure. Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=95511 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Questions about a DAC
Good advice, I'm sure. I just don't want to risk losing what I perceive as very excellent fidelity (even with older equipment). A DAC , I'll tryit's reversible. Yes, I am conservative in some ways. Thanks. -- Ikabob Ikabob Squeezebox Touch w/SBS; SAE Amplifier;Marantz Pre-amp;ESS Heil Speakers(main listening speakers plus various additional speakers). Multiple players: SqueezeBooms,SqueezeRadios; SB3; Services:Slacker;Sky.com; Spotify (Triode's Spotify plugin) Sirius.com; Ipeng remote controller. Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91401 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Questions about a DAC
Yes, there is a dealer nearby that I could try out some different DACs . The list of potential DACs and adding the Rega would give some nice possibilities. Thanks for all the replies. -- Ikabob Ikabob Squeezebox Touch w/SBS; SAE Amplifier;Marantz Pre-amp;ESS Heil Speakers(main listening speakers plus various additional speakers). Multiple players: SqueezeBooms,SqueezeRadios; SB3; Services:Slacker;Sky.com; Spotify (Triode's Spotify plugin) Sirius.com; Ipeng remote controller. Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91401 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Questions about a DAC
Jeff Flowerday;667845 Wrote: Not being on very often is probably worst than being on when it comes to aging caps. They dry out and if they burst you could have some real damage on your hand. A little preventive maintenance in this case is a good thing. .02 Thank you for the advice Jeff. I will keep it in mind. At this time the system has sounded so good for so long that I am very hesitant to tamper with it. -- Ikabob Ikabob Squeezebox Touch w/SBS; SAE Amplifier;Marantz Pre-amp;ESS Heil Speakers(main listening speakers plus various additional speakers). Multiple players: SqueezeBooms,SqueezeRadios; SB3; Services:Slacker;Sky.com; Spotify (Triode's Spotify plugin) Sirius.com; Ipeng remote controller. Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91401 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Questions about a DAC
Thank you very much Rick. I definitely appreciate your advice. Actually I have the touch into the preamp and the preamp into the amp. The Rega has certainly had so many positive comments that I am leaning toward it but the cost difference is significant. Thanks. -- Ikabob Ikabob Squeezebox Touch w/SBS; SAE Amplifier;Marantz Pre-amp;ESS Heil Speakers(main listening speakers plus various additional speakers). Multiple players: SqueezeBooms,SqueezeRadios; SB3; Services:Slacker;Sky.com; Spotify (Triode's Spotify plugin) Sirius.com; Ipeng remote controller. Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=91401 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Logitech offer: 50% off any one item
Where is a radio for 116? Thanks. -- Ikabob Ikabob Squeezebox Touch w/SBS; SAE Amplifier;Marantz Pre-amp;ESS Heil Speakers(main listening speakers plus various additional speakers). Multiple players: SqueezeBooms,SqueezeRadios; SB3; Services:Slacker;Sky.com; Spotify;Rhapsody Sirius.com; Ipeng remote controller. Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=89479 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Logitech offer: 50% off any one item
where do you get a coupon. They didnt send one to me. -- Ikabob Ikabob Squeezebox Touch w/SBS; SAE Amplifier;Marantz Pre-amp;ESS Heil Speakers(main listening speakers plus various additional speakers). Multiple players: SqueezeBooms,SqueezeRadios; SB3; Services:Slacker;Sky.com; Spotify;Rhapsody (Sirius.com on hold) Ipeng remote controller. Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=89479 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Spotify versus Rhapsody Audio Quality
Thanks Keith. I'm not sure where that save-to-playlist button is located. -- Ikabob Ikabob Squeezebox Touch w/SBS; SAE Amplifier;Marantz Pre-amp;ESS Heil Speakers(main listening speakers plus various additional speakers). Multiple players: SqueezeBooms,SqueezeRadios; SB3; Services:Rhapsody; Sky.com; Spotify; Sirius services; Ipeng remote controller. Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=88799 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Spotify versus Rhapsody Audio Quality
I seem to like the sound quality of Spotify better but the search and save functionality of Rhapsody is much superior Unless I am missing something about Spotify that has not been pointed out to me, saving an entire album from Spotify is impossible, unless you use the save to favorites function. Finding an album is easier with Rhapsody too as far as I can tell (composer,album name,artist,track name). -- Ikabob Ikabob Squeezebox Touch w/SBS; SAE Amplifier;Marantz Pre-amp;ESS Heil Speakers(main listening speakers plus various additional speakers). Multiple players: SqueezeBooms,SqueezeRadios; SB3; Services:Rhapsody; Sky.com; Spotify; Sirius services; Ipeng remote controller. Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=88799 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Volume controlS questions???
Ok, so what I am hearing for this recommendation are medium settings on all volume component controls (pre-amp,amp and touch). This configuration leads to the least distortion and best s/n ratio. Correct? Thanks. -- Ikabob Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=79033 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Volume controlS questions???
So, totally bypass the pre-amp. That is an option I never thought about. I'll give that a thought. But I have an am/fm radio into pre- amp to amp...and a DVD player. -- Ikabob Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=79033 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Volume controlS questions???
I have the Touch(volume control1) which is RCA plugged into my pre-amp(volume control2) which is cabled into the amplifier( volume control3) which goes to the speakers switch that goes to the multiple speakers. Question: how should the volume controls be set in order to get the best audio fidelity? Right now I have the amp set at a medium setting, the pre-amp set at a very high setting and I use the Touch as my main variable setting for the desired volume at the time. I thought of cranking up the amp to full volume and then putting the pre-amp down to a much lower setting. Does anyone know what I am saying??? I just want to get the best fidelity with the least distortion. Or does it not matter? Thanks. -- Ikabob Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=79033 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Volume controlS questions???
Thanks... What I mean is the pre-amp has a volume knob, the amp has a volume knob and then the touch has a volume control. Thank you . -- Ikabob Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=79033 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Monster cables.
I have exchanged the stock touch RCA cables for some high quality Monster cables and I think there is an audible improvement in all aspects. My stereo components consists of a Marantz preamp onto an SAE amplifier into ESS Heil speakers (older components which I find very very excellent). So, I just ordered some Monster RCA to 1/4 inch cables that I intend to replace my original cables from rl preamp to amp cables. Question : Do experts here on the forum think that this will also bring some positive audible improvements to my stereo listening experience? I,myself, am not an audiophiles expert but I do appreciate good quality classical music. I love the Squeezebox system. -- Ikabob Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=78593 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Monster cables.
Aubuti, yes, my college days stereo purchases are still awesome in my opinion. I have no desire to update anything. The ESS speakers seem very high quality. I remember A/B ing them with the JBL 100s and I liked the uniformity between the highs and lows of the ESSes enen though the JBLs were more popular by many. So, with the Squeezes it really makes my system symphonic quality and that is one reason I am so excited about the Squeezebox system. -- Ikabob Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=78593 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Monster cables.
Wow. They sure have established a good reputation. Thanks for the advice. -- Ikabob Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=78593 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Optical out;no optical in question.
I have the SBTouch which I use with my stereo. I am using an RCA connection. I have read that an optical glass fiber cord connection results in the best sound quality. My pre-amp has only RCA inputs. Is a cord made that goes from optical out to RCA in? If so, does it result in a noticable improvement in quality? Actually, I think the quality even now is awesome. Thanks. -- Ikabob Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=77708 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Optical out;no optical in question.
Thanks for your responses. I am very very happy with my RCA analog connection into my 1970s pre-amp. The sound is awesome. Thanks. -- Ikabob Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=77708 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] best internet station sound quality?
Yes Mark, it does claim only 128kps, but check it out because the sound quality and clarity really seems so much better. To me it is much better than other services. Add a piece from Classical.com and the same piece from another service to a playlist and compare for yourself and let me know what you think. To me Classical.com is near CD quality. -- Ikabob Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=71701 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] best internet station sound quality?
As far as sound quality , if you like classical or jazz, I recommend the service called Classical.com. I find the fidelity to be cd quality and the music selections unlimited. I have compared the sound with other services an found that IMHO Classical.com is superior. I don't hear this service mentioned on this forum but you can give them a trial at no charge. The music is awesome,IMHO. -- Ikabob Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=71701 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] How does the router/modem affectfidelity?
Thanks again. What is a recommended good subwoofer? -- Ikabob Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=68324 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] How does the router/modem affectfidelity?
Ok. Thanks. Yes I do think the sound is awesome. would a subwoofer add a lot? -- Ikabob Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=68324 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
[SlimDevices: Audiophiles] How does the router/modem affectfidelity?
I just had the router/modem changed because of a problem I was having with stoppages. The change curedthe problem. Iam wondering though if the fidelity has been altered with a new router/modem? It is probably myimagination. Does signal strength affect quality of sound? Are there good routers and exceptional ones? Which are recommended? I am using the roadrunners Motorola model. Signal strength range is about 48%-73%. Does lower signal strenth result in lowerfidelity? Maybe I should purchase a better router? The present quality of sound is prettygood. Thanks. -- Ikabob Ikabob's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=32088 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=68324 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles