Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Can Squeezebox play streaming radio at 320 kbps?
basslover: Yes, the 320kb/s Linn stations sound better than Rhapsody at 192kb/s, mostly in the high frequency extension and detail. But I'm not saying the 192kb/s sounds bad - it is very nice sounding also. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=79452 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Can Squeezebox play streaming radio at 320 kbps?
The Linn Radio stations play fine on my Squeezebox classic at 320kbs and sound very good. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=79452 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] best internet station sound quality?
Rhapsody streams at 192k, the sound quality is very good. I recommend them highly. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 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] Ref: What Should I Buy ?
Go with the SB3. That's what I have for my hifi system. I do use an external DAC but this is not necessary at first. The SB3 DAC is decent but I get somewhat better sound with the external DAC (a Behringer DEQ2496, you can also use a SRC2496 which has the same DAC for about $100 less). Or if you are happy with the SB3 but want a better DAC you could sell the SB3 and move up to the transporter. But the SB3 should be just fine as a proof of concept, you may end up just keeping it, it is certainly good enough. I'm very pleased with the sound qulaity and it totally eliminated the ground loop hum problems I was having when I tried to run a cable across the room to my computer before I got the Squeezebox. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=66594 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Power supply & DAC for my SB3 - recommendations?
Here's a really cheap DAC that I think sounds pretty good. I got mine for US $130 new, but the price has gone up to $199 now. http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHSRC2496 It has a DAC, and ADC, and a sample rate converter. I'm using mine to up the sample rate from the Squeezebox to 24/96 before going through the DAC (seems to make the sound a bit smoother for some reason.) Actually, I'm using the DAC in a DEQ2496, but it's the same DAC). The headphone output is not that great, your dedicated headphone amp is far better. The SRC2496 has balanced XLR outputs, but I use inexpensive XLR/RCA adapters (available at any pro audio shop) to connect to my preamp. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=63349 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/mailman/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] New to the squeezebox world!
Welcome aboard, Jason! I'm also using Magneplanar speakers (SMGc's) and mostly listen to streaming audio from Rhapsody and Pandora. The sound quality is really good (I use an external DAC with a Squeezebox 'classic'.) and the the huge variety of music available is amazing. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=54928 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Start Small or Jump to Transporter?
I don't know if I would say SACD is dead, there are over 5,000 SACD titles reviewed over at sa-cd.net. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=51311 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Start Small or Jump to Transporter?
I'm using a Squeezebox 3 coaxial digital out to the DAC in a Behringer DEQ2496 and the sound is very good! This is not an expensive DAC (AKM AK4393). The Burr-Borwn DAC in your processor looks even better, so I think you may be pleased with the SB3 or Duet digital out running into the Rotel processor. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=51311 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Online source for sensible interconnects?
I just replaced most of my cables with Blue Jeans LC-1 and it is a very good sounding cable, regardless of price. It also happens to be very low cost. The quality of the cable/connectors, looking at it in person is even better than it appears on their web site. I give them my highest recommendation. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=50932 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Power Line Filtration
I use a Furman PL-8 series II, available at Guitar Center for $159. It does not have any negative effect on the sound that I can detect. http://www.furmansound.com/product.php?div=01&id=PL-8_II -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=51004 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] room correction / EQ is awesome!
I know what you mean about can't wait to get home and listen some more! I'm also using the DEQ2496 as a DAC for my SB3 (besides doing the equalizing in the digital domain) and I'm getting very good sound. I listened to Mozart's Prague symphony this morning, 128kbps on Pandora and it sounded great! -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=51046 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Newbie Q - but related to Audiophiles
I'm also running my SB3 through an external DAC (Behringer DEQ2496), and I've found while my preamp benefits from an hour or two warm up time, the SB3 seems to sound fine as soon as it's switched on. I leave the SB3 off (AC supplied via a power conditioner which is normally switched off) rather than on standby. When I turn it on it needs to re-connect with the wireless router but this only takes 10-15 seconds and happens automatically. Be sure to try your Rhapsody 30-day trial, I'm on day 8 and have been finding some very good sounding recordings. 192kb MP3 actually sounds quite nice through a good system. Here are two Rhapsody recommendations from last night which I thought sounded very good: Buena Vista Social Club by Buena Vista Social Club (2004) The Three Pickers by Earl Scruggs (2003) -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=50759 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] NOISE Pollution
Turn the fridge off when you are listening to music. If it's only an hour or so and you don't open the door it will stay cold inside. You could also unplug the DVR if it isn't scheduled to record any shows while you are listening. Our DVR, a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300 is normally off but will turn itself on to record a show. I don't think it keeps the hard drive spinning because I can't hear any sound coming from it when it is off. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=50025 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] To DAC or Not to DAC
Thanks, the Kairn is what I've been thinking of to replace the LK1. >From what I've read it's better to get one with the switching power supply. I would want one with the phono inputs since I have a turntable, but you recommend the line-only version? And I'll have to check out the 5103 since I don't know much about it. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=49648 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] To DAC or Not to DAC
No problem, I appreciate your reply. I am not a Rhapsody user, but I'll see if I can find the same tracks elsewhere or maybe sign up for a free trial of Rhapsody - I see there is a 30 day free trial so I'll probably use this opportunity to check it out. I can try to listen to the tracks you mentioned, but I don't have the better quality versions to compare to. On a few songs where I did have the original recording, the 128k MP3 sounds very good, nothing objectionable at all, and when I play the original (the case I am thinking of was a track by Alison Krauss + Union Station off the "Live" 2-SACD set) I do hear more detail, clarity and 3-d effect, but the 128k had all of those qualities, just less detailed, but it still sounded good. I recently did a number of changes to my system, which before was sounding a bit 'thin' as you describe. But now it has very nice bass/upper bass/lower midrange which forms a nice solid 3-d image. It's very 'coherent', so if a player slaps the strings on a guitar it sounds realistic, I get the feeling there is someone in the room in front of me slapping those strings. It's definitely a lot more involving to listen to now, even with 128k. See if you can get to my Pandora profile page here: http://www.pandora.com/people/kh6idf1 and if you can see the few songs I have bookmarked. I usually bookmark ones that sound especially good. I'll try to add some more if I get a chance over the next few days. You should also be able to play my 73 stations I have set up - maybe you can find some overlap in our musical tastes. The station list will change as I delete some and add others of course. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=49648 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] To DAC or Not to DAC
bhaagensen;318382 Wrote: > I agree that at higher bit rates lossy can sound quite good, and even > the low bitrates are OK for background listening and such. But > seriously, when listening to music, and by that I mean sitting in the > sweet spot with no books, newspapers, laptops etc, turn the volume up > and the lights down. Then 128k sounds nothing but crappy. Of course > "crappy" is relative to some baseline defined by the overall setup. > Better dacs, speakers, etc will move the "crappy"-threshold. But the > point is that the quality is so much worse than it could be with proper > source material. If the difference is not that significant in a system > with specs such as yours, then there must be something else missing in > the setup, such as room acoustics, speaker placement etc. :) Yes, I am in the sweet spot, lights down, refrigerator not running, eyes closed, etc, etc. and I'm telling you the 128k stream sounds wonderful. 3-dimensional, detailed, coherent, very musical. I am surprised by how good it sounds. My speaker placement, room acoustics, etc are all in good shape. I can play an SACD of the same recording I'm hearing on Pandora, but this does not make the 128k version sound 'crappy' at all. The SACD has even more detail and transparency but the 128k version still sounds really good, I can't hear anything "wrong" with it on most recordings. Maybe it would help if you could describe what you hear as 'crappy' when listening to the 128k streams and I can compare it to what I'm hearing. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=49648 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] To DAC or Not to DAC
I just posted a reply to another thread with basically the same information, but I am using an external DAC with mostly internet radio/Pandora/Last.fm listening. It sounds REALLY good even though it is just 128kbps for most of the streams. There are some internet radio streams at 256 and sometimes higher that sound even better (look for AVRO in the shoutcast classical section) , but I am very happy with what I'm hearing at 128. Clear, transparent, detailed and coherent (emphasis on the coherent) with a nice solid stereo image and bass foundation. The SB3 internal DAC is pretty decent but I am hearing more transparency and coherence with the external DAC. If you could borrow a good DAC from someone or invite them over to hear the SB3 and bring their DAC it would be a no-cost way to evaluate the difference. Or try to get the DAC on a trial basis where you can return it if you don't think it makes enough difference. Here is the rest of my system to give you some point of reference: SB3 (using digital coaxial out) Behringer SRC2496 sampler rate converter (right now I am leaving the sample rate at 44.1 kHz, I had it upsampling to 24/96 but now it seems the 16/44.1 is a little better) - optical cable connecting to DEQ2496 Behringer DEQ2496 digital EQ (I'm using this for EQ and DAC) Linn LK-1 preamp Linn LK-280 amp (160W x 2 into 4 Ohms) Magnepan SMGc speakers with upgraded crossovers Audio Pro B-240 subwoofer (all but the B-240 plugged into a Furman PL-8 series II power conditioner) -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=49648 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Last.fm bitrate
mr_bill;318298 Wrote: > I've never used Last.fm, but just received the newsletter from Slim > Devices to sign up. > > My question is: What bitrate does Last.fm stream at. I'm hoping it's > high - so the sound quality is decent! > > Thanks. Thought I would jump in here and say I am VERY pleased with the sound quality I'm getting with 128kbps streams from my SB3 on Pandora & Last.fm. I'm using an (inexpensive) external DAC and a good hi fi system. I spent the last hour or two listening to mostly Pandora and the sound was really beautiful on nearly every recording. When I bought the SB3 I thought it would be merely acceptable for background listening but it is now my main source of music, mostly using Pandora, and I haven't turned my CD/SACD player on in weeks. It's really that good and this is at 128kbps! -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=49661 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] What DAC to use?
I'm using the DAC in a Behringer DEQ2496 auto-equalizer. I'm also first upsampling the 16/44 signal from the SB3 to 24/96 with a Behringer SRC2496, then sending it to the DEQ2496 via an optical cable . This combination seems to produce surprisingly good sound. The AKM AK4393 DAC in the DEQ2496 is pretty good in my opinion. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=49316 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Behringer DEQ2496 in Transporter digital loop for room correction?
I also got my DEQ2496 used for $200. I'm using it as a DAC with my SB3 as well as performing the digital EQ. It is doing a very good job at both functions. I like to leave my computer shut off when listening to Pandora, last.fm, internet radio, etc so the dedicated hardware is a better solution for me. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=48350 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] OMG digital cables matter!
I'm getting very nice sound using a cheap $7 cable I got at Fry's. It's a piece of RG6 coax with RCA's on the ends. The DAC I'm using is in a Behringer DEQ2496. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=48461 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] SB3 Volume setting
Set it to fixed volume level unless that is too high. In some cases a reduced setting will sound better if the fixed/100% level is overdriving the preamp input. I have mine set to 91%. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=48290 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Missing link? A little help please.
The FLAC file played through the SB3 SHOULD sound the same as the CD transport. And I think anyone would find it difficult to tell the difference between the FLAC and a 320kb/sec MP3 - they should sound close to the same. The only problem seems to be why does the CD transport sound significantly better than the FLAC file played through the SB3, when they are both using the same DAC? Are you using fixed level output or using the volume control on the SB3 for the digital coaxial output? I use the coax output also and I use the volume control set to 91. To me, the FLAC through the SB3 and from my CD transport (a Sony NS500V) sound the same. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=47988 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] Musical Fidelity 3.24 DAC
You might consider using a DEQ2496 or SRC2496 as a DAC: http://www.behringer.com/DEQ2496/index.cfm You also get a digital equalizer, real-time analyzer, automatic EQ (if you add a calibrated mic), excellent metering, etc. It's a real audio swiss army knife. I'm using it as my DAC and also using the auto-EQ function. You do need to turn the level down (using the utility menu) to match line level in consumer equipment (I have mine set to -3.5dB) and there is a switch on the back that must be set in the proper position so the output isn't too high. Also since it uses balanced XLR outputs you need an adapter to unbalanced RCA's (the adapters cost me $6 each at Guitar Center). I'm running the Squeezebox coaxial digital out into a SRC2496 (see below) then using an optical link between the SRC2496 and DEQ2496 which does the Digital to Analog conversion. Here's a lengthy and very positive review from a few years ago: http://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=digital&n=108244&review=1 Guitar Center and quite a few other online dealers sell it for $300: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Behringer-DEQ2496-Ultra-Curve-Pro-Mastering-Processor-Refurb-102305943-i1125218.gc I actually got mine for $200 - it was a returned, used unit. An even cheaper alternative is the SRC2496, which I also have and use to upsample the Squeezebox digital output to 24/96. It has D/A and A/D conversion and I believe it uses the same DAC as the DEQ2496. There is no adjustment on the analog output level but you can turn down the volume on the squeezebox a little if it's too much for your preamp/amp/etc. The SRC2496 is only $129! http://www.guitarcenter.com/Behringer-SRC2496-ULTRAMATCH-PRO-Converter-182480-i1125214.gc -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=47327 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] live recordings!
I was listening to this last night: Jake Shimabukuro -> 2007 -> 2007-02-03 Santa Barbara, CA Great performance and sound quality. Unfortunately archive.org seems to be down this morning. -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46630 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
Re: [SlimDevices: Audiophiles] My Super Squeezebox 1st Anniversary YouTube Video!
Very nice! Is that a battery in the front part of the power supply? -- kh6idf kh6idf's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=16848 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=46836 ___ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
