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New Computer: What Should I Get for Audio?

I need to buy a new computer (I've been without one for a while..writing this from work). I'd like to get something that will help me take advantage of high-resolution audio. I know virtually *nothing* about the subject at this point. I'd like to have something that will make doing hi-rez as easy as possible (without compromising sound, if possible).

Thanks for any help and suggestions you can offer. After I get the computer, I'll to figure out the rest of it, of course!
jfz
aplhifi
515 posts
 
Jfz,

Yes, 64 bit Windows 7 "sounds" a lot better than 32 bit.
You can also use a laptop with great results (I personally like the newer Core i3/5/7 Toshiba laptops) but make sure it comes with a separate graphics card, not using the Intel integrated graphics. Then you can use a DAC with USB input, or get USB to S/PDIF interface and use with any DAC.

I've tried all available ripping software programs (both PC and Mac) and did not find anything better than JRiver MC16/17 in "secure 4x" mode ripping to WAV.

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
sibelius
256 posts
 
If you are going the PC route I would look into both JRiver and JPlay. JRiver is a nice program that will manage your music library, let your rip CD's and allows you to convert music formats(among other things). JPlay is (to my ears) the best sounding music player for windows. It can be used as a stand alone version or as a plug in to JRiver. I've tried most of the alternative free versions out there but am happy I invested in these two programs.

Other things I would recommend - Don't skimp on system memory. Minimum of 4G and more if you can. I use a separate 2TB USB drive for all my music. Some folks swear by Solid State Drives with no moving parts. Windows 7 (64 bit) is probably your best bet now until Windows 8 comes along.

Good luck
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
Steve, have you tried Amarra 2.4 yet?

For the OP, I'd look at getting a Mach2Mini with the battery PSU option. I'm not sure what the guys at M2M do exactly but even with similar specs, I found my friend's AC powered M2M sound better than mine (factory MacMini 2010 with 8GB RAM and 120GB SSD and software tweaks to disable background processes and unneeded peripherals)
jfz OP
570 posts
 
Is there a sonic advantage to ripping one's CDs? Or is it a matter of convenience?
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Doggie - Yes I've tried Amarra 2.4. Dont like it, and I've given feedback to Jon Reichbach. He fixed the bugs, but nixed the SQ unfortunately.

I am trying 2.3.3 4344 today. I also really like 2.3.2 4319.

Differences in MINI SQ can be easily caused by break-in and even using different USB ports. Also power grounding and ground-loops can have a big influence. If you compare two of them, they need to be in exactly the same system and configuration.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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