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Help a REAL newbie. Please

Hi everyone,

I've recently returned to high end audio after a 20-year absence. I'm very happy with the sound of my set-up, but apparently I missed a few things in computer audio over the last couple of decades :). I have only downloaded one album to iTunes in my life, and I know nothing about hooking up my computer to a stereo system. I don't even own an iPod. I have an Oppo 105 and a Hegel H80 integrated (has an internal DAC). I also have a Macbook Air, but I haven't used it for audio purposes.

Rather than expanding my fairly limited CD collection, I'd like to begin to build a library of high resolution files that can be played on my system. But I really have NO idea where to start. I've had a heck of a time finding a good guide to computer audio that isn't too advanced for me or that covered lots of irrelevant (to me) information. I'm only interested in getting the best audiophile-quality sound I can out of my system.

Do any of you have a suggestion of books, websites, videos, etc. that might get me up to speed relatively quickly on the basics? It's a new world out there for a luddite like me who doesn't even own a cell phone.

Thank you for your time to help out a newbie.

All the best from Oregon,
Scott
smrex13
hgeifman
1,193 posts
 
The web site below provides information for using your MAC (or PC) computer for use as a music server. It is easy to understand and provides all the setup info you need to made your MAC, or PC, to output the audio signal to your DAC.

http://www.ayre.com/usb-dac.htm
hgeifman
1,193 posts
 
See below for another great site for Mac computer setup.

http://www.usbdacs.com/Macintosh/Macintosh.html

There is another link for using Windows.
gocubs999
154 posts
 
Scott,
Welcome to the world of computer audio. Heres something to chew on: Not all HiRez downloads are created equal. Most of the 400+ titles I have acquired through HD Tracks and Linn Records. Neither provides information on recording quality (Dynamic Range). The quality of HiRez recordings is dependent on many things including the quality of the original recording. That said, I have compared Redbook CD recordings I have with the same version in HiRez and the results were in some cases disappointing. Here is a link to a sight that provides information on the quality of the recording you may wish to purchase.

http://dr.loudness-war.info/

Good luck!
Mark
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
Thanks for all your responses - I really appreciate the help. I've read through many of the sites you all mentioned, and I think I'm going to buy a good turntable :) Actually, with the pace at which the digital world changes, I have to imagine that it won't be too long before there are simple high end plug-and-play solutions that take a lot of the guesswork out of it. The new Sony HAP-Z1ES looks like an example of that.

I'll keep exploring, and thanks again for all your help. Happy Fathers' Day!

Scott
lewinskih01
793 posts
 
Smrex13,

True, computer audio is changing super-fast. But...so what? No need to be on the latest and greatest, and generally most complicated implementation. Try it out in a simple configuration and see if it's something appealing to you. As an example, the configuration I suggested sounds more complicated than what it really is to get it to work or to operate.

Maybe it's the ability to use hi-rez that hooks you (not my case), or the availability of so much music, or the flexibility/convenience, or who knows what. Or maybe it's not something you like. I encourage you to try, spending little in the experiment.

Have fun!
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