2. pc-audio
  3. 1402179720

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
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
Thanks for the help once again. I downloaded a couple of higher resolution albums last nigh into Audirvana and played them through the Oppo. The sound quality was about the caliber of a mediocre redbook CD. However, I'm using an old, cheap USB cable and my Oppo doesn't play DSD, which was the format of one of the albums. So, I'll be interested to try those upgrades to see if the computer audio rivals the quality of SACD or well recorded rebook.

Thanks again,
Scott
hgeifman
1,193 posts
 
Audirvana supports DSD and so does the Oppo 105. You probably need to change some settings so I suggest you see if you can get it to work. Please let us know how it sounds.
dtc's avatar
dtc
1,024 posts
 
I assume you are comparing to a CD played on your Oppo. You might try putting your files on a usb drive and playing them directly with you Oppo. Takes the computer/usb cable/usb interface out of the picture.
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
Thanks, Dtc, but then don't I need an external monitor hooked up with the Oppo?
dtc's avatar
dtc
1,024 posts
 
Yes, you need a monitor, which can be your TV. I am presuming if you have an Oppo you use it for movies. I am suggesting this as a trial, but I do know people who use this configuration for regular listening. You can start with a little thumb drive.

Also, if I remember correctly you can do DSD from a usb drive and cannot do DSD from a computer. I do not have a 105, but seem to remember that from somewhere. Could be wrong
More to discover