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PC based system, questions and clarifications...

This is long, I apologize….Currently I own a SBv3 which is in my main listening room upstairs which is connected via Ethernet to my three computers in the basement. While I like the SB I do not like it’s interface and the sound quality is not as good as what I heard at the recent RMAF here in Denver (particularly JA’s demonstration of high res 24/88.2 verses 16/44.1 vs 128K mp3, a real eye opener as to the bad sound quality of mp3 material). So I want to set up a PC server based system for quality reasons and for ready access to my music. I have 800+ CD’s and it is to hard to access and find them. I have spent the better part of the last 4 days doing online research but still a few questions remain. Please bear with me as this thread may help others doing the same thing.

First the PC. Initially I read that an Apple based systems were far superior to an XP based system do to the kmixer problems, difficulty in setup, etc. The pluses were that one had much more software to choose from (I have used EAC for several years, properly configured). The Apple iBook G4 was a good choice according to some (thank you Wavelength) as it has no fan (very quiet) and all it takes it about 5 system changes to get it working properly to output to a USB DAC. The iBooks’s downside is limited software (I dislike iTunes as I have to use it with my iPod and I do not want this to be my primary interface). Now I see that a Vista (Home Premium version??) equipped notebook is now perhaps a better solution. Specifically why? And what system changes to Vista should be made to output a file to a USB DAC (eg., Benchmark DAC1 USB or Bel Canto e.One Dac 3)?

Ripping software: Which software for the Vista based PC or the Apple based PC is best for ripping CD’s? As I indicated above I have used EAC in the past. It’s downside is poor metadata. How is dbpoweramp for quality ripping (absolutely no errors will be tolerated period!)? dbpoweramp’s metadata is better (Gracenote, is the reason I presume). For the Apple based PC what is best? I am an Apple dumb as I have always used Intel, Microsoft based PC’s, even building them in the past, so any help from an Apple standpoint is appreciated. Also

DACs: I only want a DAC that employs a USB interface. That much I know for sure (to many jitter problems to overcome with other interfaces). I read that not all DAC’s do USB correctly. Which do and which do not and why? So far the ones under consideration are the Benchmark DAC1 USB, Bel Canto e.One Dac3 and the Wavelength Brick. The Bel Canto is on the high end of the price spectrum for me and I prefer not to go there if possible. Although JA at the RMAF was running his iBook G4 to a Metric Halo Mobile I/O ULN-2 (firewire converter, he said) then into a Bel Canto e.One Dac3 (review upcoming). It sounded fantastic!

Storage for ripped files: I want a 1TB unit. While RAID 5 would be nice it’s more expensive, so I may forgo that option. The unit must be absolutely silent as possible as it may reside in my listening room. I would like it to have an Ethernet, USB, and firewire. To much to ask?? For example the LaCie Ethernet Big Disk is only Ethernet and USB 2.0, however the LaCie Big Disk Extreme+ has Firewire and USB 2.0 but no Ethernet. I may just have the disk sit on the wired Ethernet network. I may decided to rip from my XP based PC’s in the office to the external HD in my listening room but use an iBook G4 as the interface in the listening room. Are LaCie disks quiet? Do they have fans? Are there better/other ones to consider?

That is all for now. Thanks in advance for your input.
alan49
chazzbo
1,006 posts
 
This was very helpful for many of us.
Chazz
prpixel
826 posts
 
Well, let’s do a cost analysis of SB verses a computer rig.

SB3:
SB3 $300 (goes on sale every few weeks for $250)
Bolder Cables enthusiast analog mod $550 (includes shipping)
Elpac power supply (new) $123
Bolder Cables Elpac mod $125
Nokia N770 webpad $130
Signal cable 3' analog2 with bullet plugs $87
500GB eternal USB/eSATA backup drive $120
Total Cost - $1435 (all prices include shipping)

I put my friend into the same rig minus the Nokia and a 250GB HD about two weeks ago. His total cost was about $1250. His system consists of Anthem AVM2/Anthem 5 channel amp and VSA 4jr's. He was blown away by the sound even before the break in. He got so excited; he stayed up all night ripping CD's.

Computer Rig:
Mac mini to put in audio rack w/wireless keyboard $750
Buffalo 1TB Terrastation with raid $600
USB dac Benchmark $1275 Bel Canto DAC3 $2500 Wavelength Brick $1750
Signal cable 3' analog2 with bullet plugs $87
Misc cable - USB, Ethernet $50
Total Cost $2762 - $3987

I configured the computer rig to use the TV as a monitor. I'm assuming that this is going into a HT rig. If not, you will need to add a monitor. I know that some people use a laptop with a long USB cable running to the USB DAC in the audio rack. If you go this way, then drop the Apple mini and substitute a laptop. The mini has a neat little remote that will allow you to control playback from your listening chair.

I don't understand why you want a NAS with a usb port. You cannot plug a USB DAC into a NAS. It can only be plugged into a computer. Why do you want the NAS in the listening room? Hang it off of a wireless router in another room so you don't have to hear it.

I'm not saying one is better than the other. It just depends on what you’re trying to accomplish and how involved you want to get. If you don't want to get involved in mods, then just buy the Transporter, plug it in and away you go. The most important thing to remember is to backup all your music. I've had to re-rip my entire collection 3 times. Now I have two backup drives and I backup once a month.

I can't take a picture of my nokia right know because I just sent my SB2 back for an upgrade. Yes, I know I'm spending more on mods, but I like the convenience of having all of my collection on a HD; I will never go back to a standalone cd player.

BTW, my office system, which also runs the slim server software, consists of a PS Audio Digital Link III DAC driving a pair of Red Dragon Monos. Speakers consist of ERA Design4's and a custom sub based on the Pinnacle subcompact six. I don't use the USB connection on the DAC; I prefer using the coax digital out from my PC. Playback software is WMP 11.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
restock
826 posts
 
While I like the SB I do not like it’s interface... small>

I am glad I am not alone - I was considering using the Squeezebox as well,
but could not stand the interface (either the web-based one or the little
display). One of the main reasons I would not consider it.

I like the Mac Mini as the center of the entertainment system and prefer the
Front Row interface (maybe just personal taste). The ultimate goal was to
replace my CDP (which it did) as well as the DVD player and a second
Windows PC that is used for watching Cricket.

I have both the Benchmark USB DAC 1 and the Wavelength Brick - which one
works better depends very much on the rest of the system. The Brick's
strengths lie in the midrange and resolution of fine details, but the bass is
very much on the soft side. The Benchmark has much tighter, fuller, tuneful
bass and more apparent top end resolution, althought it doesn't quite recover
the texture and resonances of instruments as well as the Brick. The
Benchmark has a more lively and direct presentation, the Brick more laid back
and flowing.
alan49 OP
8 posts
 
Thanks Prpixel for your comments. I already own a SB3. While I like the convenience of being able to select music from my hard drive (I have only ripped about 15 CD’s) I am not that impressed with the sound quality (playing FLAC files, ethernet connection not wireless) of playback. It certainly is not better than my CD player. My SB has not been modified except I added a high quality linear PS. I would certainly like to compare a modified SB with a stock unit before I sent mine in. Even so most people have stated that a computer based sound system using a high end USB DAC beats a SB. At the RMAF show last weekend I heard an awesome computer based system JA of Stereophile had a seminar comparing mp3, 16/44.1 and 24/88.2. He was playing his files thru a Bel Canto Dac3. The rest of the electronics were Conrad Johnson but the speakers were only a $2,000 pr Avalon’s.

I will probably be using a laptop (either a iBook G4 or a MS Vista based notebook). There is a neat little software program ($23) that I can put on my bluetooth wireless PDA that will allow me to remotely control my laptop if needed. I will investigate the mini. All of this equipment will be in my dedicated 2 channel system. The HT is in another room.

I was only looking for a USB/firewire/ethernet interface incase I decided to go the MS Vista route instead of the iBook G4. No big deal as I will most likely get the Ethernet version, that way it is a standalone unit that can be in another room.

Wow, ripped your CD’s 3 times! What happened? I have used PC’s (before hard drives) and I have only had one drive fail on me. Initially I was only thinking of getting a single 1TM drive (about $300) and save some money, maybe not now….

I see that you have a PS Audio Digital Link III DAC. What do you think of it? Did you compare it to any other DAC’s? To the SB?

Thanks again for your input.
alan49 OP
8 posts
 
Restock: I am sorry but I am Apple dumb. I have been an intel/MS user since the days of DOS. What is “Front Row” interface? Thank you for your input/comparison of the DAC’s. The Wavelength Brick was one of my considerations as well. I have to see if they have a 30 trial like Benchmark does. What file format did you use?

Thanks
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