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What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?

73.229.29.71

Posted on January 16, 2017 at 20:54:47
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46196
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002


Just curious what others might be eyeing to buy next.

- A new DAC?

- A new network streamer?

- A new laptop computer?

- A new desktop / deskside computer?

- A new software player?

- A subscription to a streaming music service?

- A new NAS?

- A new tablet?

- What else?

What brand / model?




 

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RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 16, 2017 at 22:43:21
Jeff Starr
Audiophile

Posts: 1574
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Joined: March 4, 2000
If I had the money, I would buy an Aurrender.
Second I would have my friend bring over his Directstream and compare it to the Lindemann 825. (I got a Lindemann for Christmas, the transport has a mind of it's own,but the dac has 4 inputs)
If the Directstream was better, then I would also want the new DMP transport, for the ability to play DSD through the I2S input.

I recently replaced my Lambda with a b-stock PWT. Then I was loaned the Lindemann, and right after Christmas I was told it is now mine. It doesn't do DSD, but JRiver does a nice job of converting it to 24/176.
My system has never sounded better.

So, although I would like to do the upgrades above, I am quite content.

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 16, 2017 at 23:04:05
DAVID
Audiophile

Posts: 763
Joined: September 26, 1999
For me it would be a DAC. My modded Minimax sounds quite good but I'm keeping an eye on these new ESS DAC chips (9028 & 9038). Two DACS have come out, the Gustard 20 Pro and the Matrix, that I linked to, that show great bang for the buck. I'll be real interested to see what comes out in the DAC market utilizing these DAC chips.

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 00:19:02
jazz1
Audiophile

Posts: 2891
Joined: October 30, 2000
Would like to buy a new small laptop with a good battery life to control with wifi from where I sit my streaming services.
I am using a Devialet thus wifi to DAC is available,
A small laptop around 11" with at least a 3-4 hours battery life.

 

RE: Why not a tablet?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 01:21:43
Jeff Starr
Audiophile

Posts: 1574
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Joined: March 4, 2000
When my tablet took a dump, I replaced it with s Best Buy Insignia 8": tablet for $70.
It has a really long battery life, works great for Netflix.

Take a look:

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 02:51:17
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6580
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
I just finished reviewing the DirectStream Memory Player using the DirectStream DAC. The review will be posted Thur. at AS.

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 02:56:52
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6580
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
I just got the Ayre QX-5 Twenty and it should be ready for action by the end of this week. I ordered an SOtM sMS-200 2 weeks ago and waiting for shipment.

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 04:05:49
zelig
Audiophile

Posts: 117
Location: Connecticut
Joined: March 7, 2001
I just bought a Wyred4Sound USB Recovery unit. I looked at other makers as well but since my DAC is from the same manufacturer, I kept it in the family. I have a lot of music, digital and lps, ripped and stored on a NAS and played through my PC using J Media via USB so it seemed to be a logical purchase. Considering the cost to benefit, it's pretty good value.

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 05:43:53
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004

Because I want a new amp I may end up with a new streamer and dac. The reason being is the Simaudio Moon Neo ACE. I'm really hoping it shines like the reviews indicate that it does.

Cheers,

Scott

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 05:43:56
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18251
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
May 16, 2021
I am going to focus on my Desktop. Getting Rid of my 6 year old Tower PC and going the Mini PC Route. Eliminate a Lot of Clutter, Cords and Noise. (None of which resides in my Music Room, but in my Office) Will Purchase:

1.) Lenovo M900 Tiny PC with i7 Processor and SSD Drive.
2.) New Samsung (SE370)27 inch HD Monitor
3.) Already Purchased a 6TB Synology NAS system to hold All Files including Music Library.





 

Audirvana Plus 3 when it comes out , posted on January 17, 2017 at 05:56:25
I would like a copy of Audirvana plus 3 when it comes out,

bought the older version along with the remote app for the iPad very good, been upsampling most things to DSD 128 on my DAC.

After that, a new DAC, one with full built in MQA support, I already have the Meridian Explorer 2 but realized need something more complicated to make my constitution easier.

 

A Roon-ready streamer with MQA, posted on January 17, 2017 at 06:22:27
spons70ss
Audiophile

Posts: 35
Location: Indy
Joined: June 16, 2016
I would like to be able to eliminate the computer in my rack that I currently use to run Roon Bridge - something similar to the Auralic Altair as a replacement for my Wyred DAC2 DSD.

The streamer would have to be Roon-ready, decode MQA, have multiple digital inputs, and allow the input to be changed through an iOS app.

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 07:11:25
ahendler
Audiophile

Posts: 5151
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Joined: January 24, 2003
Nothing. There is nothing out there better than what I have.
Alan

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 07:35:40
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23874
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
January 29, 2004
I'm eagerly awaiting the introduction of the new Oppo Sonic DAC. I also might be interested in the new UDP-205 Blu-Ray Disc Player.

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 07:42:41
el34eh@yahoo.com
Audiophile

Posts: 1921
Location: Michigan
Joined: September 6, 2003




As I'm also using a W4S Recovery unit, I'd love to find a decent enough say $200 - $400 LPS to use with it, as it seem their own PS-1 and UpTone Audio UltraCap LS-1 appear to be the only ones making headway these days. Yet I'm hoping that other companies are paying attention to the fact that very few LPS are in fact made on America soil and correct this.

Once again......., a dedicated music server like either the entry level Aurender or Lumin are definitely on my list of must-haves before years end. And lastly a version of A+ that doesn't put such a strain on the Mac Mini's CPU would be a blessing in itself.

Great post by the way Abe......., thanks as always.

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 08:00:12
E-Stat
Audiophile

Posts: 37460
Joined: May 12, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
April 5, 2002
I recently acquired a demo Music Hall DAC for the Touch based garage system.

Now I'm ready to try some PI for dessert!

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 08:09:51
jec01
Audiophile

Posts: 1462
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Joined: September 22, 2004
A Raspberry Pi Picoreplayer for use in my home office system. I already have the Pi 3, and am waiting for delivery of a Hifiberry.

Then I will have to assemble and configure the darn thing. Given my level of computer savvy, you all can expect me to post a few cries for help. :)

Happy listening,

Jim

"The passage of my life is measured out in shirts."
- Brian Eno

 

What features will Audirvana Plus 3 have?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 08:11:13
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46196
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002

Are there new features or worthwhile enhancements coming in AV+ 3 ?



 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 08:17:28
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46196
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002

This should be very interesting. I wonder if Charles partnered with someone in creating the QX-5 Twenty. His forte is not 'digital' as best I know but the QB-9 DSD DAC was a major hit, as was the older QB-9. I -think- he partnered with Gordon on the QB-9, not sure if he did with the newer QB-9 DSD.

I recall when Dennis Had was still running Cary (retired long ago), they partnered with some contract engineer for their digital products. Dennis made some awesome sounding tube gear but 'digital' was not his thing. I think this might be true of many established and well respected analog guys.

I'm just speculating and wondering. Maybe you'll get the inside scoop Ayre.



 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 08:24:26
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6580
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
He hired digital and software people that are excellent and employees.

You can see Michael interviewing these folks in the Ayre videos at AS.

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 08:26:57
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46196
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002

So you already have the inside scoop! ;-) Thanks!



 

RE: What features will Audirvana Plus 3 have?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 08:28:15
I read it can decode MQA in software, then I can upsample that to DSD in realtime.

 

Well, since you asked . . . , posted on January 17, 2017 at 08:43:03
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
1. Dedicated music server. Most likely a Mac Mini.
2. Subscription to Roon and Tidal.

But then you already know that. And thanks again for all your advice on this Forum over the weekend!
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

McIntosh D 150 Dac/Digital pre, posted on January 17, 2017 at 08:44:29
oldmkvi
Audiophile

Posts: 10573
Joined: April 12, 2002
I use it w/Fixed Outs.
First Dac I've had here that I really like, in DSD 128.
Had Exasound E22, Marantz 7008, Mytek 192/DSD, Lampizator Euforia, Korg D100/Audiogate.
I use Audiogate a lot.
Love the Mac so far.
Mytek sounds grey and wirey and sometimes hard in comparison.

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 08:49:40
Mercman
Audiophile

Posts: 6580
Location: So. CA
Joined: October 20, 2002
You can also see videos with Charley discussing how he got connected with the Russian company to make the clock for the DAC.

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 08:53:40
OldNuke
Audiophile

Posts: 141
Location: Silicon Valley
Joined: November 18, 2014
Some software interface to get a Christmas present working; Kangaroo mini computer (1.44 Atom 2Gb ram, Win10, 32 Gb local) to replace a Sonos.

 

Schiit Modi 2 Uber, posted on January 17, 2017 at 09:04:37
caffeinator
Audiophile

Posts: 1729
Location: Pacific Northwest
Joined: August 22, 2003
I will run my PC sound through this DAC and on through my Bottlehead SEX amp or Crack into my headphones...eventually will evaluate it head to head with my EMU-1212 sound card, which has excellent analog output, and pairs extremely well w/ the SEX and my cans.

 

RE: What features will Audirvana Plus 3 have?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 09:49:58
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46196
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002
That's kinda cool. I wonder how much compute power it will use for MQA & DSD.

I've always used AV+ in a fairly basic setup with no upsampling or 2x upsampling of PCM, depending on the original file. My 16/44.1 files get upsampled 2x. 24/88, 24/96, and 24/192 are left alone.

AV+ is pretty flexible this way in setting up custom upsampling.


 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 09:52:32
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46196
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002

I'll look for that video. Hopefully it's not a Russian Trojan horse designed to hack our political system thru network connected audiophile streamers & DACs. ;-)


 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 09:55:07
Ugly
Audiophile

Posts: 2912
Location: Des Moines, WA
Joined: August 22, 2006
I am planning to try a Lynx Hilo.

 

Right, except for what I have...nt, posted on January 17, 2017 at 10:12:13
oldmkvi
Audiophile

Posts: 10573
Joined: April 12, 2002
/

 

RE: Well, since you asked . . . , posted on January 17, 2017 at 10:16:19
spons70ss
Audiophile

Posts: 35
Location: Indy
Joined: June 16, 2016
Good choices. You will really enjoy this new system.

 

I played with the Lynx Hilo back in 2014, posted on January 17, 2017 at 10:24:25
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46196
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002
My 2014 thread that includes the Lynx Hilo is linked below. The thread was mostly about a pair of NCore NC400 amps I had but you'll see the Hilo in there. Probably not a lot of discussion on the Hilo. As for the NC400 Class D amps, I returned them to their owner and continue to prefer my Rogue Cronus Magnum KT120 tube integrated..... or the Ayre AX-7e 'traditional Class AB' amp.

As I recall, the Lynx Hilo was great sonically but since it has both ADC & DAC capabilities and is geared toward the professional market, the Hilo has lots of in/out matrix switching and complex setup. I often found myself in the wrong mode if I simply wanted to adjust the DAC volume level. It was not as convenient as I would have liked for my basic needs. You may find it to be perfectly fine. Oh, the Lynx Hilo was also on loan to me.

Lynx Hilo in my setup October 2014



 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 11:22:24
Old Listener
Audiophile

Posts: 2090
Location: SF Bay area
Joined: February 6, 2005
I started in summer 2016 to replace all our computer, audio and TV gear. So far, I bought (to replace)

- Netgear R6400 WiFi router (2009 vintage Apple Airport Extreme)
- NAS - Qnap TS-251+ (wasn't using a NAS before)
- Intel Skylake generation i5 NUC as my home office personal PC
(Sandy Bridge gen. i5 desktop PC AND a Sandy Bridge i3 desktop
serving as a dedicated music PC)
- Intel Skylake generation i5 NUC as my wife's home office personal PC
(Sandy Bridge gen. i5 desktop PC)

- JRiver Id to service as a DLNA renderer
- Audioquest Dragonfly Red for use with my personal PC
(replaced a TC Electronics DAC with SPDIF inputs which is now
in use in the library with the Id)
- Audioengine HDP6 powered speakers
(replaced Audioengine A5s which moved to my wife's PC)

-43" TCL Roku TV (replaced a 36" CRT based Sony Vega TV)
The TV has full Roku functionality and is a DLNA
player(controller and renderer together)

I'm quite happy with the changes. I simplified our gear setup, got new functionality and better sound. The HDP6 sound very good in near field and mid field listening.

I still intend to replace the 18 year old 3-way active speakers in the library with powered and probably active monitors. These monitors may have a digital input which would qualify them as digital audio purchases. Right now, Genelec M040 pro audio monitors are the leading candidates.

With the changes, a lot of cabling became obsolete for us. On Saturday, I stood at a recycling bin at BestBuy for ten minutes stuffing cables through a beer can sized hole. I also left a VHS player, a DVD player and a truly ancient PC there.





my blog: http://carsmusicandnature.blogspot.com/

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 11:38:21
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18251
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
May 16, 2021
Are you satisfied with the speed of your NUCs?



 

Hahahaha! nt, posted on January 17, 2017 at 11:53:59
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
,
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

RE: Right, except for what I have...nt, posted on January 17, 2017 at 12:09:02
ahendler
Audiophile

Posts: 5151
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Joined: January 24, 2003
Then we both have the best
Alan

 

RE: Why not a tablet?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 12:59:56
jazz1
Audiophile

Posts: 2891
Joined: October 30, 2000
The MQA application download is to a desktop, thus a laptop is required.

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 13:17:18
airheadair
Audiophile

Posts: 393
Location: California
Joined: October 18, 2010
More SACD's.

 

Lynx Hilo available with Thunderbolt or USB interface....., posted on January 17, 2017 at 14:01:46
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46196
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002

I didn't realize that the Lynx Hilo ADC/DAC is available with a Thunderbolt interface.

It looks like Sweetwater has them for $2295 with USB or $2595 with Thunderbolt. [They also have a demo unit with USB for $2065 as of this posting].


 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 14:44:41
Mike B.
Audiophile

Posts: 26322
Location: OR
Joined: September 27, 1999
Contributor
  Since:
September 1, 1999
I am working on spdif cables and need a USB to spdif converter. I recently purchased two and await their delivery. Unterminated cables coming from a variety of sources around the globe.


 

Well, OK, mine Isn't BEST,, posted on January 17, 2017 at 14:48:32
oldmkvi
Audiophile

Posts: 10573
Joined: April 12, 2002
but it's good and I like it!
Only read good things about your GD Master, tho.

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 14:56:07
Old Listener
Audiophile

Posts: 2090
Location: SF Bay area
Joined: February 6, 2005
Very satisfied with our NUCs. I am not conscious of any slowdown in any of the things I do with mine.

Intel has made much more progress in GPU performance than in CPU performance in recent iterations. Photo editing and watching videos are handled without noticeable delays.

Each of our NUCs have a 1TB SSD and the fan profile is set to "quiet". That's the only moving part and it rarely moves.

If you get one, be sure and install the current Bios and drivers.
my blog: http://carsmusicandnature.blogspot.com/

 

Dragonfly Red for the MQA, posted on January 17, 2017 at 15:41:04
RJeff
Audiophile

Posts: 1347
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Joined: June 27, 2001
Just ordered one. My current USB DAC (GeekOut) can't run off of my phone.
But with the news of a coming upgrade to MQA, and Tidal finally opening the MQA doors a tiny bit, I figured it was time to try. Harley's review in TAS didn't hurt, either.
"Decaf is for cowards."
Jack Kevorkian

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 15:54:36
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18251
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
May 16, 2021
I am looking at the Lenovo i7 M900 Tiny..... Which is much faster than the NUC.....



 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 17:42:50
Old Listener
Audiophile

Posts: 2090
Location: SF Bay area
Joined: February 6, 2005
Well, an i7 is faster than an i5 where multiple cores can be used effectively. I thought that an i5 would be fast enough for my needs and it is.

I had 128 GB SSDs as boot drives in all our desktops with hard drives for data storage. The NUCs have 1 TB SSDs for boot OS and data. That makes a big difference.
my blog: http://carsmusicandnature.blogspot.com/

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 17, 2017 at 19:50:44
ahendler
Audiophile

Posts: 5151
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Joined: January 24, 2003
I have had the Breeze, Gustard, Melodius and now have the Singxer.
The Singxer is by far the best using the very latest XMOS chip. Other then that I liked the Melodius
Alan

 

RE: Lynx Hilo available with Thunderbolt or USB interface....., posted on January 17, 2017 at 21:18:45
Ugly
Audiophile

Posts: 2912
Location: Des Moines, WA
Joined: August 22, 2006
Is there some reason that thunderbolt would be expected to outperform USB with this product?

I've been figuring that I'd mostly be using it as an ADC.

That it has an what appears to be a serviceable DAC in it is nice but I might not end up using it much.

I really like the flexibility to choose AES3 and USB. Who knows, amybe I would hook it up via usb for a while to get some laughs. I would imagine going AES3 in the end for the quiet analog performance. We shall see...

I've also noted the optional DC power input. Is using an external DC supply necessary to get it performing at its quietest?

 

RE: Lynx Hilo available with Thunderbolt or USB interface....., posted on January 17, 2017 at 22:18:07
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46196
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002
I just thought it was interesting that Thunderbolt is available on an ADC/DAC. This is the first one that I am aware of but there are probably others, most likely in the pro audio industry and not so much for audiophiles. As such, I can see the benefit of Thunderbolt in multi-channel bandwidth intensive scenarios for pro audio.

As for external DC power, I suspect it is supported on the Hilo probably for remote location work and not necessarily intended to improve audio quality. Not sure. I don't think the "pros" get their panties in a wad over linear power supplies and megabuck external DC sources like audiophiles do. But it wouldn't hurt to give it a try.


 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 18, 2017 at 03:32:08
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18251
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
May 16, 2021
I have all of my Data on a 6TB NAS system tucked away in my basement. I will have a fast small SSD in my mini PC used only booting and OS purposes.

The NAS system was the biggest improvement to my Computer systems/Network. It is much easier to share files among computers than the Microsoft File Sharing software. It's also a Raid System that provides automatic instant Backup.




 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 18, 2017 at 06:19:33
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46196
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002

Are you backing up your 6TB NAS RAID to another disk? Some NAS will allow you to do this over USB or the network.

I mention this because the RAID itself is not really a "backup". The disks maybe mirrored or use parity (RAID 5, 6, whatever) so the disks themselves may be protected. However, there are several single points of failure in a consumer RAID. If the power supply goes out, your RAID is down. If the controller goes out, your RAID is down. Etc.

Backing up your NAS to another external disk is a good idea.


 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 18, 2017 at 07:03:57
Mr_Steady
Audiophile

Posts: 2042
Location: North Florida
Joined: August 19, 2014
I've been subscribed to Rhapsody, but then it was bought out by Napster, so I thought I would switch over to Spotify. My Sony HAP-Z1 supports Spotify, that way I will be able to use the HAP's DSEE DSP software on it, and then route it to my Yggy DAC, as opposed to using my Sonos Connect to play Napster. I'm sure it will sound better, regardless of the DSP software.



--------------------------------------------------------------
Big speakers and little amps blew my mind!

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 18, 2017 at 07:28:22
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18251
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
May 16, 2021
Yes, I always backup to an external disk and off site storage as well. I do this weekly however..... Having been in Information Systems since 1972, I learned these lessons over 40 years ago.

I also back up my files with an automatic program in the raid itself. I save 60 copies of my data daily(Excluding Music, Photos). In case I screw something up with my financial files and need to go back a month or so.

However, Whenever I have personally relied and used my Backups over the last 20 years, the raid backup system would have been suitable. The only problem I have had is with a single disk crash when I have needed to recover files. Or once in awhile where I have screwed up a financial File and need to retrieve a previous copy.



 

Too bad that most posters don't put their next "digital" purchase in the title!, posted on January 18, 2017 at 07:46:47
Kal Rubinson
Reviewer

Posts: 12430
Location: New York
Joined: June 5, 2002
It would make it much easier to scan for interest.

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 18, 2017 at 08:18:12
triodesteve
Audiophile

Posts: 802
Location: Walla Walla Washington
Joined: September 4, 2001
WD Red Hard drives for the Sonology NAS on the UPS truck.
After a week with Roon and Tidal I'm sold. So much music and it all works
together so well. More music and music anywhere I want it...whats not to like?

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 18, 2017 at 08:30:58
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18251
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
May 16, 2021
Are you a Jazz Fan? --- If so, you should get the "TuneIn" radio app and search for 1jazz.ru --- They have over 25 stations from Russia that play commercial free Jazz, 24 hours a day. Very high quality at 256kbps...Higher quality than 99% of the other radio stations.

..... Like "Sax Jazz", "Mellow Jazz", "Bass Jazz", "Piano Jazz" etc. etc.

And it's Free !



 

Yeah, that always bugs the stink out of me!, posted on January 18, 2017 at 08:47:41
tcell
Audiophile

Posts: 585
Location: Maryland
Joined: September 5, 2003
Ruins a perfectly cool thread

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 18, 2017 at 08:54:07
triodesteve
Audiophile

Posts: 802
Location: Walla Walla Washington
Joined: September 4, 2001
Thanks for the tip. Even more music!!!

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 18, 2017 at 09:45:33
Old Listener
Audiophile

Posts: 2090
Location: SF Bay area
Joined: February 6, 2005
You asked Cut-Throat but I'll answer too.

I have a single 6TB WD Red hard drive in my QNAP NAS. I leave a 6 TB WD USB drive connected to the NAS.

Every evening, a scheduled task running robocopy on my NUC does a differential backup to the internal drive on the NAS. An hour later, a similar task does a backup from my wife's NUC to the NAS. A couple of hours later, a scheduled task on the NAS does a backup to the attached USB drive.

Periodically, I swap USB backup drives with a neighbor who keeps an offsite copy for me.

When the internal drive on the NAS gets closer to being full, I'll change the scheduled tasks to do backups from our NUCs directly to the USB drive on the NAS. That will free up some space but won't buy a lot of time.

I have USB thumb drives loaded with recovery images for the NUCs and a laptop. I also have full drive C: image backups for those drives.

my blog: http://carsmusicandnature.blogspot.com/

 

QNap NAS, posted on January 18, 2017 at 09:49:00
Old Listener
Audiophile

Posts: 2090
Location: SF Bay area
Joined: February 6, 2005
I waited until I thought that an affordable NAS was fast enough, reliable enough and well enough documented before getting one. That has worked out well.
my blog: http://carsmusicandnature.blogspot.com/

 

Dragonfly Red for the MQA- No mention of MQA in the Documentation/Reviews- nt, posted on January 18, 2017 at 10:22:35
oldmkvi
Audiophile

Posts: 10573
Joined: April 12, 2002
/

 

Might be a downloadable software upgrade coming -nt, posted on January 18, 2017 at 10:57:58
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46196
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002
.

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 18, 2017 at 11:15:02
ahendler
Audiophile

Posts: 5151
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Joined: January 24, 2003
Spotify is at best 320 kbps. Tidal is better sound wise and now offers MQA files and partial MQA decoding
Alan

 

RE: QNap NAS, posted on January 18, 2017 at 11:18:00
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18251
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
May 16, 2021
I also waited on the NAS until they were Better/Faster/Cheaper.... I only got mine a couple months ago....

A question though... Why do you even have storage on your NUC's? Why not everything on the NAS? After I moved all my files from my PC to my NAS, that is when I decided to go the Mini PC route and get rid of all the Spinning hard drives in my office.



 

Thanks, I just registered mine to get Updates/Info. nt, posted on January 18, 2017 at 11:19:46
oldmkvi
Audiophile

Posts: 10573
Joined: April 12, 2002
/

 

For me, probably a subscription to Tidal since..., posted on January 18, 2017 at 11:22:52
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46196
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002

.....Roon is supposed to integrate nicely with Tidal and I love Roon.

Which leads to the next step. I will probably at least try MQA later this year. And that means an MQA compatible DAC, maybe the Mytek Brooklyn. Will I fall in love with MQA? I dunno.

I have a couple DSD DACs but never felt the need for DSD after auditioning a few albums so we'll see if MQA floats my boat.

In my case, it will have to be MQA via streaming as it makes no sense for me to repurchase my existing collection in my music library.


 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 18, 2017 at 11:36:05
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18251
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
May 16, 2021
For myself; I've had Deezer Elite, Tidal and Spotify.... All at the same time. I chose Spotify Because it has a much better Catalog than Tidal and Deezer Elite.... And as far as Sound Quality when just listening to Music, I could not differentiate the 3 streaming services.

I had other audiophiles come over and Play a certain Track in Tidal and then Spotify and point out a certain Instrument for the differences, but had to Strain on a blind test to pick out the Lossless service.... Sometimes they were right.... Seemed to be about 50% of the time.

So being an Audiophile myself, I like the idea of Lossless Streaming, and if all things were equal such as the quantity of music that I listen to (Jazz Mostly), I'd go with the Lossless service... But they're not, so I go with Spotify currently.... This will all change in the future... My favorite streaming service was MOG, until they disappeared... Things will change a lot in the next few years.



 

RE: QNap NAS, posted on January 18, 2017 at 11:44:47
Old Listener
Audiophile

Posts: 2090
Location: SF Bay area
Joined: February 6, 2005
Well, I expect that we'll be using these NUCs for perhaps 7 years. I don't know how my needs will change over that period. I went for some flexibility:

- tall NUC cases so that I could put both an m.2 SSD and a SATA drive (SSD or HD) in them.

- big 1TB SSDs rather than boot drives. I could migrate my files and my wife's to the NAS in a comfortable way. My local SSD has been useful for temporary project storage. I recently had 338 GB of image backups and such on that 1 TB drive. I keep photos on my local SSD until I've selected, edited and winnowed them.

- wireless keyboard and mouse. NUCs have only 4 USB ports, so managing connections requires thought.

- fewer USB audio connections. I have only one working USB DAC connected to my NUC. (The transmitter end of a wireless DAC is connected to allow me to park the Windows default playback device on something other than the DAC that I actually use. A lot of webpages now start up videos with sound without my permission. They defeat Windows muting by adjusting volume. UGLY!)



my blog: http://carsmusicandnature.blogspot.com/

 

RE: QNap NAS, posted on January 18, 2017 at 11:50:44
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18251
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
May 16, 2021
I have all of my audio streamed via Raspberry Pi's. So nothing connected directly to a PC.... I do run LMS on my PC which does any processing before passing it on to the Rasp. Pi's.

I am also planning on Wireless Keyboard, Mouse, Printer.... I am on a mission to get rid of Cables, Clutter, Noise and moving to a Small Form Factor....



 

RE: Why not a tablet?, posted on January 18, 2017 at 11:52:52
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18251
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
May 16, 2021
I have an ASUS Tablet that runs Windows 10.... You can also attach a keyboard..... I can no longer tell the Diff between a Tablet and Laptop.



 

Need A Decoder Box for MQA, posted on January 18, 2017 at 12:33:38
Mr_Steady
Audiophile

Posts: 2042
Location: North Florida
Joined: August 19, 2014
I am going to try Tidal. I'm concerned my internet isn't fast enough. Just three megs. It would be nice if Meridian would make a simple decoder box you could insert between the Sonos Connect and your own DAC. I read your post where you are using your laptop as the streamer/decoder, but I don't want to go that route. I'm not an early adopter. I can wait for the catalog to expand.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Big speakers and little amps blew my mind!

 

RE: Need A Decoder Box for MQA, posted on January 18, 2017 at 12:40:34
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18251
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
May 16, 2021
You can forget Tidal or any Lossless Streaming with only 3Mbps....You'll get dropouts for sure.



 

Thanks, posted on January 18, 2017 at 12:47:34
Mr_Steady
Audiophile

Posts: 2042
Location: North Florida
Joined: August 19, 2014
Kind of what I figured.


------------------------------------------------
Big speakers and little amps blew my mind!

 

RE: QNap NAS, posted on January 18, 2017 at 13:02:23
Old Listener
Audiophile

Posts: 2090
Location: SF Bay area
Joined: February 6, 2005
"I have all of my audio streamed via Raspberry Pi's. So nothing connected directly to a PC.... I do run LMS on my PC which does any processing before passing it on to the Rasp. Pi's."

On my NUC, I listen to my music files via JRiver on the NUC. I also listen to browser output for YouTube videos and for eClassical samples. With my old PCXs, I was playing music from a dedicated MusicPC and browser output from my personal PC. Both outputs went into a two input DAC. Switching the active input was an effective way to silence unwanted browser audio. No more dedicated MusicPC so I needed a different solution.

"I am also planning on Wireless Keyboard, Mouse, Printer.... I am on a mission to get rid of Cables, Clutter, Noise and moving to a Small Form Factor.... "

Amen to that. And old, small hard drives. And software I don't use now. And KVM switches.
my blog: http://carsmusicandnature.blogspot.com/

 

RE: Need A Decoder Box for MQA, posted on January 18, 2017 at 13:52:56
ahendler
Audiophile

Posts: 5151
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Joined: January 24, 2003
I am sure that all kinds of different equipment will become available in the future. The rollout is just starting and we all need to be patient. Also we need to see what the general public says about MQA. If they hear no differences then it will become a small nicht product like DSD listened to only by us few audiophiles.
Alan

 

RE: Just installed Tidal , posted on January 18, 2017 at 15:12:16
Jeff Starr
Audiophile

Posts: 1574
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Joined: March 4, 2000
Abe, my buddy has an Explorer2, amongst 3 or 4 other dacs. He finally registered it, and they sent him a 3 month trial.
He already has Tidal, so I now have a 3 month trial.
I had something I wanted to hear, next I'll try some Masters. I'm showing 44.1 so it should play masters. It also worked right a way, which with my PC skills doesn't always happen.

Just started playing a Master, it's showing up as 96, it works;-)

It looks like they have some requirements for hi-fi - Masters, first has to be on a desktop with specific operating systems.
Take a look:

 

As I recently bought a Lampi Amber II, MQA firmware for my Dragonfly Red..., posted on January 18, 2017 at 15:20:01
classfolkphile
Audiophile

Posts: 533
Location: Florida
Joined: December 17, 2002
figure it's a cheap way to test MQA as I'm skeptical about it for a variety of reasons. Will probably finally get around to purchasing a subscription to a streaming service as well.

 

RE: Just installed Tidal , posted on January 18, 2017 at 17:07:51
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46196
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002

Interesting. Thanks for the link. Very tempting!


 

RE: Tidal , posted on January 18, 2017 at 17:13:26
Jeff Starr
Audiophile

Posts: 1574
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Joined: March 4, 2000
Abe, I wanted to not like Tidal, but all it took was hearing Van Morrison's "His Band And The Street Choir" at 24/96, so only half decoded. It sounded very good.

Try the 30 day trial.

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 18, 2017 at 17:35:13
calsaint
Audiophile

Posts: 552
Location: Denver
Joined: July 28, 2001
I had a number of changes in 2016, including getting an iDSD and going Tidal (and getting some Beyerdynamics since the iDSD made that make sense).

I'm currently still using my SB Touch, so maybe I'll be going mRendu and Roon, or some such path.

I've done a ton of online reading on this over the last few months but I'm still not quite sure what I want to do.

-Steve

 

Tubes!, posted on January 19, 2017 at 05:46:36
scruffy_
Audiophile

Posts: 1665
Location: Los Angeles
Joined: August 5, 2005
I already got my RCA 6NS7GTB tubes and already ordered some SYLVANIA 6SN7 GTA NOS tubes, and some TUNG-SOL REISSUE 6SN7GTB tubes which reviewers tend to either love or hate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Humility is the true mark of genius. Just get used to it."
-Anonymous

 

+1 (nt), posted on January 19, 2017 at 06:41:42
msa
Audiophile

Posts: 677
Location: Northeast
Joined: November 1, 2002
nt

 

Excellent, thanks for the tip. -t, posted on January 19, 2017 at 09:24:32
samac
Audiophile

Posts: 780
Location: midwest
Joined: August 28, 2004
.

 

Spasibo tovarisch!, posted on January 19, 2017 at 10:13:30
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
Ya ochen' blagordaren! ;-)
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

A Mac eventually, posted on January 19, 2017 at 12:04:47
Frihed89
Audiophile

Posts: 15703
Location: Copenhagen
Joined: March 21, 2005
when i figure out if available peripherals (CD/DVD reader and hard disk ) work with the new ports.

 

RE: Spasibo tovarisch!, posted on January 19, 2017 at 12:30:58
Cut-Throat
Audiophile

Posts: 18251
Location: Minneapolis - St.Paul Area
Joined: September 2, 2000
Contributor
  Since:
May 16, 2021
Your Welcome and I am also very blagordaren (Language Translator could not handle this one)



 

Blagodaren means grateful (in the masculine singular short form), posted on January 19, 2017 at 18:59:51
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
If I were using my iPod I could type in in Russian Cyrillic, but I can't remember where the keys are on my MacBook without a guide.

___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

My Russian is way better than my knowledge of computers!, posted on January 19, 2017 at 19:01:05
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
Though that's not necessarily saying a whole lot. ;-)
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 20, 2017 at 15:55:43
G Squared
Audiophile

Posts: 8435
Location: Washington, DC Metro Area
Joined: November 16, 2004
Contributor
  Since:
May 23, 2023



.
Gsquared

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 20, 2017 at 22:06:42
91derlust
Audiophile

Posts: 1101
Joined: December 25, 2014
I really don't know. I'm happy with my front end - it delivers the kind of sonics I like... though I'd like a DAC that can accept UAC2 via USB. If I get the shits with the DP-777SE I'll change to some discrete ladder DAC... or DSD thingy. Whatever, I not that anal about this stuff - just want to enjoy the tunes.

More important is my next amp build - more rewarding and sonically significant than faffing with my front end at this point, for me.

Cheers,
91.

"Confusion of goals and perfection of means seems to characterise our age." Albert Einstein

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 20, 2017 at 22:21:26
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46196
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002
Someone else here on the Asylum was complaining about his AMR DAC not being UAC2 compliant. Interesting.

Are you having issues with your AMR not fully supporting UAC2 with your Antipodes DX Gen-2 ?

 

An active 3-way DSP speaker. May be: Genelec 8351A SAM , Kii Three, posted on January 21, 2017 at 04:45:37
An active 3-way DSP speaker. May be: Genelec 8351A SAM or the Kii Three.

2 years ago I switched from Klein & Hummel O300 active 3-way speakers too PMC TwoTwo 8 active digital 2-way DSP speakers.
Although the TwoTwo 8's are a big step up in sound quality, I still miss the '3 way effect'.
Although a 2-way may come close too the sound of a 3-way system, it never will sound like a 3-way.

So my next purchase will be an active 3-way DSP speaker.
I looked at PMC's gorgeous sounding IBS-A digital 3-way DSP monitors.
But at $ 37.000 these are far beyond budget. :-(
But there are others like the Genelec 8351A SAM or the Kii Three that also sound very good too my ears.

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 21, 2017 at 12:46:39
91derlust
Audiophile

Posts: 1101
Joined: December 25, 2014
Hi Abe - that might have been me.

The DX Gen-2 is a really nice device and works fine with my W42 DAC2 and is guaranteed UAC2 compliant. AMR has not said what they have done with their USB received firmware, but they have advised they don't support Linux.

My guess is they develop the firmware beyond UAC2 and can make this work with Windows and Mac, but are less willing to commit to making it work with Linux due to the different Linux distros.

The AMR designer refered me to a blog that provides troubleshooting general DAC-Linux issues, but I'd already made the changes with the help of the Antipodes guys - they were great BTW.

Thankfully the current DX Gen 2 comes with SPDIF out, so all is fine... but not ideal.

Cheers,
91

"Confusion of goals and perfection of means seems to characterise our age." Albert Einstein

 

They announced it at CES, posted on January 21, 2017 at 17:51:00
RJeff
Audiophile

Posts: 1347
Location: Silver Spring, MD
Joined: June 27, 2001
Several of the audio mags (Stereophile et al) reported on it. Should be ready "later this month."
Let's hope. I got the Dragonfly Friday and am enjoying it as is - have even used it in my main system.
I have the LG V20, which I bought specifically for the DAC. Compared to my phone's DAC, USB OTG + Dragonfly is pretty much a wash, sound-wise, with the downside of dealing with a cord and a dongle hanging off it. So this round goes to the phone.
But with MQA on the way...may be (I hope) a different ball game, using the pass-through settings on Tidal.

Jeff


"Decaf is for cowards."
Jack Kevorkian

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 21, 2017 at 22:43:25
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46196
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since:
February 2, 2002

Ah yes, I do recall now. Glad you got it working to your satisfaction. It just makes me a little leery of AMR.



 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on January 21, 2017 at 23:03:01
91derlust
Audiophile

Posts: 1101
Joined: December 25, 2014
Understandable - me too! I think AMR are tweaking their USB inputs for max performance... and perhaps compromising compatibility. The thing that really shits me is they give the impression it is UAC2 compatible - and compatible with Linux - when it is not. Not cool - maybe deceptive.

Cheers,
91.

"Confusion of goals and perfection of means seems to characterise our age." Albert Einstein

 

Microrendu and an Ultracap supply (nt), posted on January 24, 2017 at 13:02:01
PaulN
Audiophile

Posts: 1412
Joined: January 13, 2000
no text, duh.

 

MiniDSP 8 channel for Stereo 4 way DSP-based crossover (nt), posted on January 24, 2017 at 15:27:27
Presto
Audiophile

Posts: 5957
Location: Canada
Joined: November 10, 2004
nt

 

RE: What's your next "digital" purchase for audio ?, posted on February 5, 2017 at 08:56:57
Regg
Audiophile

Posts: 105
Joined: June 3, 2009
Just yesterday I finally purchased a late 2012 i7 Mac Mini, SSD, 16GB of ram. I'm very sluggish about these things in general. I wonder how audio files will sound from an SD card, as opposed to int/ext HD.

 

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