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In Reply to: RE: Not a clear line. posted by Awe-d-o-file on October 12, 2014 at 08:47:17
Offhand, the only component I can think of that may straddle that line is a DAC with both USB and conventional S/PDIF inputs. If you're playing digital data pulled from computer files on local storage or across a network, then you're using a computer audio source. Pretty simple.
That said, I see no reason why the two forums should not be merged. The audio industry is clearly moving (or has already moved) in the direction of computer-based audio, with spinning discs becoming increasingly rare as a music source for many audiophiles.
Follow Ups:
I'm not so sure that the distinction is that clear cut and certainly not for future digital music components. The traditional computer (word processing, spreadsheet calculations, web browsing, etc.) may become obsolete when it comes to music. I see a day when network streaming audio could access the web without the need for a "computer". Basically a stand-alone streamer; the tuner of tomorrow.
But this discussion is probably about semantics, namely, "What is a computer?"
Regards,
Tom
"I see a day when network streaming audio could access the web without the need for a "computer". Basically a stand-alone streamer; the tuner of tomorrow."
Good one...
At least I suppose that you are joking or looking in the mirror since that day was years ago. Shoot the squeezebox products that really started it have now gone obsolete. Nowadays you don't even need a stereo, just a cell phone. We're a bunch of old coots pecking at each other over the merits of after-market car cranks...
But at least we agree that only losers prefer automobiles with self-starters!
Rick
Hi, Rick,
The comment was made with tongue-in-cheek, but not enough to put the smiley face after it. I think we'll be seeing components that make high-end digital file playback, whether onboard, connected, wireless, locally networked, or direct-to-web even more convenient and affordable. Well beyond what the Squeezebox offered.I agree with you on the "old coots" analogy; we need to let go of our paradigms and keep an open mind as to what digital music entails. Even "computers" don't always fit the definition that we still hold on to. I'm a coot, and ready to explore the digital domain (beyond CD playback). However, I'm not in a big rush to purchase the gear necessary for quality digital sound; I have lots of vinyl and CD music to listen to and continue purchasing both forms of media.
In many ways I'm glad that I haven't gotten into digital just yet. The advances in technology and integration and the drop in price for what is now a fairly mature field of music playback are making stand-alone components very attractive. I've been holding out for a device that does not rely on a traditional computer for storage or control and the selection is becoming much more sophisticated and affordable.
Keeping PC Audio separate from Digital Drive may be an artifact of the evolution of the digital music realm. And despite my wanting to keep the worlds separate in my own listening space, the more I think about this subject the more I'm convinced that we should just have a single "Digital Playback" forum. Otherwise, the PC Audio forum should perhaps become the "Configuration and Maintenance of Computers Used For Audio" forum and Digital Drive becomes a strict "Digital Devices That Spin Discs" forum. :-)
Regards,
Tom
Edits: 10/13/14
"the PC Audio forum should perhaps become the "Configuration and Maintenance of Computers Used For Audio" forum and Digital Drive becomes a strict "Digital Devices That Spin Discs" forum. :-)"
Hey, those look pretty good to me! I think your "PC audio" bit is perfect but I think that the "Digital Device" category needs to be broader, maybe something like "Digital-domain and mixed-signal Audio components. Yea it's kinda engineeringish, but there it is...
The nicest thing about being an old Coot is that we don't taste good! (yes, I did just get home from walking in a wildlife "refuge" where the hunters were pounding away at the uncoots.)
Rick
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