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In Reply to: RE: Apple OS 10.6.8 and Metrum Hex Incompatibility posted by AbeCollins on November 20, 2014 at 13:19:53
Thanks for all the help! I got up and going today and tried both free trials of Pure Music and Audirvana. The PM sounded more neutral and a bit "bright" but revealing yet non-fatiguing. However, the GUI was a bit cumbersome and I had to restart it multiple times. The Audirvana sounded more full bodied, a bit "warmer", and perhaps a bit rolled off, but the GUI was simpler and easier to use, less vexing. I preferred the initial sound of the Audirvana, but I like both for different reasons. With time and experimentation, the PM seems infinitely more tweakable. The Amarra is too $$$. In the end, I might buy both, but for now, 1 day down, 14 to go!! My only regret is that I feel like I now have a ton of obsolete gear, media. and unopened vinyl. Is there a worthwhile streaming service out yet? Tidal seems to need some time to get the bugs out and the titles in. Otherwise, I'm super stoked about the results with using a 7 year old, almost obsolete computer.
Follow Ups:
"The PM sounded more neutral and a bit "bright" but revealing yet non-fatiguing........The Audirvana sounded more full bodied, a bit warmer, and perhaps a bit rolled off"
I had the opposite experience and impression between Audirvana and Pure Music, which I found to sound more full-bodied than Audirvana during my trials a year ago. I will be downloading the newest version of PM soon, and was encouraged to find out the download is free for me. I may need to give Audirvava another try.
I pretty much agree with you about Audirvana Plus vs Pure Music. They sound sound good, but a little different.I didn't like the Pure Music GUI which in the past 'wrapped' itself around iTunes on the screen. That may have changed. Additionally, unless you need all the features in PM I found there were too many window panes for various settings and the whole thing was a bit cluttered and not well thought out. Just my opinion here.
I felt that Audirvana's settings were more streamlined and better organized and I like how their player can hide behind iTunes on screen so I don't have to see it. I have not tried the latest Audirvana Plus with it's Library management feature.
Once you're ready to 'rip' your CDs be sure to set iTunes for AIFF, WAV, or Apple Lossless (ALAC) with error correction..... if you choose to use iTunes to rip your CDs. AIFF is uncompressed like WAV. Apple Lossless compression provides about a 50% savings in disk space with no loss in audio quality. It is very similar to FLAC. Keep in mind that iTunes does not directly support FLAC so if that's a format you'll want long term, you might look into other players like JRiver Media Center for Mac.
Some folks also prefer XLD for 'ripping' their CDs instead of iTunes.
iTunes Preferences > General Tab > Import Settings
You can also digitize your vinyl using a AD converter like the PS Audio NuWave Phono Converter which is a phono preamp / AD converter combo, or something less expensive like the HRT Linestreamer that works with your existing phono preamp. You'll also need software. I used Audacity which is free. However, there are specialized software packages that make the process a bit easier.
As for streaming services, I've played with Pandora, iTunes Radio, Rhapsody, Amazon Prime Music, and Spotify. For use at home I like Spotify best. Amazon Prime Music and Pandora integrates very well with my car navigation / infotainment system. I havent' played with TIDAL yet. Spotify sounds pretty good but it's still a relatively low bit-rate service compared to listening to my own CDs or CDs 'ripped' to my music server.
Edits: 11/21/14
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