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I first got into PC Audio around 6+ years ago. I wanted to archive some of my vinyl with my PC. I also wanted to do it well and have decent playback on my 2ch stereo.
Back then there were few options for high end soundcards. And even fewer USB DACs and the like. I opted for a Digital Audio Labs CardDeluxe. Still have it and still love it.
I recently bought a COWON D2 portable player and have found a love for my digital files Ive not had before. This is the first portable player Ive owned that really played back digital files at their best (at least to my ears). Which got me wondering, what am I missing.
Heres the situation. I ripped the bulk of my CD collection around 5 years ago. It was mainly for portable use, thus I ripped at 128/192k WMA with media player. I only ended up recording a handful of LPs with Cool Edit also at 192k. And now this COWON is really making me wonder how much better it can get. I know all out there are thinking WAYYY BETTER!
So for the last 3 days Ive been reading through all the posts here in PC Audio back to Nov 07. Allot has changed, no surprise there.
My current computer rig for HTPC/Audio is
Vista Ultimate
AMD 5200X2 AM2
3 GB DDR2 RAM
PC Power Cooling 750 watt PS
74 gb Raptor Boot Drive
500 gb Samsung Data Drive
8800 GTS video
2 Plextor SATA DVD-R drives
My beloved DAL CardDeluxe
Right now Ive got the audio running via the Analog out into my Don Allen tube pre and have an analog out going from the pre into the CardDeluxe for recording. Also have one of the DVI outs on the videocard going into my 34" HD tv.
Right now Im VERY happy with the sound of everything. Even my 128/192 files sound great. But Im guessing (know) it could be way better. And after downloading the new NIN Ghosts at 320k it does seem it could be better :-)
I dont mind having to re-rip my Redbook. Just wondering what program I should use, file format, Vista Compatible..... So on... Ive read allot of good things about Foobar, JRiver, ECS so on....And seems FLAC is my best bet.
Also I hadnt read too much about my beloved CardDeluxe anymore. Have any prior owners found something better? Im guessing with new technology stuff has progressed. I still think the sound is great for me. The LynxOne seems another close competitor.
Also are there any preferred vinyl recording programs nowadays?
And one biggie. Are there any programs out there that sort through file libraries and auto select the highest quality rip present? Meaning, when I re-rip my personal CDs in a higher form and want to combine my old library which contains some CDs I dont own/cannot re-rip. Do I have to do this by hand or are their intelligent compilers for this?
On the notion of software. I dont have the money to buy some $500 or more program right now. Any freeware and or couple hundred $ programs preferred.
Thats about it. A big chore for me but I want to take my PC-Audio to the next level. I have the tools (I think) and am ready for the challenge.
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