DIGITAL HIGH-RES AUDIO SYSTEM -HELP PLEASE

Hi Steve/Willie,

This whole folder and file structure protocol is somewhat confusing to me. I've read that it's important to have a good folder and file structure setup to avoid problems down the road when downloading. I wasn't planning on using iTunes at all. I thought I would download from higher resolution sites like Sound Liaison, iTrax, Bluecoast Records and HDTracks. Is this a good plan or am I missing something?

I was planning on downloading files to folders based on resolution and thought the files would be listed automatically by Artist, Album and Tracks within each folder. I'm so new at this I'm fairly sure I need to know more before moving ahead. So, I'll follow your more experienced suggestions until I gain more knowledge. Are you saying I should change my folders?

Really appreciate your continued assistance,
Tim

Tim - it's your preference - only you can define a structure that suits your needs.

I merely pointed out apple's structure as an example. It happens to work for me

To get to other structures of organizing - like sample size, composer and genre you may have to rely on software.

Take a look at the jriver method. I assume they have one.

Regards

Willie,

I'm continuing to learn about JRMC by using it and through various forums.
The good news is that my computer audio system is now complete. I now have JRiver as the DMC (Digital Media Controller)via my laptop that is used to select tracks on my Synology NAS (I believe this is considered the DMS- Digital Media Server)for playback. These files are successfully being sent or 'pushed' to the Oppo 105 (I believe the Oppo is considered the DMR- Digital Media Renderer and the DMP-Digital Media Player. The Synology ( attached to my home network via Ethernet cable) is currently sending these files to the Oppo wirelessly. All music files are backed up via a Seagate 2 TB Backup Plus.

The sound quality is very good right now; obviously hi-rez with no dropouts. I also came in just $44 over my $1,600 budget at $1,644: Oppo 105 at $1,219, Synology DS-112j diskless NAS at $152, 2 TB Seagate Barracuda HD at $99, Seagate 2 TB Backup Plus at $94 and $80 thank you gratuity to my friend Jerry for setup help=$1,644. The process wasn't painless but I'm very pleased with my investment so far.

Just for those wondering if a software controller is necessary, the Oppo is also capable of 'pulling' files from the NAS hd and playing them back via its 'Network menu'. However, the Oppo's GUI (Graphic User Interface) is very rudimentary and is nowhere near the quality of JRMC's GUI. Whether 'pushed' or 'pulled', the sound quality is very good and sounds identical to me.
I also just made my first download purchase recently from Sound Liaison in The Netherlands. I paid 20 Euros ($27)for a Carmen Gomes album called "Thousand Shades of Blue". It's recorded at 24/96 live at a small studio in front of a small audience. I bought the 24/96 WAV file and it definitely sounds better than CD quality to me. It's basically a cover of a Bruce Springsteen album with just vocals by Gomes, guitar, double bass and drums/percussion in a jazz format. I really enjoy it and it's well miked and recorded, portraying an 'in the room' quality. There are 12 tracks, including: Fever, Dock of the Bay, I'm on Fire and Angel Eyes. Thanks to Bill_k for the Sound Liaison suggestion.

Setup wise, I have the Oppo's 7.1 analog rca outputs connected directly to my surround amps in my 5.1 system. I've also connected the Oppo's 'dedicated stereo' xlr outputs directly to my main amp's xlr l+r inputs. This setup sounds very good for both 2-ch music and HT surround and has eliminated the need for both my Parasound AV2500 prepro surround unit and my tubed VTL 2.5 preamp for music playback.

So, if you're looking to simplify your system and still retain very good sq, the 105 is an ideal solution. I only have 1 very ridiculous issue only possible in a first world country: I loved the combo of the Mullard tubed VTL and my class D amp for CD music playback on my former system. I'm wondering if passing the Oppo's 'dedicated stereo' outputs through my VTL's 'CD' inputs would even sound better than the existing setup.

Oh, poor me and my troubles.I think the only way I'll know for certain is by trying this setup and choosing the one I like best. I'll try this and report back on the results after a thorough comparison. I realize I'll be comparing the sound of more than just my system with and without the VTL. I'll also be comparing my system connected via xlr cables vs rca cables and with and without an additional preamp stage. Regardless, I'm just going to pick the one that sounds best, making sure volume levels are as close to equal as possible during comparisons.

I really have no questions right now, just wanted to give an update on my audio journey. But please feel free to give suggestions and comments.

Thanks again to all that assisted in my successful computer audio implementation,
Tim

Tim, glad that everything is working out so well for you. Now you can enjoy the tunes! I have to warn you though that downloading new high resolution music can be an expensive addiction.

Bill,

Thanks, I'm very pleased with my computer audio system thus far.

It seems like high quality downloads are somewhat of a mixed bag. Purchasing 24/96 files of an album from the major sites appears to be about the cost of good SACDs which is about twice the price of the same titled album in CD format.

Otoh, there seems to be some sites, to those in the know, in which you can download high quality music files for free. A friend was able to download Miles Davis's "Kind of Blue" album as a 24/96 FLAC file for me at no cost. He said it's perfectly legal but I'm somewhat clueless on how these are obtained right now. I think it involves a small group of trusted friends sharing their music files.

So, if I'm able to obtain my music as a 50/50 mixture of free downloads and purchased downloads, I should be able to keep the costs roughly the same as my prior method of buying new CDs. Probably wishful thinking but I'm not too concerned.

I'm just really enjoying finally being able to concentrate solely on the music and listening and I'm willing to pay a bit more for the pleasure.

Thanks for your assistance again,
Tim