2. pc-audio
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PC-Based Set Up/Process - Comments?

I am finally going to bet around to setting up a PC-based music server for my mid-end system (Rotel components, Paradigm reference speakers, Music Hall CD player, etc.). I am NOT seeking perfect sound. I am seeking a music server system that will sound as good as my Music Hall CD player.

Can you please provide comments with respect to any potential flaws in my system and or process to achieve the above?

- Rip CDs to Dell laptop (La Cie external hard drive) using iTunes in Lossless format (Windows XP environment)
- Play CDs using iTunes
- Airport express connected to external DAC (eg. Bel Canto)

I know that in the past I have heard issues with playback on the PC under windows XP. What specifically do I need to be aware of and how do I solve that?

Thanks to all.

Lawrence
fishbone222
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Fishbone222 - kmixer is avoided for PC when using ANY networked server, such as AE, SB3, Sonos or Olive etc...

kmixer is only a problem for USB streaming audio, and only for certain devices and firmware. It is not a problem for my Off-Ramp and Freeway because the firmware makes it bit-perfect.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
larryrx7's avatar
larryrx7
137 posts
 
Jimmdavis....the squeezebox if probably the best buy in audio today. Mine has had the full analog and digital mods from Redwine Audio and runs from a storage battery. Somebody more astute in this area needs to chime in on whether direct hookup through the USB is capable of the same performance. I just like the capability for remote control and in my case to use the wireless mode into another room. The unit also has all sorts of internet radio stations, podcast, etc. Truly a electronics marvel
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
USB, at least with an Off-Ramp converter, has lower jitter and 24/96 capability. However, with a Pace-Car reclocker, the SB3 passes it up. Only a simple mod needed to the SB3.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
dancetracks
7 posts
 
I use an old PC laptop. WinXP to ASIOForAll to WinAmp with ASIO plugin to USB to PS Audio Dac III. Sounds great.

I've tried kmixer to usb soundcard to optical to Dac III and also ASIO to toslink to Dac III and both sound worse than the straight ASIO to USB DAC.

Also trying Ubuntu Desktop to USB DAC III right now it that also sounds great. Slightly different presentation than Windows ASIO. Better than Windows Kmixer. Too bad I don't know enough linux to get an IR remote to work...

In both cases I am just playing my MP3 and wav files from a windows file server. I just want to avoid spending money on a Sqeezebox if I can get by with a spare PC next to my stereo.

Hope this helps.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Dancetracks - you should try Foobar or Jriver and unmap the USB device. Then the computer does not even know it has an audio output device. Really clean and bit-perfect. Here are instructions:
http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?topic=40068.0

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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