jonclancy
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Post by jonclancy on Nov 12, 2013 16:50:51 GMT
Question:
I have all my CDs ripped in iTunes (lossless MP4a). Is there an easy way to stream the bits into one of my DACs using a gizmo and coaxial digi input please?
I've looked at Apple TV and it only has an optical digi output. I could probalby mod either the ATV or my DAC (to coaxial or optical), but it would be really easier and better to find something that works coaxially.
Or do I just need a mini-ITX pc with a tiddly screen and running cut down windows or even OS as a Hackintosh?
Or a Raspberry Pi and USB to coax converter thing?
Or Squeezebox?
Or Mac Mini (from eBay, naturally!)?
Cheers
Jon
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Nov 12, 2013 18:30:03 GMT
Question: I have all my CDs ripped in iTunes (lossless MP4a). Is there an easy way to stream the bits into one of my DACs using a gizmo and coaxial digi input please?...... Or do I just need a mini-ITX pc with a tiddly screen and running cut down windows or even OS as a Hackintosh? Or a Raspberry Pi and USB to coax converter thing? Or Squeezebox? Cheers Jon Hi Jon I have a few variations of Squeezeboxes and all work well but be warned, Logitech have dropped the whole range, though I guess there will be an amateur following to keep the software going. I have a spare Logitech Duet, its the screenless box with a remote handset, you're welcome to borrow it if you want to experiment. A Mini-itx is my main music server, into either a Transporter (sorry Alex!) or via a J Kenny Hiface into a DAC. The itx can be controlled beautifully using Monkey Mote/Foobar. I put Windows 7 Professional on the itx so I can remote in from the main PC rather than have an extra screen. I use it for music by just switching it on which auto-boots Foobar and use a Xoom pad or iphone as a controller. Squeezebox also have there own app which can select any of their devices and works perfectly. I also use a Samsung MC-10 Net book with a 500GB hard drive and that works well too as a server for the various Squeezebox devices. I sometimes use a Duet (that's their touch screen model) with a 250GB SSD plugged directly in (it can take SD cards as well, or of course co-ax or wifi). Edit: I also have a Raspberry Pi with 64GB SD which can serve any of the Squeezes but is normally used for a Boom in the kitchen, via wifi. Plays for hours on end with total reliability. Best Syd
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jonclancy
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Post by jonclancy on Nov 13, 2013 10:06:47 GMT
Thanks for the raft of info, Syd.
A bit of googling shows that Apple TV or Airport does downsample to 16/48 - not that I have much in the way of hi-res music. A few hybrid cds etc.
I am after a bit-perfect datastream and as I started ripping when storage was pricier that it it is now, I chose lossless. ITunes is actually pretty good for cataloguing the music and nearly all my discs info has been available on the Gracenote database.
The Squeezebox sounds like the most promising solution for a decent price. There is a great thread elsewhere about modding the output - I must dig it out and post a link here.
Cheers
Jon
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jonclancy
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Post by jonclancy on Nov 13, 2013 10:34:32 GMT
Ah, here it is: www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=45330.0Good stuff here. I have some S22083. I have used them to breadboard Jocko's SPDIF input or Will's Pocketknife DAC. It works, even though Jocko's circuit is meant for the CS8412 type blalanced input (IMMSMR).
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2013 12:51:40 GMT
Thanks for the raft of info, Syd. A bit of googling shows that Apple TV or Airport does downsample to 16/48 - not that I have much in the way of hi-res music. A few hybrid cds etc. I am after a bit-perfect datastream and as I started ripping when storage was pricier that it it is now, I chose lossless. ITunes is actually pretty good for cataloguing the music and nearly all my discs info has been available on the Gracenote database. The Squeezebox sounds like the most promising solution for a decent price. There is a great thread elsewhere about modding the output - I must dig it out and post a link here. Cheers Jon Yes, I use a Squeezebox Touch now modified to allow 24/192 output via its coax out and assuming a FLAC source; it won't do it from full-fat WAVs IIRC. Currently using the excellent V-DACii as the Touch's data recipient My music library has just a very few MP3 files with all else in WAV or FLAC. I used to be paranoid about not using FLAC as others report that this is less satisfactory than playing from WAV. But blowed if I can hear a difference. Lucky me. So, with half an eye on disc space, I'm now ripping direct from CD to FLAC. Also adding bit by bit ( ) to my hires section by downloads from one source or another where supply in FLAC form is the de facto standard. At least when shuffling files from disc to disc, backing up etc, FLAC files copy in half the time of their WAV equivalent. I'm wondering what I'll do if/when my SB Touch fails. Maybe look at the Rasberry Pi solution. Or perhaps run Squeezeplayer software on a dedicated low noise laptop or desktop PC next to the hi-fi stack; I'd have to consider which connection method I'd want i.e. toslink, co-ax or USB? Derek
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Post by Deleted on Nov 13, 2013 20:28:28 GMT
Hi Derek Does it also use a modified or improved power supply? Without a decent PSU it is quite mediocre. There are a huge number of posts in DIY Audio about PSU improvements for them.
Kind Regards Alex
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2013 11:11:46 GMT
Hi Derek Does it also use a modified or improved power supply? Without a decent PSU it is quite mediocre. There are a huge number of posts in DIY Audio about PSU improvements for them. Kind Regards Alex No - I use the stock power supply. And my standard-psu SB Touch is far from mediocre if you don't mind my saying so. It's seriously good and although my system isn't top-flight it's well capable of revealing subtle differences in source characterisitcs. Bset wishes, Derek
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jonclancy
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Post by jonclancy on Nov 15, 2013 15:58:38 GMT
I'm even wondering about a used Mac Mini and one of these: ar-t.co/LEGATO.htmlar-t.co/LEGATO_scoop.htmlIt'll be a while before I have the funds - I suppose my classic CD players could go towards it, but I cant help thinking I'm burning bridges by going down that route!!
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pagan
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Post by pagan on Nov 17, 2013 7:28:50 GMT
Jon What dac do you have?
As for the " ar-t.co/LEGATO.html
ar-t.co/LEGATO_scoop.html "
To convert from one format to another IMO is a waste ie usb to spdif The spdif still has to be converted in i2s or something the dac can read.
If using a pc or/maybe a mac, just use a decent soundcard with spdif out.
As for that usb to spdif converter..... $500.00 is a bit much, your maybe better off just using that money for a JK dac with usb input, or other dac.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2013 11:52:44 GMT
Another option is the excellent Amanero USB to I2S converter. I currently use one with Will's PK DAC with far better results than my PCs card spdif out. They are available through DIY AUDIO GBs, one is nearly ready to go now.
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