My turn to play moderator :eek: I though this discussion appropriate for a dedicated thread, in hopes that it continues to grow as more and more options become available. Most of all keep it friendly and helpfull.
Thanks.

A little background, and some fuel for further discussion:

I recently decided to set up a music server for my home. While I originaly thought I would go with a Mac-mini + HD(s) and run through iTunes ( I still may evolve that way) I decided that I would get a Modwright Transporter and wirelessly stream music files from my home computer (iMac). Well, after the initial set-up, I quickly decided that I would get an external Hard Drive and (re)rip my 1500(ish) and growing CD collection[very close on that guess Tim, I haven't actually counted in quite some time, but 1500 is pretty close (±100)]. I had previously ripped everything into iTunes for use with the iPod that my wife gave me a couple of years ago. That gift fueled the somewhat dormant fire that burned within my soul that is a very deep love of music. It directly led to me now upgrading my entire home system, basically starting from scratch. This thread represents just one head of the Hydra that comprises a modern Audio-Video system. (Man, a turntable, integrated amp and a pair of speakers were all I used to want/need!!!).

Now, I have moved to a ethernet wired connection on the Transporter because my wireless router sucks (drops connections constantly). That router will eventually be replaced by an Airport Extreme Base Station (perhaps) but the connection will remain wired.

The Transporter is great. It does everything I want it to, and more. Plus the ModWright modification to it not only looks cool as hell, it sounds amazing!

I am still in the process of ripping everything to FLAC (using MAX) and am pleased with the result. Other than being incredibly time consuming, their meta-data base is no where near as expansive as the one for iTunes (Gracenote), so I have to manually enter some of it. More often than not I can simply copy and past the missing meta-data in from iTunes (There is a Apple script that will do this for you, but I have no clue how that stuff works). Along with the album art. Thankfully I was obsessive about having correct info/art when I did the iTunes rips, so this whole process is much easier this time around.

I am not satisfied with the SqueezeCenter/SqueezeNetwork interface software though, it is somewhat lacking (IMO) in features, such as tracking what you have played (playcount), and smart-playlists... (both are features that I have come to really love in iTunes. When used together I can set up a smart-playlist to play random songs that I have not listened to in over 6 months, with no repeats. I can't do this with the SqueezeCenter software) Also, I wish that it were a stand alone application and not run through a web browser. And a visualizer would be a welcome addition. In truth, though SqueezeCenter is bare-bones and does its job, just no bells and whistles.

This is turned into a much more long winded intro than I intended so lets just let the sucker loose and see where it goes...


Michael- I finally made it through the last of the A-Z organized CDs... and am just starting the "various artist" collections... then my wife's music... been ripping for over a month (maybe two)... 500-ish gigs worth now ripped to FLAC, 1TB is going to work out just fine for me (for now) with a little room for the new stuff. At least now I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I may even be done by the time my HT3's arrive. :D

I am sure you are aware, but there is a new mod for the TP power supply that Dan will be offering soon. If you haven't already asked him about it, you may want to. He has posted a little bit of info about it over @ AC. ...just thought I would mention it, in case you didn't know already.

Cheers,
Greg


Holy shite dude. Do you have 1500+ CD's to burn? I just bought a Mac Mini and two 750GB drives (one for back-up) and will start ripping into apple lossless soon as well, but I only have around 3-400 CDs.

The Mac Mini and HD's will be in my AV rack connected directly via optical digital, so no streaming for me and no need for a TP. And I'll use a DVI to HDMI cable out from the Mac Mini to the TV so I have a graphic iTunes interface to use as my music server. Should make listening to music at a whim a hellava lot easier. :D

First... It's great to know I'm not the only one that will be racking up over 500 gb worth of music. I started my server on my upstairs desktop (400 gb hdd) knowing it would just be a starting point. Said drive is now effectively full and I am roughly 1/2 through my collection. I am guessing around 1500 Cds.

It's incredible how much my listening habits have changed from served music. I think you'll really dig it, Tim. I had considered a Mac Mini, but a Mini + DAC > TP. And before you point out Mw TP > either, I know. But how cool is it to see vacuum tubes and wifi antennea sticking out of the same box? Plus it's supposed to sound ok too. ;)

-Michael

Don't get me wrong, I wish I had an excuse to put some tubed gear in my rack, but it just wasn't meant to be right now. :(

I can't wait to put together the music server though. I know it is going to have a profound effect on how and what I listen to. It's the whole reason I'm doing it.

I've ripped about 900 CDs over the last three years, not too horrible but I sure wouldn't want to do it again. I spent some time last week talking to a guy who is looking at starting on ripping 7,000 CDs :eek:! Tried talking him into lossless, but he's on a budget so it looks like it will be 256KB VBR ACC. The resultant storage costs are reasonable, but I can't help but wonder if he won't be doing it all over again some time in a couple of years... :eek::eek:

I am close to needing a second terabit drive and will probably move it all to a NAS with RAID in the next few weeks as I could not imagine re-ripping everything :eek:

Tim, why not go with the stock Transporter??? The DACS they use are absolutely incredible and you could run the Slimserver interface to your screen. This would provide way better sonics than the Mac Mini and the Transporter certainly goes with the look of your gear.

I just bought two 1.5 TB drives :D BR movies take up 25-40GB EACH :(

My thinking was that having the Mac Mini in my AV rack would give me the shortest signal path and would have the "best man for the job" handling the processing (the Classe SSP-800).

The Mac Mini (connected to an external 750GB drive) would simply be a transport sending digital signal directly to the Classe SSP-800 processor.

By going with any streaming type device like the transporter, I am now adding a wi-fi signal between it and the mac mini, having the transporter do DA conversion, the signal is then converted back to digital for bass management in the SSP-800 and back to analog for output to the speakers. This just seems like a lot more processes than necessary.

Even if I connected the transporter to the SSP-800 via analog bypass, I would think that the DACs and the analog output stage would be better in the 800 than in the transporter, no? And then I can only listen in stereo with no subwoofer.

Thoughts?

Makes perfect sense to me. Or use Sonos from a NAS drive digital out to the preamp which is what I do. The interface is better and easier (and no screen needed) and allows you to move your music to other parts of the house if you like.

Apple has a solution for that too. I can use an ipod touch as a portable graphical interface to control the itunes library on the mac mini via the wi-fi connection. And if I want music in other rooms, just use an Apple airport, which also has a digital out, to stream music from the server to another system.


I don't think you can stream different songs to seperate Airports though....so all rooms will have to play the same music. I believe Sonos can have up to 32 seperate streams.

True. Though for my smaller home, I wouldn't need that.

you are going to have to have an internet connection to the Mac Mini for itunes to work fully so you could just hardwire the transporter instead. The Transporter has both digital and analog outputs for you could listen for yourself and see what you prefer.
I do believe that the "miracle" DACs in the Transporter are superior to what is in a home theater processor; I know the Classe is a high-end processor but the DACs in the TP are incredible. There is a reason that with all of the various mods that exist for the Transporter none of them include replacing the DACs. It absolute best sound quality is what you are after than I believe that would come from the Transporter, but both solutions are good.

Now the question is in order to retain the sound quality I am getting from the TP, and be able to use the features that I like in iTunes, will an optical hookup from Mac -> TP give me the best of both worlds (using the TP as a DAC)??? I still want to control the music through the Transporter, as well as have it display the now playing info. Would that work? I don't think so. I would imagine that all the control would be through the Mac-mini / iTunes.

My thought (if I add a Mac-mini like my original thought) would be to keep the connection as ethernet. That way I could still listen to internet radio without having the mini on, and fire it up when listening from my library. Hopefully the interface will continue to improve with SqueezeCenter, and add some features that I like. Also on the hopefull side would be that Apple will put a Blu-Ray drive in a new version of the Mini. Turn it into a true HT-PC. :D

(on that note, I recently read that Apple is either discontinuing the Mini, or giving it a serious overhaul. This is rumored to be happening in the next couple of weeks. I hope they do the overhaul/direction change and bill it as what it seems to be most commonly used for)

Sound quality was the driving issue that led me to the Transporter, and away from a mac Mini directly in my system, not that it would be bad sound but I think the DACs in the TP are the best available.

AppleTV has also made some significant improvements since it was introduced, and should be considered as an option for those of us with combined HT+music systems. Another streaming device (as far as I can tell) but uses Apple's intuitive user friendly interface's. Just throwing this one out there, I really do not know much about apple TV.

Now the question is in order to retain the sound quality I am getting from the TP, and be able to use the features that I like in iTunes, will an optical hookup from Mac -> TP give me the best of both worlds (using the TP as a DAC)??? I still want to control the music through the Transporter, as well as have it display the now playing info. Would that work? I don't think so. I would imagine that all the control would be through the Mac-mini / iTunes.

My thought (if I add a Mac-mini like my original thought) would be to keep the connection as ethernet. That way I could still listen to internet radio without having the mini on, and fire it up when listening from my library. Hopefully the interface will continue to improve with SqueezeCenter, and add some features that I like. Also on the hopefull side would be that Apple will put a Blu-Ray drive in a new version of the Mini. Turn it into a true HT-PC. :D

(on that note, I recently read that Apple is either discontinuing the Mini, or giving it a serious overhaul. This is rumored to be happening in the next couple of weeks. I hope they do the overhaul/direction change and bill it as what it seems to be most commonly used for)

Sound quality was the driving issue that led me to the Transporter, and away from a mac Mini directly in my system, not that it would be bad sound but I think the DACs in the TP are the best available.

AppleTV has also made some significant improvements since it was introduced, and should be considered as an option for those of us with combined HT+music systems. Another streaming device (as far as I can tell) but uses Apple's intuitive user friendly interface's. Just throwing this one out there, I really do not know much about apple TV.

FM, I think you're "doubled-up" in a way. If you wanted to stream the SqueezeCenter, the Transporter is the best-sounding way to do so (although for $2k...and I know your Modwright is even more...I'm an advocate of $150 for a Duet Receiver and say ~$1k for any number of good external DACs...PSA, Benchmark, MF, etc.). However, if you want to move over to an iTunes/Mac-based system, I would say just keeping the Transporter around as the DAC is a waste. Do you really feel it is the DAC around...or just the best DAC for a streamer? I would have to strongly suggest I feel it is the latter.

The Modwright is likely to have a good re-sale value. I mean if you want to keep it around, I guess that is your prerogative; but again, for iTunes/Apple-based systems, many are using ATV/MacMini/iPod Touch as their front-end, into good, external DACs with great result.

.02,

CD

Thanks CD, I agree I would be "doubled-up" if I added the Mac-mini. I doubt i will let the Transporter go any time soon. I am actually pretty happy with my current set-up (streaming in music from my iMac) I am just fishing for future ways to grow.

I really like the video-less interface that I get with the Transporter, and don't want to loose that. What I would like is to have the option of connecting my TV into the mix so it could display a "visualizer" and provide some sound sensitive eye-candy to compliment the whole thing. That's not something I would use all the time, just every once in a while... like at a party or something. It would also be nice to have the visual interface of something like "cover-flow" when making music selections on a big display. Yes, I do like iTunes, but I am not completely sold on it... if it had support for FLAC, I would like it even more.

I use my ipod touch as a remote for the Transporter and can search by album, artist, etc. and get full album art. WAY COOL!

I use my ipod touch as a remote for the Transporter and can search by album, artist, etc. and get full album art. WAY COOL!

Works with the Transporter???? No way, really? what software to run it? Are you using SqueezeCenter via iTunes? Details my friend, I need details...

Thanks

I will have to agree that coverflow is a pretty cool feature, but I tend to agree with CDLehner. If you want true coverflow through a Mac/Apple interface you would be money ahead to sell your MW Tp. With the money you probably have in your Transporter, you can get ATV, use the same drives you are now for the TP, have Max convert them all the ALAC, and buy a $2500 external DAC and be at a break even. Then, if you have an iPod touch or iPhone you even have an interactive remote control.

It's funny, I now find iTunes missing some features I like that Squeezecenter has. The big one was MusicIP. Of course iTunes now has Genius, but I still don't think Genius is as customizable as MusicIP. On the flip side you have nothing to configure in Genius. The next best example would be genre tagging. I multi-tag almost everything. As an example of what I like about multi-tagging: when I am listening to Elliot Smith I can hyperlink myself to a list of Indie artists, Folk aritists, or guitarists. I can go from Smith to Wes Montgomery then to Miles Davis as I listen in Squeezecenter without actually deciding that first. I have yet to do that in iTunes.

Of course, iTunes has some of the best UI features I have seen. The ability of Apple's software to sort through GB's and TB's of data is really quite something. I can make a playlist of songs that are under 120 seconds much more quickly than I can in SC 7. The ability to sorth through an entire collection that quickly is something I don't think Squeezecenter can equal iTunes at doing. So, I do understand why you might yearn for some of the Apple software features as well. But, ultimately SC is open source. Even now it is more customizable than iTunes and it will only grow in that regard.

-Michael

Works with the Transporter???? No way, really? what software to run it? Are you using SqueezeCenter via iTunes? Details my friend, I need details...

Thanks


I would assume Rydenfan is using something along these lines: iPeng (http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=42872). It is what I use.

Enjoy that, it does get you very close.

-Michael

Funk
Thanks for the new thread!

As an aside, what does everyone think of the Sonos? I'm looking at a Cullen modified Sonos Zp90, Zone bridge, and Zone player 120 for the bedroom. I love the interface, and want something as an interim (who knows could be my long term transport) until I can get the "new" MW transporter.

Has anyone had any experience with the Sonos?
Thanks
Mark

I'm new to the whole music server thang, but I'm a pretty quick study of technological things, so here is how I see it at the moment.

What is the Slim Devices Transporter? It's a device that is intended to stream music from a computer or server to your home stereo system. It includes good quality DACs, an assortment of digital outs, and a basic fluorescent display on the face of the unit to see what's playing and to make other selections. It also allows for streaming of inet radio.

The SD Transporter makes sense when A) your computer / server is located away from your AV rack, B) you use something other than iTunes to manage your music files and C) you need good DACs to process the digital signal before it is sent to a preamp.

Since I use a laptop as my primary computer, which has far too little HD space to hold all the music files I plan to store and I don't use a desktop PC of any sort that would have the space for larger hard drives, I purchased a mac mini and two external HD's to store all of my music files on.

Now I could have tucked the mac mini system away in my den and put a slim devices transporter in the AV rack. Or I could have used an apple TV, or I believe I could even use an Apple Airport to get the wi-fi streamed audio from the mac mini server to my prepro.

However, I got to thinking, the mac mini and the two HD's are small enough to put right in my rack and it cuts out the middleman (a streaming device like the transporter).

Plus, I can send the video out from the mac mini to my prepro (which is then sent to my TV) so that I have a much more user-friendly graphical iTunes interface that I can view on my TV. And if I want to take something like Pandora for a spin, I can do that too. I don't believe the SD Transporter allows access to websites like Pandora and if your rack is enclosed like mine, it would be less convenient to use its fluorescent display as an interface.

Plus, I can expand the ease of use of an Apple iTunes based music server in the future by purchasing an ipod touch to use as a portable graphical interface. This sort of thing comes in handy when you are entertaining guests and don't want to have to go to the room with the TV to make a new selection.

Besides, in my case the much of what you pay for with the SD Transporter (high quality audio components) is at best redundant, and at worst inferior to sending the digital signal directly to my Classe prepro. While it is clear that Logitech has put a lot of effort into making the Transporter suitable for an audiophile system, it just doesn't make sense if you can hardwire the digital out directly from the server to a high-end prepro like the Classe. Logitech is after all a computer peripheral company and Classe specializes in high-end audio equipment. Which one you gonna put your money on for having the better DACs and analog output stage? :rolleyes:

Now if you were running a two channel pre, like the Modwright, you needed a good DAC to feed it your streamed music, the SD Transporter is the way to go.

Plus, I can send the video out from the mac mini to my prepro (which is then sent to my TV) so that I have a much more user-friendly graphical iTunes interface that I can view on my TV. And if I want to take something like Pandora for a spin, I can do that too. I don't believe the SD Transporter allows access to websites like Pandora and if your rack is enclosed like mine, it would be less convenient to use its fluorescent display as an interface.

Sponge, couple of comments: one, I would say that hooking the video out from the Mac Mini, to your TV so that you can control the GUI, is one of the reason most looking for an audio-only solution do not like using a PC to stream music; I happen to agree with the notion who wants to turn the TV on when you're listening to music, and with certain systems there is no way to navigate without it. OTOH, if you happen to consider it a plus, then PC direct is obviously the easiest and most cost-effective way to go.

The Transporter (as well as all SB devices) does support Pandora. And as far as controlling the Transporter once it's inside your rack, and out of IR reach, that's where the new (Duet) Controller comes into play! I've had SB devices for many years now, and IMO the remote was a necessary evil; great product, so you tolerated the remote. Well, the new Controller, which does work with the Transporter, is a big leap forward; it's got an LCD screen, for navigation and cover art, and it's wireless. However, in general, I agree wholeheartedly with you; rather than spend $2k on a Transporter, I'd much rather get the $150 (Duet) Receiver...because as you said, all it needs to do is get the music, either wired or wireless, from here to there...and then spend anywhere from ~$500 to the balance of $1850 on a great, external DAC (which in fact, I did). IMO, you're going to get anywhere from the same to much better SQ at the same, or as much as a third of the price.

CD

Tim,

First off, you are spot-on with your assesment of the TP. I came to the same conclusion pretty quickly and immediately started looking at my options. For me, the upgrade path to the MW was simply what took me that way. I completely understand why you have chosen the route you have. It makes complete sense, especially since I imagine you will be using the fancy multi-channel processing of your Classe SP-800, bringing your stereo music to you in 5.1. I know how much you enjoyed Logic7 on your Lexicon, so I am just expecting you will go with the Classe equivalent.

The biggest thing that kept me off the ATV/Mini path is I don't want my TV on when I am listening to music. And I have my AV equimpment on an easily viewable rack (sometime down the road on my easily viewable plasma stand). Plus, I have no interest in taking my stereo stuff and broadening it to MC. I have never heard it pulled off so far (though I have never listened to Logic7 critically).

I am going to have to disagree with your assesment of Logitech vs Classe though. No doubt, Classe makes wonderful gear, but Logitech bought Slim Devices out. SD was not a PC peripheral company. What you suggest would be like saying Revel surely cannot build speakers because they are owned by what is, primarily, the parent corp of Pre/pro & Amp companies. This assesment of Revel would be ridiculous. Slim Devices employed many digital geniuses and whereas I won't endorse the first product developed under the Logitech name, I will wholeheartedly do so on a product designed before the buyout. Saying that, it is still possible your Classe will out DAC the TP DAC. The Classe will certainly do the Multichannel and Sub crossings better with a digital input than through an analog one. So, again I understand your decision. It is the best choice for you.

-Michael

Works with the Transporter???? No way, really? what software to run it? Are you using SqueezeCenter via iTunes? Details my friend, I need details...

Thanks

I dont use itunes at all for my TP since everything is FLAC. I use ipeng software. It works very well, but will be even better soon. Right now it is a download but I am currently (along with others) beta testing the software as a native app for him :) Once that is completed it will be available through the App Store.

Well said Michael. The MW mod is the main reason I went with the TP as well. Other wise I would have stuck with my original plan of mini -> Onkyo and let their Burr-browns to the DAC, and wham-O tasty tunes served-up simple and sweet. But as is my usual way with things, I research, and research and look for the best. Which usually entails some over-complication on my part, but I am used to that. And like you I am interested in only a two channel (for music) solution.

...and thanks for the iPeng link.

I haven't delved into MusicIP yet, but it sounds like it might be along the lines of something I am looking for. Thanks.

Tim- again, I agree with what Michael said about your decision on your set-up. It aligns perfectly with what my own original plan was (except yours electronics are of a much higher grade than my plan called for :D) I think that is going to work great. Did mention what format you are going to rip your music into?

I dont use itunes at all for my TP since everything is FLAC. I use ipeng software. It works very well, but will be even better soon. Right now it is a download but I am currently (along with others) beta testing the software as a native app for him :) Once that is completed it will be available through the App Store.

I remember when you told me about using the iPod-touch/iPhone as a remote, I guess I just assumed that you were using it to control your computer... which is what Tim will be doing with his set-up.

Thanks
-Funk

Funk, I had meant to give you the link in my last post to you

http://penguinlovesmusic.de/

Well said Michael. The MW mod is the main reason I went with the TP as well. Other wise I would have stuck with my original plan of mini -> Onkyo and let their Burr-browns to the DAC, and wham-O tasty tunes served-up simple and sweet. But as is my usual way with things, I research, and research and look for the best. Which usually entails some over-complication on my part, but I am used to that. And like you I am interested in only a two channel (for music) solution.

...and thanks for the iPeng link.

I haven't delved into MusicIP yet, but it sounds like it might be along the lines of something I am looking for. Thanks.

Tim- again, I agree with what Michael said about your decision on your set-up. It aligns perfectly with what my own original plan was (except yours electronics are of a much higher grade than my plan called for :D) I think that is going to work great. Did mention what format you are going to rip your music into?

Michael & Greg -

I hope I didn't come off too strong, I was only trying to state that given my situation, going hardwire digital to the prepro and using Apple itunes as the interface made the most sense *for me*. I also get why both of you would choose the Transporter as your solution.

Now that I no longer have the Lex and the Logic 7, my music listening will mainly be a two-channel affair, though because it is dependant on a sub as well, again it makes the most sense for me to go with a straight digital connection rather than having an outboard DAC or a device with one in it.

Funk - I was planning on taking the easy route and just ripping everything in Apple Lossless. I'd really rather not have to deal with a learning curve, but if FLAC or something else is better for some reason, please advise.

Tim,

Nah, you were fine. I probably came across as an avenger for Slim Devices there, lol. On the FLAC v ALAC front, using iTunes it would be tedious to utilize FLAC as your ripped file format. ALAC is bit-for-bit perfect just like FLAC is, but is natively supported by iTunes. FLAC, on the other hand, is natively supported by the TP/Squeezecenter. In order for you to use FLAC you would have to run a script within iTunes to convert to ALAC on the fly since iTunes doesn't have a codec for FLAC presently. ALAC all the way, in other words. In fact, for those that intend to use Lossless files on our iPods, ALAC would be a better option than FLAC. The difference between FLAC and ALAC on the Transporter is completely non-existant whereas the same cannot be said on the Apple front. I love Apple, but they really don't want you using anything that isn't proprietary to them. :D

-Michael

edit: Michael beat me to the punch on most of this... :)

I really don't know that FLAC is any better (or worse) than Apple Lossless. I chose FLAC because it was native on the TP, Apple Lossless would have worked just as well. I did read somewhere that FLAC files are slightly smaller than Apple Lossless but I am not sure that, that is true. (something to consider when ripping 1500 CD's though) If you are going to use iTunes (ONLY) for your interface, I would stick with Apple Lossless. iTunes is the only one that Lossless works natively on (that I know of), everything else (if there is anything) that can utilize Apple Lossless converts the files to WAV, or something (I think this is part of Apple's plan for world domination :p). and I am a devote' , fanboy, advocate, and shareholder for Apple!

If my situation changes I can always use MAX to convert the FLAC files to something else.

...and no you didn't come off too strong. I started this tread for all of us to find out more about what options there are, and what's best for each of us...

hopefully we will get some input from some server geniuses out there. :D

Cheers,
Funk

BTW, what is "ATV"? Don't know that acronym yet.

I was using it to denote Apple TV.

-Michael

I was using it to denote Apple TV.

-Michael

Shoot, I was hoping it was something a little more exciting, like All Terrain Video. :p

Thanks!

Funk, I had meant to give you the link in my last post to you

http://penguinlovesmusic.de/

:cool:Cool- thanks:D

Shoot, I was hoping it was something a little more exciting, like All Terrain Video. :p

Thanks!
:p:p:D:p:p

Are you guys using external CD/DVD drives to make the rips? Or the stock drive built in the computer?

I am still using the stock drive in the iMac and, MAN, that thing is S L O W sometimes... most of the time it is pretty good but every once in a while I come across a disk that takes an hour(or more) to rip...

Another thing (and this has been reported elsewhere) I have found the occasional disk that when ripped to FLAC using MAX, set to CD Paranoia, I get nothing but white noise when I try to play it back... So far I have only come across The Lee "Scratch" Perry box set that didn't work with the CD Paranoia setting. The iTunes ripper worked fine for mp4 (128kbps) for iPod use. I haven't gone back to re-rip it yet using one of the other rippers in MAX, though I am told that they should work... just an occasional quirk of CD Paranoia.

There have been a couple of other disks that won't rip, period! My iMac just spits them back out at me... and some that iTunes won't touch, but MAX is okay with... WEIRD!

Funk, I thought I got you off of the internal drive months ago :(

I use an external drive for a couple of reasons. First, I had so many discs to burn that I did not want to burn out my internal drive. I found a great external drive for like $60 ( will find the link for you). The other major reason was burn times. I was averaging about 12-15 minutes a disc with my internal burner; I know average 2-4 minutes with the external :) MAJOR time savings over the course of hundreds of discs.

Well, you did... kind of. I searched around and found a LaCie DVD drive that would work on both my iMac and my wife's HP. Her's will read but won't burn anymore, so a multi platform solution made the most sense to me... I am sure there are many others but that one got some good reviews, and specificaly stated that it would work for both Mac and Windows OS machines. It has been out of stock for the last month (everywhere I found a listing for that model)... Just got a notice today that it is back in stock, so I may order one up, or might just stick it out on the internal... still not sure. (my wife says I spend too much money on this stuff already :D )

I just came across this page via Wikipedia: Comparing lossless encoders.. (http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Lossless_comparison#Introduction) interesting stuff, much of it I had learned already (from various sources) which led me to the decision to encode my CD's in FLAC... and I learned some new stuff too. great resource to have all in one place...

Tim, I thought this might be beneficial for you before you get started.

Cheers,
Greg

I just came across this page via Wikipedia: Comparing lossless encoders.. (http://wiki.hydrogenaudio.org/index.php?title=Lossless_comparison#Introduction) interesting stuff, much of it I had learned already (from various sources) which led me to the decision to encode my CD's in FLAC... and I learned some new stuff too. great resource to have all in one place...

Tim, I thought this might be beneficial for you before you get started.

Cheers,
Greg

Thank Greg. Going to read it right now.

PS - got my two Mini 750GB HDs yesterday and will have the Mac Mini on Monday. It will probably be a week or so before I will have the chance to set it up though. I have to strip my rack and install a new cooling system.

It seems that FLAC is the clear winner, but being new to this, can I store those FLAC files in iTunes? I really want to have a nice user-friendly interface to manage my library.

Thats the only drag about FLAC... It's not supported by iTunes (yet) but I am hopeful that it will be eventually... remember, this is still relatively new tech. ALAC is only 4 years old, so in typical Apple fashion they kind of force iTunes users to use their version of lossless. Also keep in mind that if you only want to use iTunes as your interface, Apple lossless loses to FLAC in terms of flexibility but not much else. Believe me I struggled with that decision quite a bit. I have come to really enjoy the iTunes interface (though I'm not a big fan of the latest version, I like the previous one better). I do hope to see FLAC support in iTunes in the next couple of years. Perhaps if enough of us write to apple requesting that support, they just may listen. :)

Thats the only drag about FLAC... It's not supported by iTunes (yet) but I am hopeful that it will be eventually... remember, this is still relatively new tech. ALAC is only 4 years old, so in typical Apple fashion they kind of force iTunes users to use their version of lossless. Also keep in mind that if you only want to use iTunes as your interface, Apple lossless loses to FLAC in terms of flexibility but not much else. Believe me I struggled with that decision quite a bit. I have come to really enjoy the iTunes interface (though I'm not a big fan of the latest version, I like the previous one better). I do hope to see FLAC support in iTunes in the next couple of years. Perhaps if enough of us write to apple requesting that support, they just may listen. :)

FLAC is also not supported by PS3 (at least not yet...I am hopeful :D) To me, any manufacturer whose player does not support FLAC is either a) woefully unaware of the commmunity it serves, as FLAC, IMO, is by far the most popular lossless codec or b) is trying to push their own codec, Apple with AAC, and Sony with ATRAC.

Sponge, with PS3 you can transcode FLAC, using programs like TVersity and TWonky; and I know FLAC is not native to WMP either, but you can install codec packs so that it will work. I'm not an iTunes guy, but you might want to research and see if anything like that is available to you, if you're wanting to use FLAC with iTunes.

CD

Here we go kids... Sony releasing a new BluSpec CD format (http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/05/sony-turns-cds-blue-with-new-blu-spec-cd-standard/).
from Engadget

Funk -

I'm going to be installing / setting up my Mac Mini in the next couple of days, and I just realized that I don't know how to make the external hard drive my primary drive, and I don't know how to tell the iTunes program to look on that drive for my music library.

Can you help me?

Sure. It's pretty easy actually. Mac's are very intuitive. Depending on your drive you probably still want to use the internal as the "primary"... keep all the software there. Just use the external to store your "iTunes music library." Pretty much plug in the drive (use a firewire connection if you can, much quicker than USB. It should pop up on your desktop, name it whatever you want and your done (if there are more steps involved your Mac should walk you through it, mine was plug and play). Now open up iTunes, once it loads click on the "iTunes" menu at the top of the screen, click preferences. The window should come up on "general" (light-switch icon), you can name your library here. In that same window on the right/top click "advanced" (gear icon). Top item should be where you set up/change your music folder location. Just click on "change," and navigate to whatever you named your external HD. Done. Itunes will make a folder there and name it and keep it organized.

Now that I am thinking about it. I think the first time you open iTunes, it will walk you through everything with a "set-up assistant." Pretty easy. If a wood-butcher/welder guy like me can figure it out, I have no doubt that you can too. Just try and forget all the BS you have to go through with windows, and think "if I designed this system, I would do it this way." 9 time out of 10 that's exactly how it is set up on a Mac. Very intuitive.

If you have any problems, feel free to give me a call, or PM. I'm glad to help if I can.

Hope the above helps you get started at least.

Cheers,
Greg

Thanks Greg! I figured it wouldn't be too difficult, I just needed that info about the advanced menu to get me pointed in the right direction. :)

No worries, brother. Glad I could help.
Cheers,
Greg

I haven't even powered it up yet, but within the next couple days I'll start ripping my music library in ALAC into my M&M / 750 Gigabizzle HD's (Mac Mini / 750GB Hard Drives), which is I beleive how the kids would say it. :rolleyes:

M&M stack
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j193/ptwalker/av%20front%20end/IMG_1049.jpg

Control one of three ways (Dinovo Mini keyboard; apple remote; remote desktop via MacBook Pro)
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j193/ptwalker/IMG_1051.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j193/ptwalker/IMG_1052.jpg

Looks great Tim! who makes your hard disks? M&M? never heard of them, but they certainly match your aesthetic! Never noticed it before but the Classe unit right above the Mac-mini looks like a big mini. :p As soon as your speakers show up you will be ready to party!

Good luck with the ripping, I just finished mine yesterday. :)
Cheers,
Funk

Looks great Tim! who makes your hard disks? M&M? never heard of them, but they certainly match your aesthetic! Never noticed it before but the Classe unit right above the Mac-mini looks like a big mini. :p As soon as your speakers show up you will be ready to party!

Good luck with the ripping, I just finished mine yesterday. :)
Cheers,
Funk

Bad joke I guess . . . I was referring to the Mac Mini as "M&M". :o

The HD's are by Newer Tech
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ministack/

Yeah, the Classe stuff does look like super-sized Mac gear doesn't it? Both Classe and Mac seem to value the same aesthetic-- simple, clean, stylish . . . extruded / machined aluminum. :D

Nice MacBook Pro Tim. That looks like the new design. I have the older Pro without the fancy black surround... mine has aluminum there. Even more importantly, I lack the LED-powered backlight. The system is looking great. You should always leave the door to that closet open. :D

Any word on the Disco's?

-Michael

Nice MacBook Pro Tim. That looks like the new design. I have the older Pro without the fancy black surround... mine has aluminum there. Even more importantly, I lack the LED-powered backlight. The system is looking great. You should always leave the door to that closet open. :D

Any word on the Disco's?

-Michael

Yeah, I'm I new Mac user, so I'm still getting used to it. It is a beautiful machine. The real question is, what have I bought recently that isn't made from machined aluminum? :p

Yeah, I'm I new Mac user, so I'm still getting used to it. It is a beautiful machine. The real question is, what have I bought recently that isn't made from machined aluminum? :p

hmmmm... :rolleyes: your wife's BMW? :p

You should have bought her an Audi A8, Tim. They do have aluminum bodies. Here is a pic of a polished aluminum A8, so I am sure you could get one brushed. :D

http://www.weblogsinc.com/common/images/3060000000054614.JPG?0.13521599461884792


Or you could have gotten her one of these reversing the polished body for brushed and the brushed stripes for polished ones. :D
http://www.kirkhammotorsports.com/media/customer/images/cust004.jpg

Of course, I don't know how well your wife would like a topless car in WA state. You had once asked me what had kept me away from the forums for awhile. I have been kicking around a project like this (only painted and fiberglass). I haven't convinced myself I can justify it.

-Michael

That AC is wicked! (That is actually my dream car, but classic blue with white rally stripes.) Both of those things must be blinding in the sunlight. Some of the kits that are available these days are great performers, and indistinguishable from the originals (to the casual eye at least). Funny thing, I was hanging out with a buddy of mine last night, and I was telling him how much I have been getting into audio over the past year or two, and about how much money I've spent on this hobby... His response: "Don't get into cars!" LOL :D

No kidding Funk. I love the AC, and I would love to do a Kirkham in blue & white, but that is some serious cash right there. I am still deliberating doing a Cobra on the cheap, though. If I do, I will make sure to PM you a link to my Picasa page or whatever I use to document my progress.

-Michael

That would be awesome Michael, thanks. I would love to follow your progress if you decide to go for it. Gotta be one of, if not the, sexiest bodies (car) ever designed! :D

I miss my Transporter. I hope it gets back from WA soon with all its newness.

-Michael

I'm going to be sending mine back to Dan for the upgrades as well.
Maybe end of next week or so...
Figures that just when I finish ripping, I have to wait again to enjoy all the FLAC. :o

You should have bought her an Audi A8, Tim. They do have aluminum bodies. Here is a pic of a polished aluminum A8, so I am sure you could get one brushed. :D

http://www.weblogsinc.com/common/images/3060000000054614.JPG?0.13521599461884792


Or you could have gotten her one of these reversing the polished body for brushed and the brushed stripes for polished ones. :D
http://www.kirkhammotorsports.com/media/customer/images/cust004.jpg

Of course, I don't know how well your wife would like a topless car in WA state. You had once asked me what had kept me away from the forums for awhile. I have been kicking around a project like this (only painted and fiberglass). I haven't convinced myself I can justify it.

-Michael

The Cobra was one of my dream cars back when I was in High School. A classic design with loads of power. That's the first I've seen one polished though. I likey.

That Audi is slick too. Reminds me of a pic I saw of one of their exotics that was also polished alum.

I miss my Transporter. I hope it gets back from WA soon with all its newness.

-Michael

Yes, but it will sound sooo good when you get it back.

Funk, the new upgrade is well worth it. I think you will be pretty surprised by the improvement.

Funk -

I lost connection with my second HD and can't get it back. This is the one I was using for back-up. Around the same time, the Mini wouldn't eject a CD, so I shut the Mini down to try the hold the mouse button while rebooting for the forced eject. When I booted back up, no more back up drive. I powered the drive down and back on again. Unplugged the usb connection, and nothing. Should I contact apple or the hd manufacturer about this?

Funk -

I lost connection with my second HD and can't get it back. This is the one I was using for back-up. Around the same time, the Mini wouldn't eject a CD, so I shut the Mini down to try the hold the mouse button while rebooting for the forced eject. When I booted back up, no more back up drive. I powered the drive down and back on again. Unplugged the usb connection, and nothing. Should I contact apple or the hd manufacturer about this?

did you try a different usb cord? If a firewire connection is available I would try that. My HD came with the cord too, not sure if that is SOP. Whole thing sounds weird, I would call Apple, I think you get free customer phone support for the first 90 days or so. If the drive doesn't spin up when you turn it on, I would call the drive manufacturer. But if you got it all through Apple, just deal with them. You used to need a number from a registration card or something, not sure if thats still the deal... I've never heard of the mouse click force eject trick, did you get that one out of the manual?

did you try a different usb cord? If a firewire connection is available I would try that. My HD came with the cord too, not sure if that is SOP. Whole thing sounds weird, I would call Apple, I think you get free customer phone support for the first 90 days or so. If the drive doesn't spin up when you turn it on, I would call the drive manufacturer. But if you got it all through Apple, just deal with them. You used to need a number from a registration card or something, not sure if thats still the deal... I've never heard of the mouse click force eject trick, did you get that one out of the manual?

I'll try another cord. Thanks for the suggestion. The HD spins up, but the Mac no longer recognizes it. Speaking of the HDs spinning up, how do I get them to go to sleep with my Mac? They just keep spinning.

Edit: tried a different usb cable, no luck. BTW - I'm only using usb on the back-up drive since the Mini only has one firewire port. The firewire connection goes to the drive that I store all of my music.

You might be able to "daisy chain" you drives with the firewire. I haven't tried it but the literature for mine mentions something about that. As far as the sleep thing I don't know. Mine has a switch on the back of the drive that says on/auto/off, when in the auto position the light never goes out but thats where I leave it anyway.

Next Monday my MW Hyperdrive Transporter will be home. That will be almost a month from when it left. Wow. No way I will try and compare it to the sound from before. Can't wait. I should really buckle down and rip some music in the next five days.

-Michael

You can compare to memory of the stock model. Dan should have mine in his hand tomorrow, hopefully he can turn it around pretty quick since I am only getting the update.

Tim- did you get your back-up drive back online?

Had to send my second drive in for service. It would no longer connect via USB. I could get the Mac to recognize the drive when connected via firewire, but I want a fully functional unit.

And yes, you can daisy chain them, which is what I'll do when I get it back.

For anyone connecting their Mac to an HDTV, this software is a life saver.

DisplayConfigX
http://www.3dexpress.de/
http://www.3dexpress.de/displayconfigx.gif

Using the highest compatible default resolution got me most of the way there, but due to overscan on the TV, the top menu bar was cut off and the mouse cursor could get lost off-screen.

DisplayConfigX allowed me to tweak the front and back "porch" so that everything fits on-screen. I ended up with a funky 1248 x 697 as the optimal setting.

Funny how a little fix like this can be so satisfying.

Oh, but I should mention that during the learning phase, I set a resolution that was incompatible with the TV and lost my pic. Long story, but I had to use the video-out adaptor on a different TV input to get the display settings back up . . . then I had to engage the voice over function in the Mac and feel around in the dark to get back to a resolution that worked. It would have been a lot easier if I had another monitor to use, but I don't.

Hey guys it might be too late but check this deal out!!!!!!!!

:eek::eek::eek: Transporter for $299 (edit: seems it was indeed a mistake... link removed)

I'm sure it was a mistake but hopefully some of us can capitalize on it... :D

Hey guys it might be too late but check this deal out!!!!!!!!

:eek::eek::eek: Transporter for $299 (http://www.staples.com/office/supplies/StaplesProductDisplay?storeId=10001&jspStoreDir=Staples&productId=248931&cmSearchKeyword=transporter&fromUrl=home&cmArea=SEARCH&catalogId=10051&langId=-1)

I'm sure it was a mistake but hopefully some of us can capitalize on it... :D

I already have one but ordered just, because. Will post an update when available. :D

*** Received a confirmation email that indicates I ordered a Squeezebox. Sent a printscreen of the order I placed and asked that they ship the listed item at the advertised price.

Please do, I hope that it works out. I decided to save my karma... since I already have a Transporter. :D

Please do, I hope that it works out. I decided to save my karma... since I already have a Transporter. :D

If I get it, I can send it for the Modwright updates. Sounds too good to be true. :)

Funk
I made the order as well, who knows - worst thing is I return it. Best thing is I save a lot of $$ and then do the MW upgrade.
Mark

Here's the original thread, that I got the tip from (http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?topic=62110.0). There are 20 or more guys over there who are going for it, been following it all day. Make sure you guys get screen shots, conformations (verbal, or email)... that say "Transporter". Just to have a solid case. If I didn't already have one (or if I needed another one) I would have jumped in as soon as I saw the deal! :D Heck, I thought about getting one just to turn around and re-sell, for a nice profit, but in the end I am just not that greedy.

I'm in SFO and got here at about 5AM and saw the thread, but the TP was out of stock. Went to bed, got up at 12 and saw the thread still going and went ahead and ordered it. What the hey, who knows.

I'll probably have a SB3 delivered and then return it. I saved all the website confirmation pages, but I doubt if that will help. Again, never know!

Mark-
I hope it does work out for you buddy, what a killer deal!

I skimmed over that post on the TP price. Holy crizzle that's low. Surely Staples made a mistake.

It is not the TP, but the SB - order canceled

It is not the TP, but the SB - order canceled

Did you call to verify? The website still shows the TP.

Did you call to verify? The website still shows the TP.

I called to confirm the order, and she said yes we have you down for a SB to be delivered.... I mentioned that I ordered the transporter and she said we'll have to change the charge to your card. Went around and around for a while and she said "we fouled up."

So I canceled, you can buy a SB cheaper than that.

Ahh, too bad. Could have been a really good buy. Well at least you found out before it arrived and going through the hassle of having to return it. :)

It's a hard case... if you kick and scream loud enough they just might make good.
I just went through this with a cordless iron (okay, you can stop laughing now). They advertised one model, and shipped a different (cheaper) model. It took about a month to get it resolved, but after they refused to pay return shipping to correct their mistake, I wound up with a wrong color iron and about $10 off the price of the model that they actually shipped. I wish I knew a lawyer, 'cause I was hot dealing with the idiots on the other end. Thankfully Amazon stood up and got me the reimbursement.

I'm sorry that this one didn't work out. Sounds like some of the troops are hanging in there and are going to put up a fight. I am sure this is going to result in at least a hundred pissed off customers if they don't give them the deal that was shown, and perhaps some legal issues...

Edit: I guess I will take the direct link down to avoid any further heartaches...

It's a hard case... if you kick and scream loud enough they just might make good.
I just went through this with a cordless iron (okay, you can stop laughing now). They advertised one model, and shipped a different (cheaper) model. It took about a month to get it resolved, but after they refused to pay return shipping to correct their mistake, I wound up with a wrong color iron and about $10 off the price of the model that they actually shipped. I wish I knew a lawyer, 'cause I was hot dealing with the idiots on the other end. Thankfully Amazon stood up and got me the reimbursement.

I'm sorry that this one didn't work out. Sounds like some of the troops are hanging in there and are going to put up a fight. I am sure this is going to result in at least a hundred pissed off customers if they don't give them the deal that was shown, and perhaps some legal issues...

Edit: I guess I will take the direct link down to avoid any further heartaches...

Figures, I just ordered one as edealinfo.com had it so I just went with it. Now I read this thread... I saved the screenshot, but I noticed my e-mail confirmation just says "Squeezebox Network Music". Funny that a search for Squeezebox on the Staples web site doesn't even show a SB3, just a Duet, Controller, and Receiver. Ah well, I'll try an e-mail back to support@orders.staples.com and see what they say.

I got an email this morning. They indicated the item was out of stock and cancelled my order. Email still referenced a squeezebox. :rolleyes:

Valued Staples Customer,

Re: Logitech Transporter/ Squeezebox Network Music Player

Valued Staples Customer,

Regarding your recent Staples order, item 761075 was pictured incorrectly on our website. The item pictured was a Logitech Transporter valued at $2629.99. The item on sale was a Logitech Squeezebox Network Media player valued at $299.99.

If your order was for the Logitech Squeeze, due to the high demand we are currently out of stock. This item will not be fulfilled and you will not be charged.

The Logitech Transporter is currently not available in Staples product assortment and is not available for purchase.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and we have not billed you for this item.

Please contact our Customer Service team by phone at 800-333- 3330 or by email at support.orders@staples.com with any questions or concerns.

Thank you for choosing Staples,

Staples Customer Service

Hi guys, I was hoping I could get everyone's opinion as to whether or not a mac mini feeding flac files(via any of the three connections) to a Cullen modified PS Audio DL III could produce music of the same quality as a stock transporter. The reason I mention this specific dac is because a friend is getting rid of his and he is offering it to me cheap.

If any of you use a mini as an htpc, what form of remote do you use? Using and Ipod Touch while itunes is on is great but I'm hoping there is something better than just a wireless mouse and keyboard for the rest of the time.

Also, I don't think I saw this mentioned(sorry if it was) but an application called Fluke can play flac files through itunes. I can't post the link but go to macupdate and search for Fluke .11.

I appreciate any and all help. Thanks.

Hi guys, I was hoping I could get everyone's opinion as to whether or not a mac mini feeding flac files(via any of the three connections) to a Cullen modified PS Audio DL III could produce music of the same quality as a stock transporter. The reason I mention this specific dac is because a friend is getting rid of his and he is offering it to me cheap.

If any of you use a mini as an htpc, what form of remote do you use? Using and Ipod Touch while itunes is on is great but I'm hoping there is something better than just a wireless mouse and keyboard for the rest of the time.

Also, I don't think I saw this mentioned(sorry if it was) but an application called Fluke can play flac files through itunes. I can't post the link but go to macupdate and search for Fluke .11.

I appreciate any and all help. Thanks.

Sorry, while I use the Mac Mini (connected to a 750GB HD) as a music server, I have no experience with the DAC you are interested in. PS Audio is a great company, so I doubt you would be disappointed.

I use the Logitech DiNivo Mini keyboard to control the Mac. It's got a built in touch pad for mouse control. The touch pad control is a little sketchy but worth the trade off of having to have a surface nearby for the mouse. My Mac Mini is connected to my prepro with a DVI to HDMI cable and I use a custom resolution to deal with overscan.

I love it.

cmryan821-

do you use Fluke? If so how do you like it? Since I am using a Transporter to stream music I am really not using iTunes at all (for home stereo playback). Maybe one of these days I will get a Mac mini and try out the TP as DAC set up and see how it works out. Tim's set up is very much along the lines of what I had originally envisioned, but I got seduced by a deal on a Modwright Transporter that I just couldn't pass up. :D

Unfortunately, I can't compare the stock TP to the Cullen/PSA-DL III for you either, but I tend to agree with Tim that it will most likely sound great. Hang around and let us know how it works out for you. Maybe your friend will let you try it out for a couple of days before you commit to the purchase.

Cheers,
-Funk

Thanks for your help guys.

Sponge, when you say overscan, do you mean that you are missing the very top and bottom from your osx desktop or something else? I had thought that was only a problem when I connecting a laptop via the same method you described. Also, thanks for letting me know that you use the dinovo mini because logitech's site doesn't specify osx support for the it. I also ran across an iphone/touch app last night called remote buddy and it looks very promising even though its not free.

Funkmonkey, I use and love Fluke. I only found it last week but I have yet to run into any problems(running osx 10.5 and itunes 8). I accumulated about 300 gigs worth of flac files from my time with windows and Fluke was a godsend instead of having to convert all of it to apple lossless. One thing though, I showed it to a friend of mine who is running 10.4 and and he has tried it but cannot get it to work even though the developer's site specifies 10.4 support.

Not sure if I should wait until the rumored refresh of the mini in January or just grab a refurbed 1.83 intel now but I'm leaning towards the latter. Thanks again for the help guys.

Thanks for your help guys.

Sponge, when you say overscan, do you mean that you are missing the very top and bottom from your osx desktop or something else? I had thought that was only a problem when I connecting a laptop via the same method you described.

Also, thanks for letting me know that you use the dinovo mini because logitech's site doesn't specify osx support for the it. I also ran across an iphone/touch app last night called remote buddy and it looks very promising even though its not free.



Yes, with the standard resolutions on the Mac Mini, the entire outside edges (top, bottom, left, right) were all slightly cut off, or there was a black boarder around the entire desktop. With the option that was too big, I could still make out 3/4's of the task bar at the top, but it bugged me. So I scoured the internet and found this:

DisplayConfigX
http://www.3dexpress.de/

To get the output of the Mac Mini to fit within the viewable area of my Panasonic plasma I had to play around with the front and back porch.

http://www.peterkrantz.com/2007/mac-mini-overscan/

I use and love Fluke. I only found it last week but I have yet to run into any problems(running osx 10.5 and itunes 8). I accumulated about 300 gigs worth of flac files from my time with windows and Fluke was a godsend instead of having to convert all of it to apple lossless. One thing though, I showed it to a friend of mine who is running 10.4 and and he has tried it but cannot get it to work even though the developer's site specifies 10.4 support.

Not sure if I should wait until the rumored refresh of the mini in January or just grab a refurbed 1.83 intel now but I'm leaning towards the latter. Thanks again for the help guys.

I'm still running OS10.4 but updated to iTunes 8 when it was released. My thought was to wait on the Mac-mini (the early rumors seemed to point to before christmas for an update but I think that is very unlikely, now). I hope that a re-vamp would include a good Blu-Ray drive :cool:, and HDMI!
I know, I'm dreaming. May as well throw in multi-channel sound processing as well, with some balanced analog outs to go with the package... rename it the Mac Mighty! or the Mac HT-pro. :p

Hey Funk -

You know what I'm finding surprisingly compelling? Finding hi-rez album cover art. I started using the 240x240 cover art from Amazon, but then when I went full screen cover flow, I was like yuck! So I started google image searching for 500x500 or higher and I found that some of the images had been tweeked for higher contrast and brilancy. Now my cover art collection looks fan-freakin-tastic! :D

It's oddly satisfying hunting down the best art. It's got some sort of collector's appeal. Like hunting down a pristine Mickey Mantel baseball card or some sheeite. He's popular right? :o

Just thought I'd mention that in about a week or so I'll be getting Bel Canto's new "USB Link 24/96" USB to SPDIF converter. It is supposed to improve the sound of computer audio by reclocking the signal to reduce jitter. I'm currently using the optical out from the Mac Mini, which is supposedly full of jitter.

Bel Canto has even gone to the extent of providing a SPDIF cable of a particular length to further limit jitter. I've been reading up on SPDIF and aparently the length of the cable can affect the propigation of the signal and that it either needs to be 6 inches or 3 feet or 6 feet long, but nothing in between.

I realize that jitter is a topic of much debate, but what the hell. I don't have great expectations, but this is about all I can do to "tweak" the performance of the bits being sent from my Mac Mini to the DACs in my prepro. Hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised by the addition of the USB Link.

http://www.belcantodesign.com/images/USBLink300.jpg

http://www.belcantodesign.com/news_usb_link.html

Hey Funk -

You know what I'm finding surprisingly compelling? Finding hi-rez album cover art. I started using the 240x240 cover art from Amazon, but then when I went full screen cover flow, I was like yuck! So I started google image searching for 500x500 or higher and I found that some of the images had been tweeked for higher contrast and brilancy. Now my cover art collection looks fan-freakin-tastic! :D

It's oddly satisfying hunting down the best art. It's got some sort of collector's appeal. Like hunting down a pristine Mickey Mantel baseball card or some sheeite. He's popular right? :o

:D Sorry I missed this post way back when... I agree that finding some good album art is rewarding, even if you aren't seeing it on your flat panel. ;) There are several CDs in my collection that I was unable to find album art for, and i wound up scanning them in myself at ridiculously high res. (1520 X 1500 or something like that) Funny thing with that was that the small pics looked weird in iTunes... :rolleyes:

Let us know how the new BC anti-jitter thingy works out.

The new mini's are finally out! So, of course, I am thinking again about getting one.

As some of you guys know I recently had some issues with my iMac, that are now only partially fixed. Everything seems to be running smoothly (knock on wood) except for something that I cannot explain at all. Maybe you guys can help. Here's the deal:

Every once in a while when streaming music from the iMac I get a short burst of loud white/pink noise. Really annoying actually. At first, I thought it was coming from the router which was a cheap-o model that has now been replaced. Problem actually was gone for a while but eventually came up again. Next thing I did was replace the RAM in the iMac. That helped with some of the problems I was having with the computer, but that burst of noise came up again last night (haven't heard it for weeks). I checked the files by playing them back directly on the iMac and there was no noise burst on the file itself, also re-buffered replays through the Transporter had no problems either, so it's not the files. It's not in the TP because internet radio playback has been flawless. There are two problems, that I know of, that may be causing my grief.

First possible would be a faulty power supply in the iMac. That has been an issue with the model that I own, and several other versions made within a year or so of mine.

Second other known issue with my model iMac is the logic board. Both issues seem to be tied together by the fact that they used some cheap/defective caps and resistors during production in the months that historically have the problems. Mine has been trouble-free until recently, while most of the units had problems with-in the first year or two of use.

What do you guys think it is?

Power supply? Logic board? or something else?

Cheers,
-Funk

PS- Maybe I should just get a mini and let it be a dedicated Music-server/HT-PC, and let the iMac die a slow death as is...

Funk -

First, I did some reading up on the new Mac Mini last night, and I get the impression that none of the improvements made to the new model would be pertinent to using it as a music server. The two primary changes are to the graphics board and the video output connector. The other changes include a larger HD and a faster processor on the entry level model. None of which are needed for audio reproduction (assuming you will be using an external HD). So, if you can find the previous model on a close-out deal for cheap, that would be the way to go.

As to your problems with your current Mac, it is definitely the result of an overload to your FIFO buffer which can only be rectified through galvanic isolation of the Mac. I'm pretty sure that Synergistic Research makes a power cable that will help. :p

In all seriousness, post your question over on the Computer Audiophile website forum. Lots of knowledgeable guys over there into using their PC's for music playback.

Funk -

First, I did some reading up on the new Mac Mini last night, and I get the impression that none of the improvements made to the new model would be pertinent to using it as a music server. The two primary changes are to the graphics board and the video output connector. The other changes include a larger HD and a faster processor on the entry level model. None of which are needed for audio reproduction (assuming you will be using an external HD). So, if you can find the previous model on a close-out deal for cheap, that would be the way to go.

I thought about this too, but the mini would go in place with the hope that it may be able to stream video content as well, because there is no doubt that we are headed in that direction. That is a big reason I have held of buying a BluRay player too. If I can find an older one for around $300 then I might just get it and forget the video side for another couple of years.

As to your problems with your current Mac, it is definitely the result of an overload to your FIFO buffer which can only be rectified through galvanic isolation of the Mac. I'm pretty sure that Synergistic Research makes a power cable that will help. :p
:eek: HUH??? ;)


In all seriousness, post your question over on the Computer Audiophile website forum. Lots of knowledgeable guys over there into using their PC's for music playback.

where is that? here on AVS or somewhere else?

Thanks Tim
-Greg

Good point about the video capability of the new mac mini if you are thinking of expanding its use into an HTPC, but I would think that you would want something with a BD drive in it for that. Unless you can stream HD content from the likes of Netflix. I haven't looked into that.

Here's the site I was talking about.

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/

You probably know this already, but the audio circle also has a forum dedicated to apples being used as music servers. This may be another place to go to for help with your static noise problem.

I while back I mentioned that I placed an order for a Bel Canto USB Link converter (converts USB to SPDIF digital) to connect to my Mac Mini music server.

I placed the BC USB Link into my system last night (Mac Mini >Kimber USB > BC USB Link > Classe SSP-800 prepro/DAC > Classe amp > Wilson Benesch Discovery speakers). Frankly I wasn't expecting much, but I bought the BC Link with the interest of providing a lower jitter signal to my prepro and the hope that this would improve the resolution / definition of the sound. First I have to say that I in no way felt my system was lacking in either of these areas--my system already has excellent resolution (even though I use the jitter-prone toslink output of my mac and a relatively inexpensive plastic fiber toslink cable). But I thought what the hell, everything is relative and maybe there is another level to all of this.

At first it was hard for me to hear any difference at all. I was hoping that the difference would be immediate and undeniable, but I had to resort to hours of A/B testing between the USB Link and the Toslink connection to dial in on the sound (if any) of the USB Link. It wasn't until I went through about 20 different songs last night and 50 more tonight that some qualities started to become more clear . . . I think.

The USB Link does bring more definition to the sound. It has more snap and edge definition, and at first I thought I liked this, but towards the end of last night I noticed that this came at the cost of some "musicality". Things like the strike of a cymbal or the pluck of a guitar string were more crisp, but the overall sound is slightly cold and metallic. Voices sound more granular and sibilance was also increased. The bass may be a hair tighter and defined through the USB Link, but not enough to sway me. I guess you could say that the USB Link made my system sound slightly more "digital", and that the toslink sounds more natural to these ears. Maybe I like the sound of jitter? I dunno. ;-) I heard no difference in soundstage, imaging or any of the other things we audiophiles typically listen for.

I'll be the first to admit that the difference between the BC USB Link and the Toslink are small enough that what I hear may all be in my head.

I'm going to hold onto it for another week or so to see if the sound quality changes with "burn-in" and I've got a better Toslink cable (Van Den Hul Optocoupler) on the way that I would like to compare it to, but at this point this interesting device doesn't look like it is going to stay in my system.

I would just to ask that anyone reading this take my comments for what they are-- one man's opinion of a device that has been inserted into a system that is probably nothing like yours. Like all things in this hobby, even though it didn't work out for me doesn't mean that it is a bad product. It may sound fabulous in your system. You'll just have to try it out and listen for yourself.

For a counterpoint to my experience, this guy loved it:

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/bel-canto-high-end-usb-spdif-converter-anyone-387113/index6.html#post5459929

Cheers,

- Tim

Tim, my suggestion would be to play signal through it for at least 100 hours and then give it an A/B. That may or may not provide more differences.

Tim, my suggestion would be to play signal through it for at least 100 hours and then give it an A/B. That may or may not provide more differences.

Yeah, some due diligence is in order here. I have 30 days to return it, so I'll give it some more time before making my final decision.

I just got my new iMac up and running. This machine took the place of my failing, and now dead, iMac G5. I went back and forth about fixing the old one and getting a new Mini to set up as a HT-Mac. Well, a 24" screen is freakin' huge! I am used to a 17 incher. I do have to say that everything is sounding better than ever. I'm not sure if the old machine was having such a hard time running toward the end that the quality of the files it was streaming was degraded, or if it's a psychological thing, but I am very happy with what I am hearing now! Music library scan took about 1/10th the amount of time it took before, and I haven't heard any of those annoying bursts of pink noise that I mentioned before. :)

Cheers,
Funk

Has anyone looked into the new PS Audio Perfect Wave DAC as a digital media server? Someone :) has pointed out to me that it can do dadgum near everything. As soon as they add the bridge portion it will stream any music file from 16/44 to 24/192 (both wired and wireless), and that is without the Perfect Wave Transport. If you add the transport it will play HRX discs native, as well as any format of CD.

On top of all of that it can even act as a 2-channel pre, although it is limited to digital inputs only.

MSRP w/o bridge $2999. Transport also $2999. I don't really believe you'd need the transport if solely streaming from a NAS/hard drive and could go with the Perfect Wave DAC as a high end DAC and media server (all in one).

This thing/things appears to have high potential!

http://www.psaudio.com/ps/products/detail/perfectwave-dac

http://www.psaudio.com/ps/products/detail/perfectwave-transport?cat=audio

I'm going to dig into this a bit further and will let you'll know what I find.
Mark

I agree....it does seem to have everything. I was advised by a local A/V guy that PS Audio other DAC was a good buy. So in investigating I discovered the same information and came to the same conclusion.

I was looking at building a HTPC to locate in my a/v rack. However if the Perfectwave DAC does all it says then I can eliminate the HTPC (for now relative to audio). I can attach it my home network with my home PC / sever that has my Itunes library and I'm in business for stereo sounds. Thereby eliminating the noise associated with a HTPC located in my media room.

I do have a few concerns however:
What is the cost of the bridge?
The You Tube video seems to imply that you can not access the volume control of the pre-amp through the network connection (Ipod Touch)? Only from the front screen...I can not see a good reason for not having this capability built-in.
Does the unit have IR capbailities, given the above issue.
I assume you can bypass the pre-amp function and route directly to a pre/processor/ receiver?

The price seems to be in the ball park given all the engineering work they have put into this unit and they capability built-in. And given that most other external quality DACs are priced from ~$500-$5K and many benefit from aftermarket mods to upgrade key components in the signal path. These aftermarket mods are priced from ~$500-$2k.

I'm currently in the specification phase of my new media center and this unit seems to fit my requirements.

Interest to hear what others are using for DACs and how this compares specificatiosn wise since it's not schedule for release until April / May '09.

Well I finally got some information from PS Audio, here's what they sent (short answer):

My e-mail:

I am a present owner of the Digital Link III/w Cullen level 4 mods. Phenomenal DAC by the way. The Perfect Wave DAC appears to have extremely high potential with it's ability (with the future bridge) to stream all current resolutions of music from an offboard NAS/harddrvie.

I'm looking for status on the bridge and if this will be user installable upon release. Additionally, do you feel the transport is a necessary addition or could one just go with the DAC and a NAS for all music listening and then use the Perfect Wave for added non-PS Audio transports.

The Perfect Wave appears to be a phenomenal step forward in music playback and with the upcoming bridge could be … well pretty amazing.

There is mention of added harddrive (NAS) "containers" to match the PWD in the future?

Also, is there going to be an i-phone/i-touch app available from PS Audio for display of tracks, cover art, etc. in the future?

Answer:

The Bridge upgrade for the Perfect Wave DAC will be available shortly after the release of the PWD. It is indeed user installable and for most it will take less than a minute. If you are okay with playing all of your media from the NAS there is no need for the addition of the Transport. Eventually we will offer our own server solution which will feature both storage and ripping capabilities, of course with the same bit perfect read abilities of the PWT.

The iPhone app will be released at the same time as the Bridge. It will allow for a rich graphical interface with your networked media.

Not much, but something. I've also got a call into a dealer. When I get more, I'll pass it along.

The PS audio website is very informative on the PerfectWave system.
Mark

Do you think there is enough interest now or in the future to start a seperate DAC user thread. This thread would engage in discussion about various DACs with some focus on the PWD. I would some day like to develop enough interest to maybe approach PS Audio about a group but.

What do you think?

For anyone connecting their Mac to an HDTV, this software is a life saver.

DisplayConfigX
http://www.3dexpress.de/
http://www.3dexpress.de/displayconfigx.gif

Using the highest compatible default resolution got me most of the way there, but due to overscan on the TV, the top menu bar was cut off and the mouse cursor could get lost off-screen.

DisplayConfigX allowed me to tweak the front and back "porch" so that everything fits on-screen. I ended up with a funky 1248 x 697 as the optimal setting.

Funny how a little fix like this can be so satisfying.

Oh, but I should mention that during the learning phase, I set a resolution that was incompatible with the TV and lost my pic. Long story, but I had to use the video-out adaptor on a different TV input to get the display settings back up . . . then I had to engage the voice over function in the Mac and feel around in the dark to get back to a resolution that worked. It would have been a lot easier if I had another monitor to use, but I don't.

Hi Hifisponge:

I'm in the process of setting up a Mini-based music server with video output to my 50" Pioneer plasma and wanted to use DisplayConfigX to tweak the display. Can you suggest a best approach to avoid the lost picture problem? I have another display, but I'd hate to have to unbox it and feel my way around to restore a viewable picture.

Thanks in advance for your help on this one.

Steve

Hi Hifisponge:

I'm in the process of setting up a Mini-based music server with video output to my 50" Pioneer plasma and wanted to use DisplayConfigX to tweak the display. Can you suggest a best approach to avoid the lost picture problem? I have another display, but I'd hate to have to unbox it and feel my way around to restore a viewable picture.

Thanks in advance for your help on this one.

Steve

Steve -

I'm afraid not. Unlike Windows, which asks the user to confirm a change in screen resolution before it is permantly applied, Apple OS makes the change instantly. However, if you are careful, you should be able to avoid the issue.

My first problem was that I double clicked on the "display" option in the set-up menu, when it only required a single click. The first click selected the display option, and the second click selected the resolution that was under the cursor at the time. So don't double click! :)

If for some reason you select a resolution that is incompatible with your display and you lose the image, keep in mind that you can scroll up and down the resolution list using the up and down arrow keys. So stay calm, don't touch the mouse and press the up or down arrows until the image comes back (wait 5 seconds between button presses to allow the monitor time to synch).

If you run into any snags, feel free to call on me.

I don't remember everything I did to get my resolution set, but I'm sure it will come back to me in a time of need. :)