One of the reasons people love audio reproduction so much, is all the cool gear. What's fun about being a Digital Audiophile, is that those of us that are computer savvy can leverage these great leaps in technology and our knowledge to make them go, with cool gear and clever software, with some networking thrown in.

This thread is for bragging about your current Digital Audiophile system...which some of us do a lot anyways - (Stone, I'm looking in your general direction! LOL). Not just what DAC you are using, but tell us about the computer, software, networking, whatever...even if it's just an iPhone to a pocket-DAC to headphones! Share what makes it work and why you chose what you did, and How Does it Sound!?!

Hopefully this will help out those just getting started, and not scare those who aren't super computer savvy....because we all know, this can be as easy or complex as we want it to be (or our budgets allow! LOL)

I didn't realize you were so Computer Savvy, Donnie! That Dell system must be *quick* with all that SSD storage!!

I guess I'll chime in - I'm trying not to hog (or be the only poster! LOL) the Digital section now that I've got a few posts in and people are starting to check it out.

So, my setup is currently in flux. And I'm super broke right now, so I'm trying to work with what I have...but considering splurging on new software.

As I mentioned in my why I got into digital thread, I started down the rabbit hole when I realized my Oppo BDP-105 had these great networking playback and USB featuers. And I had this giant PC stuffed with hard drives that was my "file server". Once I realized my Oppo worked better as a network media player; I moved my noisy File Server from the living room where it was connected to my Home Theater recevier via HDMI, I moved it down to the basement (Laundry Room) where I have a small network rack that housed my router, switches and such. Over a 3 months period I ripped all my CDs to FLAC and dumped on the file server and was playing them via the Oppo.

Around that same time I heard the ZMA, which floored me, and it did everything I wanted from a midweight amp. That really sent me down the path of getting serious about my audio setup. I sold an expensive acoustic guitar, a Porsche 914 that had been sitting in storage for 10 years, and a couple paychecks, and ordered the ZMA.  My File server was having issues, so I splurged and got a Synology 8 bay NAS which I transferred all my "file server" hard drives to. Then, I heard the PS Audio DirectStream DAC, which also floored me (and has gotten quite a bit better via Firmware/OS updates). Through some happenstance and persuasion, I got a fat 30% off discount from Paul McGowen, and got a2 years same as cash financing deal through Music Direct here in Chicago...otherwise I wouldn't have been able to afford it! In fact, I only just recently paid it off, about 5 months ahead of schedule.

So my super-system had suddenly (and expensively) evolved to the Decware ZMA, PS Audio DirectStream, and Synology NAS....which prompted me to start working on a dedicated audio PC. Palomino was already doing something like this with his Mac Mini, but I'm a PC guy. So I got a refurb Lenovo Tiny Form Factor PC, dropped a 40GB SSD in it, loaded Windows Server 2012 and Audiophile Optimizer 1.3 set as best as I could, with Foobar2000. The PC choices were made because I had basically no money and was doing some computer repair side jobs to afford what I could. Refurb PC, Audiophile Optimizer software were about $250 together, Server 2012 was basically free because I was part of a testing program (And required for AO), Foobar2000 because it was free, and 40GB SSD because I already had it from a laptop I sold to afford all this stuff. LOL. I felt the power supply might be holding the PC back, so I splurged on an industrial, linear power supply that I scored for like $40, then dropped $75 in upgraded parts to make it more of an audiophile piece...and it did in fact improve the sound a hair...less noise coming down the USB.


After the DirectStream and ZMA, the Oppo had pretty much been relegated to Home Theater only; as clever as it is, it sounded etched compared to the much more refined DirectStream.

TL;DR version

So my music is on a NAS stuffed with 2TB hard drives. Music is being played back via Foobar2000 in Windows Server 2012 with AO via USB to the DirectStream. I was controlling it with a laptop that was just using Windows Remote Desktop into the server to click away at Foobar2000. Then of course out of the DirectStream to the ZMA via Balanced cables, from ZMA to my trusty Decware MG944.


Going Forward


So, I said my system was in flux...I was lucky enough to be a beta tester for the PS Audio Bridge II. I hear that PS Audio and Roon work well together via this Bridge II network connection, and at the same time someone offered to buy my Lenovo Tiny Form Factor PC from me to build an Audio Server of their own. Plus, Roon now has a Synology NAS Core software!  So I've Sold my Tiny Form Factor PC, I'm running Roon on my NAS, controlling it via the Roon App on my Android phone, and it's coming through via the network on my Bridge II. It sounds really good, but my NAS simply doesn't have the horsepower to run Roon as well as it should, so my searches are super sluggish, and I occasionally get dropouts, and worst yet...Roon isn't "discovering" my new music when I add it to the MUSIC folder on the NAS. So when I'm all excited to listen to a new album, the software just isn't finding it for hours, if not days!

I do like the Roon software, but I need more horsepower to run it than my NAS has, so I'm going to be going back to a Tiny Form Factor PC with an i5 Processor and Windows 10. Except this time I'm running Roon and going via network rather than Foobar2000 via USB. I'm also considering purchasing HQ Player (about $150) software as a birthday present to myself and try upsampling out to the DirectStream (which might force me back to USB as I think the Bridge II can't handle DSD128 and higher)

Sorry so long winded (as usual) - just lots going on with the digital front recently. Hell, I've not even talked about considering picking up a budget Chinese DAC that does DSD256 or 512 for my computer desk/spare bedroom system...I mean, I do have this little Zen amp sitting here after all.    :D

I've never really had a use for Linux, but dabbled in the past. If I go with HQ Player, the Linux license is a little more expensive than the Windows only version (I think the Linux license covers Mac/Linux and Windows).

I started building my new TFF PC with Windows 10 last night. I didn't put an SSD in it, but I probably should. I'm basically gearing up to download the demo of HQ Player software and see how it sounds. Since it too Integrates with Roon, it all sort of works out, no matter what OS I use. Linux does make sense though. Windows 10 is just "easier"...but that's only because I'm used to it. I may just have to give it a whirl!

Main System (used for both 2 Channel Audio and Video):

Amp = Decware Taboo MK II or Decware Zen Select
Preamp = McIntosh C220
Source 1 = Rega RP6 TT
Source 2 = McIntosh D100 DAC/Digital Preamp
Source 3 = RadioShack DAC (plugged into my cable box)
Speakers = Omega RS7
Subs = Rythmik Audio
Cables = Mix of Decware, Zen Wave and Wireworld
Power= Monster Power Center HTS3600
PC = Asus VivoPC (via USB to the Mac DAC)
Monitor = Samsung 65" HDTV
NAS = Western Digital MyCloud 2TB
Playback Software = JRiver MC 22

I have a few network switches in the mix and strung throughout the house as well.

Bedroom System (used for both 2 Channel Audio and Video):

Integrated Amp = Rega Brio-R
Source = Rega DAC
Speakers = I have some no name cheapy ones in there right now, but possibly the Omega Super 3 Desktop in the future or I was actually thinking about some BBC type ones like the LS3/5
Sub = AudioEngine S8
Cables = Rega
Power= Cheapo Power Strip / Surge Protector
PC = Custom Built (by me) Gaming PC with Xenon Processor, Pretty much all high end stuff by MSI motherboard and MSI/AMD based Video Card. Configured for Raid and lots of memory, yada, yada, yada.
Monitor = Samsung 27" HDTV
NAS = Western Digital MyCloud 2TB (same NAS as the main system above)
Playback Software = JRiver MC 22

Pretty much can watch movies and play music anywhere in the house that matters to us.  My son also has a partial system put together with a Technics TT and also has access the NAS, plus we have our printer networked as well, etc.

Aside from having to work on my back pain constantly through yoga and different types of physical training and exercises ~ I kind of flip flop between my other 3 main hobbies which are guns, PC gaming, and audio/video.  No particular order they kind of just ebb and flow to me ... lately I've been lagging on the A/V side of things and playing more with my AR-15 and Glock (old salty dog sailor what can I say ).

I did however recently purchase a Shunyata MPC-12C power conditioner and Venom HC power cable for the main system (which I should receive Wednesday) I was able to get both as demo units for a really great price.  Even though I got them on the cheap ~ I will scrutinize the shit out of these when they get here though as I'm not 100% convinced that they're going to make a huge enough difference that would warrant the cost.

I'm also having a pair of custom built Omega "Ouitlaw" Loudspeakers that will incorporate Louis' best drivers (the AlNiCo Hempcones) and Rythimik subs.  These are what I'm most excited about, but since they are custom made the ETA on these are still a bit far off.

Great Thread LR. Yeah, I'm guilty as charged. I don't mean to come off like that....I will cool it. LOL
"This thread is for bragging about your current Digital Audiophile system...which some of us do a lot anyways - (Stone, I'm looking in your general direction! LOL)."

But seriously, great Thread. I'm up for learning. I would like to start Ripping my CD Collection to a hard drive and access it to ZDSD for starter's?

I don't really know where to start? I don't know what I want to do in the arena of computer, software, networking, whatever..... .

Glad you're back in full force on the Forum Eric. Your absence was duly noted.

Awesome - I'm glad this section is getting some traction.

Please, start a thread asking questions, even if it's as simple as "I want to  rip all my CDs". And when i have time, I'll write up my (rather wordy) little posts and see if I can help out.

The technology and software is constantly changing, so sometimes I need to research something myself to see what's *currently* the best or at least recommended for doing things. Either way, i'm happy to share what I know and help research!

I'm holding off on computer audio (once again). Next year, around this time/might persue. I do create DSD recordings here and there, with my ZDSD which is very cool.

Right now, the Linear Tube Audio ZOTL2.0, has me to intrigued not to get it and try it out! See my post in the ZMA Forum.

Come on Lon, real listening involves pain!  You are not experiencing the hobby if you haven't had to re-rip your entire CD collection after a hard drive failure;D

Interested in your thoughts on the new player.  I probably won't go back to the spinning disk but I am fascinated with that technology.

Well Don I have about 20,000 and I like using them, ripping is a waste of time for me and I'm 61, listening and enjoying my discs make more sense to me as a use of my time, especially as in my system they sound so fantastic. And I find more discs to buy than ever. We're all different, and computer audio is not for me.

Cool LR. Do tell about your ripping method with error checking. In the -20 temp's coming in Jan and Feb...... . I might get into it/with what I need, etc.... .

Okay, I need to brag a little?  I have a MicroZOTL2.0 coming. Pretty excited!

Oh, I already said this in yesterday's post. See how excited I am?!

One day I'll love this album! I've gone from not getting it to sort of digging it to liking it okay to . . .liking it.

Lon's randomly posting in the wrong forum again.  ;)

Inquiring minds want to know....

Thanks.  Sounds promising...

How does the Direct Stream Player work? Is it reading the disc and putting it into memory to then be sent to the DAC?
I just went to the P.S. Audio site and tried to figure it out but I din't see a description that describes its function.

So basicly you "rip" the disc every time that you play it?
Why would this be better than ripping the disc once and keeping it in memory?
I would think that wear and tear on the disc would eventually come into play. I'm not saying that you use your discs as coasters or anything like that, but they are mechanical devices and things do wear out.
You bring up jitter, wouldn't a digital file eliminate it at the source?
I'm not trying to be a jerk, I'm just trying to see the advantage of spending $6K over a $1K computer.

Quote:


That was exactly the reason why I took the leap down the rabbit hole. I was  shocked at the improvement in dropping the spinning disc.

I think the whole point of the memory drive is that you can keep your discs, and still get the benefit of lower jitter from caching.

That said, there are many other sources of noise and jitter when you're going straight digital. USB, and optical digital have all sorts of jitter in the conversions and transmissions.