Let's Talk Computer Audio

[Julf]

I wonder if that could be true today with domestic players and hi-sampling rate files since there is more data spread out through more sectors.

From my experience, even with hi-res files a modern PC or Mac uses about 4-5% of its performance when playing music.

 

[Bruce B]

From my experience, even with hi-res files a modern PC or Mac uses about 4-5% of its performance when playing music.

I have an i5 processor in my workstation and even doing multi-track files in 32/352.8, it's only using 5-6% resources.

 

[JackD201]

Thanks guys. How big a factor is RAM?

 

[Julf]

Thanks guys. How big a factor is RAM?

Playing music doesn't eat that much RAM, but you definitely want to make sure the other programs on your computer (and your OS) don't run out of it.

 

[Phelonious Ponk]

I have an i5 processor in my workstation and even doing multi-track files in 32/352.8, it's only using 5-6% resources.

Then why is a "properly set up" computer one that has plenty of ram and is challenged with nothing but playing music?

Tim

 

[FrantzM]

That has been my experience as well. On streamers I can hear zero difference between formats.

With files being played from memory, I really don't know why there would be.

Audiophiles exaggerate differences between most things, and computer audio is hog heaven for this scenario
because of the endless variables. I'd still love to know how hard drives can "sound" different.

My point exactly in an earlier post. Heck I have amused myself to listen to music from a NAS. in m y house at a friend's through the Internet ..It sounded very good to us. In another thread Nyal Melior asked about those special music severs ... I am yet to meet an audiophile with one aside from a Soolos and various Kaleidescspe. For computer audio ...please just keep it. Simple for the last time it works and doesn't necessitate a lot of money, hardware or knowledge...

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

I sometimes think I had more fun, and enjoyed music just for the music when I was downloading 128's from Napster.

 

[Andre Marc]

A "not" properly set up computer is a computer that is used for everything from gaming to video processing and internet. It is also full of malware, improper drivers, drives that are not defragged, not enough memory, music files on the same drive as the OS, cards using the same bus and everything else you can think of. You'd be surprised at what I've seen.

The best computers are dedicated music players, preferably not connected to the net, plenty of RAM, updated OS and drivers, separate drives for music files and limited connections.

I think most people who have gone the computer audio rout who use a commercially purchased computer as a server at least have enough memory, have their files on an external drive, and
have their drivers up to speed.

I don't see how you cannot have an internet connection and a network connection.

How will you get O/S updates? Program updates? Meta data? tablet or phone control??????

All of the above is why I am going to purchase the Bryston BDP-2. You are not a slave to Windows or MAC OS, linear power supply, AES/EBU output,
firmware upgradeable, and no software to purchase.

Not to mention, in my comparisons it betters ANY MAC or PC/USB DAC set up I have heard.

 

[Andre Marc]

My point exactly in an earlier post. Heck I have amused myself to listen to music from a NAS. in m y house at a friend's through the Internet ..It sounded very good to us. In another thread Nyal Melior asked about those special music severs ... I am yet to meet an audiophile with one aside from a Soolos and various Kaleidescspe. For computer audio ...please just keep it. Simple for the last time it works and doesn't necessitate a lot of money, hardware or knowledge...

Computer Audio was supposed to bring more people into the hobby..instead it is a hornets net due to the audiophile mentality of worrying about
phantoms and gremlins.

 

[Andre Marc]

I sometimes think I had more fun, and enjoyed music just for the music when I was downloading 128's from Napster.

Or how about pulling out a CD and hitting "Play"?

 

[Julf]

Computer Audio was supposed to bring more people into the hobby..instead it is a hornets net due to the audiophile mentality of worrying about
phantoms and gremlins.

+1

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Or how about pulling out a CD and hitting "Play"?

There's a difference? LOL!

 

[Andre Marc]

There's a difference? LOL!

The difference is not having to worry about USB cables, Ethernet cables, O/S, "optimization", memory, software, file format,
"tranquility bases", latency, and a million other variables.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

The difference is not having to worry about USB cables, Ethernet cables, O/S, "optimization", memory, software, file format,
"tranquility bases", latency, and a million other variables.

I'm being facetious of course, but glad you enjoyed the bit of sarcasm. Unlike you however, I am not at all interested in going the seperate DAC route as PC music is not that important to me. I have a decent soundcard (Asus Xonar Essence STX) and some decent actives (Behringer Truths 1031A), which suffices for my use. Once my cables arrive I'll hook it up to my rig and listen voila I'm done!

 

[Steve Williams]

Or how about pulling out a CD and hitting "Play"?

still my modus operandi

works every time

 

[Andre Marc]

still my modus operandi

works every time

And damn fine method of operation!

 

[Andre Marc]

I'm being facetious of course, but glad you enjoyed the bit of sarcasm. Unlike you however, I am not at all interested in going the seperate DAC route as PC music is not that important to me. I have a decent soundcard (Asus Xonar Essence STX) and some decent actives (Behringer Truths 1031A), which suffices for my use. Once my cables arrive I'll hook it up to my rig and listen voila I'm done!

You are system is nice. FYI..a computer is not within 20 feet of my system. Files reside on external drives, connected to Mac Mini, streamed via Ethernet to Squeezebox Touch, decoded by Bryston BDA-1 DAC via optical.

192/24 capable, all formats.

 

[FrantzM]

Thus my suggestion to just invest in a basic system following some recipes some here on WBF .. Results if mind is open can be shocking , a laptop is all you need ... Darn! why do we , audiophiles have to make everything so difficult!! We happilly spend thousand of dollars on Quantum dots but cannot get our minds to admit that a $500 contraption will wipe the floor with our kilobucks transports ... Wait .... that is exactly the problem .. if it is so cheap it can't possibly sound good .. Talk about a screwed-up mentality !! I am glad I took the plunge and I am not looking back .. I have never heard and enjoyed so much music since

 

[Julf]

The difference is not having to worry about USB cables, Ethernet cables, O/S, "optimization", memory, software, file format,
"tranquility bases", latency, and a million other variables.

Instead of worrying about interconnects, green marker pens, anti-vibration pads, and a million other variables

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

You are system is nice. FYI..a computer is not within 20 feet of my system. Files reside on external drives, connected to Mac Mini, streamed via Ethernet to Squeezebox Touch, decoded by Bryston BDA-1 DAC via optical.

192/24 capable, all formats.

My PC is 12ft away from my rig......in a little alcove to the side.