Problems with Mac El Capitan and USB-X

[Andre Marc]

This is all very interesting, because I am considering a streaming solution for my system. Right now I am trying to decide if I build a Windows HTPC, or buy a dedicated renderer. The advantage of the Windows PC is that it can be used for all sorts of other things, e.g. applying DSP. The other advantage is that I can download the software and use it for a trial period ... as opposed to dropping multi-thousand $$$ on an Aurender and finding that the interface does not work for me. The disadvantage, as you say, is that it is unreliable, and there are too many unnecessary services.

Keith, do you want local storage...hard drives connected directly and situated near the transport...or a remote library set up?

Either way you do not have to spend multi thousands..there are several excellent solutions for well under $1000 you can try
to dip you toe in the water. The above mentioned Aries Mini is one.

 

[Andre Marc]

This is all very interesting, because I am considering a streaming solution for my system. Right now I am trying to decide if I build a Windows HTPC, or buy a dedicated renderer. The advantage of the Windows PC is that it can be used for all sorts of other things, e.g. applying DSP. The other advantage is that I can download the software and use it for a trial period ... as opposed to dropping multi-thousand $$$ on an Aurender and finding that the interface does not work for me. The disadvantage, as you say, is that it is unreliable, and there are too many unnecessary services.

Great post by John Darko on the Auralic Aries Mini..I see it as a gateway product..very little risk involved.
http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2015/10/auralic-aries-mini-rmaf-2015-minimalism-10-things/

 

[Keith_W]

Keith, do you want local storage...hard drives connected directly and situated near the transport...or a remote library set up?

Given how cheap storage is these days, I would want it local. Just to avoid network latency. At the moment I am heavily leaning towards a hotrodded Windows PC, only because I am familiar with it.

 

[asiufy]

Andre,

I agree with you that Auralic was/is ambitious. I don't know exactly how many US employees they have, but they're a China-based company anyway. Programmers are programmers, doesn't matter where they are, no? I don't think many audio companies have more dedicated IT/programming staff than Auralic. Maybe Linn or Devialet.
Oh, I know their US-based head of support is a very capable guy, that used to work for Apple actually.

 

[MadFloyd]

Andre Marc and Alex: thank you for correcting (and enlightening) me.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

regarding Steve and the Playback Designs......no doubt it seems to not benefit from the hotrod server I'm using much.....compared to the Trinity in my system. whether that is because it's already solved the issues, or whether it's design cannot benefit from the advantages of my 'hotrod' server, is anyone's guess. I can just judge the final performance.

 

[Andre Marc]

Andre,

I agree with you that Auralic was/is ambitious. I don't know exactly how many US employees they have, but they're a China-based company anyway. Programmers are programmers, doesn't matter where they are, no? I don't think many audio companies have more dedicated IT/programming staff than Auralic. Maybe Linn or Devialet.
Oh, I know their US-based head of support is a very capable guy, that used to work for Apple actually.

Actually, having knowledgable support staff in the US is absolutely vital. The programmers and developers on staff as you say, can
be anywhere.

I just don't think it works having a hybrid sales/support/marketing person roaming the US.

BTW, when I said that Auralic was ambitious, that was complimentary...I am glad they are pushing the boundaries.

 

[Andre Marc]

Given how cheap storage is these days, I would want it local. Just to avoid network latency. At the moment I am heavily leaning towards a hotrodded Windows PC, only because I am familiar with it.

What is the size of your digital library?

 

[Mike Lavigne]

What is the size of your digital library?

I have my main 'new' hotrodded CPU w/ssd next to my gear in my room in the barn (1 meter USB's); then a 24 terabyte NAS upstairs above my room connected to my main CPU over the network. then in my house I have another back up NAS with 24 terabytes connected on my network for safety. the main CPU I replaced the new hot-rodded one with I've set up as a ripping station (including a 50 disc Kodak loader) on the Network and it's where all my downloaded files go to be sent to the NAS. that way any downloading processes are kept completely separate from the music CPU in my room.

right now I have about 15-16 terabytes of music; but I've been buying Quad dsd files (I have about 20 Quad dsd albums so far....wow!) and they are big so it's growing daily.

 

[Keith_W]

What is the size of your digital library?

I am not sure. I think I have ripped about 1/2 of my collection of CD's to FLAC. At the moment the whole thing weighs in at 600GB. I think a 3-4TB drive should be easily more than sufficient.

 

[Andre Marc]

I am not sure. I think I have ripped about 1/2 of my collection of CD's to FLAC. At the moment the whole thing weighs in at 600GB. I think a 3-4TB drive should be easily more than sufficient.

Agree on the drive. I love the G-Tech drives personally.

 

[Andre Marc]

I have my main 'new' hotrodded CPU w/ssd next to my gear in my room in the barn (1 meter USB's); then a 24 terabyte NAS upstairs above my room connected to my main CPU over the network. then in my house I have another back up NAS with 24 terabytes connected on my network for safety. the main CPU I replaced the new hot-rodded one with I've set up as a ripping station (including a 50 disc Kodak loader) on the Network and it's where all my downloaded files go to be sent to the NAS. that way any downloading processes are kept completely separate from the music CPU in my room.

right now I have about 15-16 terabytes of music; but I've been buying Quad dsd files (I have about 20 Quad dsd albums so far....wow!) and they are big so it's growing daily.

Wholly smokes Mike!. I am at around 10 TB now.

 

[Nevillekapadia]

My MacBook Pro Retina was asked to upgrade to the new Sierra iOS operating system, which I did from El Capitan.
The wonderful news is today through Audirvana, my USB-XII box got recognised. And the MPS-5 was recognising all the different files, ppm-redbook, 48/96, Single DSD, double DSD.....very easily.
Just for those who have suffered the pain since well over a year of not being able to use your PBD due to El Capitan.