If you are going to run XP (look at the dell outlet, maybe?), the Inspiron should do just fine. My main systen uses a 1520 as a source. I keep the system clean (not much installed/running) but I do some basic surfing etc on it. If you want to run 7, make surre you load it up with RAM (4g ...

do you have accurate rip enabled? if so, uncheck the option and see if the hang goes away. Mine will hang on open while contacting the servers occassionally.

I agree with the recommendation of going lossless (I would go FLAC, but ALAC is fine). What I WOULDN'T do is use lossless on an iPod. Rip to lossless for archive and to mp3/mp4 for use on the ipod. Lossless offers ZERO advantages when played on a portable and has many negatives.

It sounds like the HD is turning off to save power. Depending on what HD it is, you may be able to hack it or replace it with a drive that doesn't go to sleep.

assuming these FLACS were ripped from CDs, 16bit 44.1k 2 channel is what they should be and what you want to keep them at.

absolutely.

M Audio Transit (~$79) 24/96 w/ Optical out. Amazon.com: M-AUDIO Transit High Resolution Mobile Audio Upgrade: Electronics

The MAudio is perfect as a source, but not as a DAC. Add a DAC to the chain and you will be happy (or replace the MAudio with a usb dac).

I use this: Targus*|*AMP02US*–*Targus Notebook Wireless Presenter gives me play/pause, next, previous and volume down. Works from any room in the house (2.4g wireless) so no need to have a clear shot of the computer. No install/drivers etc.

there are a number of methods available. you can start here: DVD Video to Audio CD Guide - Club CD Freaks - Knowledge is Power there are a couple of apps available that will do it directly, but do to the unclear ethics/legality of such an app, you will need to do some googling to find...

Quote: Originally Posted by derek8555 Hmm that's what I thought too. Not a matter of opinion; it is a fact. Quote: Originally Posted by derek8555 But one day after I transcoded some APE to FLAC for my rockbox'd iPod I found I could hear a difference between them...

FLAC and APE are lossless. Unless something is seriously broken on your system FLAC and APE files will sound EXACTLY like the original tracks.

Quote: Originally Posted by derek8555 I would strongly recommend storing everything in APE format. They also sound slightly better than FLAC on Foobar2k Sorry, but this is not even slightly based in reality.

Nothing with DRM

+1 Amazon. Very happy with the q. (great selection, too)

Long runs of USB can be problematic. Long runs of Optical/Analog cables would be my recommendation for seperating the computer from the listening room. The 0404 will most likely be a noticeable upgrade over your on board, but will not come close to a decent DAC.

Keep the audiophile and spend the money on a better amp.

None of the things you are discussing (latency, buffers, ASIO, cables etc) will have any impact of the "sound" of the card. (Unless you are upsampling/downsampling which I would suggest you stop) They may impact performace and reduce/create problems, but they will not change the quality of...

I run ASIO>S/PDIF with a M-Audio 24/96 so your mileage may vary... I run the latency on the card maxed out and the buffer in foobar at about 50% (4000 ms) You can lower each as low as you want as long as you don't have any issues (popping/skipping etc). I run mine "high" for piece of mind...

ignore the interconnects (LOL). Will do some proper ABx'ing once she's broken in, but initial impressions are VERY positive. First thing I *seem* to hear is much more punch in the mids (vocals jump out at you). No issues with setup (Laptop (foobar+ASIO+S/PDIF>MAudioUSB>DA-131>Preamp). Was...

My DA-131 made it from Taiwan to NY in 3 days! Unfortunately, I didn't expect Mr. Postman to pay me a Sunday visit, so I got the dreaded "Sorry, we missed you card"! 24hrs of burn in time - LOST!

Quote: Originally Posted by Brewmaster Ok, I'm going to take back my last statement as I've been comparing Foobar to WMP for the last 20 minutes. Both are not resampled, yet Foobar sounds consistantly better. Soundstage is less with WMP. This is with high quality MP3's. What's the...

Springsteen - Nassau Night (12/31/80) If only I hadn't been 8 years old during the River tour :-D

ahhh, that would explain one of the reasons so many people here run 0.8.3. I was afraid to ask and get flamed ;-)

I don't have any issues with my ASIO settings (not sure if the problem has been "fixed") My setup (ASIO>MAudio) has never disappeared.