Can a computer be a decent audiophile source? - The answer is yes.

[zirgated]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have the privilege of having my computer setup to the digital input of my receiver. So I can run 2 channel PCM DD/DTS tests at will. More often than not, it's not bit perfect until I fiddle with some of the internal settings. Then it goes back to bit perfect. ASIO isn't a magic bullet, it's still quirky.

The brain-damaged software you have running on your computer is not an intrinsic problem

As for computer noise - it's trivial to make a system with *no moving parts*. The only noise I can think of that might be a tad above 0dBa is from the switched mode power supply - if you can hear that high.

For people who don't think computers can make a decent audiophile source: what was your favorite record recorded on? Mastered? Mixed? A DAW? Oh dear..

ccotenj:
Having a CD spinning at 1000x would almost certainly destroy it. Multiple read heads might allow you to achieve 1000x read speed anyway.

 

[itsborken]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zirgated /img/forum/go_quote.gif ccotenj: Having a CD spinning at 1000x would almost certainly destroy it. Multiple read heads might allow you to achieve 1000x read speed anyway.

I think he was refering to 1x read on a CDP/vs rereads in ripping.

 

[Redo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by zirgated /img/forum/go_quote.gif The brain-damaged software you have running on your computer is not an intrinsic problem

ok...


Quote:

Originally Posted by zirgated /img/forum/go_quote.gif For people who don't think computers can make a decent audiophile source: what was your favorite record recorded on? Mastered? Mixed? A DAW? Oh dear..

Reel to reel tape of course!

 

[itsborken]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ahriman4891 /img/forum/go_quote.gif Random factors come into play when you read data from a CD in realtime. A truck driving past your house creating vibrations, etc. So while a very good CDP should produce a perfect read, it's not guaranteed since you cannot have repeatable ideal conditions. EAC rips are far more secure.

I think you are really stretching there. I don't live in the quarry, CDPs have *some* mechanical isolation (better than a laptop or desktop), and a laptop theoretically has someone typing on the keyboard or fans which add more vibration than my CDP gets.

I realize its not guaranteed but I'd expect it to be close enough to all but eliminate the benefit of multiple samples in practice.

 

[fordgtlover]

We are able to extract data reliably from CD onto a hard drive, and the hard drive is at least as reliably able to stream the stored data when required.

Using ASIO we can send the data out of the computer avoiding changes to the datastream by Windows software or drivers, and escaping the EMI noise typically associated with the computer environment.

We offload the stream to a decent DAC and send the analog signal to the amplifier to make this sweet music as loud as we want it.

I am not making any assertions about whether a CDP or a computer is easier to use or which one is more convenient. Clearly they each have pros and cons. The question was about whether it could be.

The answer, unless I have missed some pearls in this thread, is that a computer can be an audiophile quality source.

So, I wonder what makes a $29,000 CD player?
http://www.metronome-technologie.com/

 

[sejarzo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordgtlover /img/forum/go_quote.gif So, I wonder what makes a $29,000 CD player? http://www.metronome-technologie.com/

Apparently it's all that vibration isolation so it can transfer in real time a digital signal equivalent to what an EAC/Foobar/ASIO chain can do for much less, perhaps??????

 

[Logistics]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordgtlover /img/forum/go_quote.gif So, I wonder what makes a $29,000 CD player?

The power of suggestion. The same thing that causes people to believe PC's are some sort of haven for large amounts of interference and noise.

 

[sejarzo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logistics /img/forum/go_quote.gif The power of suggestion. The same thing that causes people to believe PC's are some sort of haven for large amounts of interference and noise.

Are you referring to the particular type of interference and noise that looks at all the bits passing by, and decides to only eat the most tender audio bits?

 

[itsborken]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sejarzo /img/forum/go_quote.gif Apparently it's all that vibration isolation so it can transfer in real time a digital signal equivalent to what an EAC/Foobar/ASIO chain can do for much less, perhaps??????

No, it has the special ability to separate large amounts of cash from their billionaire owners. Come on, your argument hinges on pulling some insanely expensive piece of equipment as a rational example?

 

[itsborken]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordgtlover /img/forum/go_quote.gif The answer, unless I have missed some pearls in this thread, is that a computer can be an audiophile quality source.

Sure it can. What does it matter if it is called audiophile anyway? Does it sound any different by applying a label to it? Does it improve your listening appreciation?

I think the discussion devolved into PCs are better than CDPs. To that I don't agree, my subjective opinion based on experience. My listening habits are different then yours.

 

[audioengr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redo /img/forum/go_quote.gif I have the privilege of having my computer setup to the digital input of my receiver. So I can run 2 channel PCM DD/DTS tests at will. More often than not, it's not bit perfect until I fiddle with some of the internal settings. Then it goes back to bit perfect. ASIO isn't a magic bullet, it's still quirky.

Quite right. Many of the ASIO's that I have used int he past, even though they sounded pretty good, were not bit-perfect.

STeve N.

 

[sejarzo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsborken /img/forum/go_quote.gif No, it has the special ability to separate large amounts of cash from their billionaire owners. Come on, your argument hinges on pulling some insanely expensive piece of equipment as a rational example?

Actually no.......I agree with the first part of your statement. It's just that there are some people who will spend money on something made to look like it should be better when, in fact, it might not be, and I think gear that looks like the piece in question may very well fall into the category that appeals to that target market.

 

[Superpredator]

For the most part I prefer the convenience of playing files through Foobar to handling CDs. There have, however, been times over the past year or so when I've missed the sacred act of putting a CD into a player and loading it up, and that contributed to my nabbing a Sony CD595. Unfortunately, for playing CDs using the same DAC I prefer the sound of my CD drive. The Sony just kind of sits there.

 

[Ahriman4891]

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsborken /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think you are really stretching there. I don't live in the quarry, CDPs have *some* mechanical isolation (better than a laptop or desktop), and a laptop theoretically has someone typing on the keyboard or fans which add more vibration than my CDP gets. I realize its not guaranteed but I'd expect it to be close enough to all but eliminate the benefit of multiple samples in practice.

Well I agree, but that's a factor that could be relevant for some users. I don't flatter myself by believing that I can hear a single-bit error, either

I go with the computer largely due to convenience, even though the act of loading a CD into a tray does feel somewhat more "elevated", as Superpredator noted.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sejarzo Are you referring to the particular type of interference and noise that looks at all the bits passing by, and decides to only eat the most tender audio bits?

 

[amphead]

Quote:

Originally Posted by slwiser /img/forum/go_quote.gif Ted is not Steve Nugent.... This is Steve Nugent of Audioengr fame., right?

My sincere apologies Steve, freudian slip!
I also worked for Intel engineering at Fabs 3, 7, and
9.1.