rensheng Posted November 7, 2019 Posted November 7, 2019 in my spare time, I like listening to music, so I want to buy a good computer audio, anyone can recommend some to me? thanks in advance
H.E. Pennypacker Posted November 15, 2019 Posted November 15, 2019 Hi Mate That’s a really broad question, and it’s so broad no one could answer it. What do mean by “computer audio”?
rantan Posted November 15, 2019 Posted November 15, 2019 So how long is a piece of string and what exactly is "computer audio"?
Luc Posted November 15, 2019 Posted November 15, 2019 1 hour ago, rantan said: what exactly is "computer audio"? Audio via a computer. Do'H!
rantan Posted November 15, 2019 Posted November 15, 2019 1 minute ago, Luc said: Audio via a computer. Do'H! Cheers captain Obvious 1 2
Yamaha_man Posted November 15, 2019 Posted November 15, 2019 1 hour ago, rantan said: So how long is a piece of string Twice the distance from one end to the centre. 2
rantan Posted November 15, 2019 Posted November 15, 2019 (edited) 7 minutes ago, Luc said: Well you did ask. Yes. A definite lack of perspicacity on my part. Now I must depart to do penance for 7 years ascending and descending a mountain until I am purged. Edited November 15, 2019 by rantan
JukKluk2 Posted November 15, 2019 Posted November 15, 2019 (edited) On 07/11/2019 at 8:08 PM, rensheng said: in my spare time, I like listening to music, so I want to buy a good computer audio, anyone can recommend some to me? thanks in advance As you may have gathered, this is not a simple black and white closed question that you have posed. However, I'm going to assume that what you're after is an easy way to play music files which are stored on a computer/hard drive/usb stick (or similar). I will also assume that, since you are on this site, that you are also looking for an option that produces at least reasonable sound quality. With those assumptions in mind, I think that you have two possible paths before you. One path has you using your computer to feed your system. The other is to add a device to your system which can do the same thing but is independent of your computer. I have never actually trodden the first option, but would think that besides the required storage you will also need a music playing programme and, at the very least, a connection into your music replay system. Which computer architecture you favour (Windows, Apple, other) will also be one of the variables in this as not all programmes work universally and some work better in some settings than they do in others, if at all. Path two can be just as tricky but, for the non geeks like myself, is easier to traverse. There are multiple devices out there, at all sorts of price points, that act as the gatekeeper of your digitally stored music and your music system. A visit to any reputable dealer will give you an idea of what's out there. Many, but not all, of these devices do not (necessarily) require anything else beyond a connection into your amplifier. Many have an amplifier built in. Indeed you can also buy some that are also speakers as well, though these are more "lifestyle" oriented than they are (for want of a better term) for purist audio devices. Assuming, once again, that you have at least an amplifier and a pair of speakers, then there are still many devices that will find your file based music library, create a directory that gives you easy access and playback options, and then convert the chosen recordings to an analogue signal which it will then pass on to your amplifier, which will then send the signal to your speakers and, Hey Presto!, you will have music. I haven't personally listened to everything on the market. I haven't personally even physically seen more than the smallest percentage of what's on the market. But I know it's out there. There are many possible solutions that will get you going, from brands such as Bluesound, Cambridge Audio, Yamaha, Denon, Pioneer, AURALiC, Linn, Naim, NAD, Aurender, Sonos, PS Audio, Arcam, Bryston, Heos...... the list appears endless. Within the brands I have noted, and also the ones whom I haven't, the amount of money that you can spend will go from modest to "honey sell the house, I want to hear what the third violinist from the left in the third row had for lunch" levels of silly. In most cases you can roughly gauge the available sound quality by the price of the item, though not always, no, not always. The Law of Diminishing returns also kicks in once the price begins to enter the final third of the Troposphere. So, where to from here? Find a dealer or three, consider a budget (and be prepared to break through it big time) and then go listen, look and, above all, ask questions. Do Not, go for something that is cheap and easy, or is foisted upon you by an over eager salesperson. Take you time, investigate, and then decide. Above all, though...........Enjoy! Edited November 15, 2019 by JukKluk2 Grammar correction 9
Jventer Posted November 15, 2019 Posted November 15, 2019 @rensheng - you are a brand new member, WELCOME. Please don't take all replies to a post here seriously - members here love to take the p**s out of others or otherwise said make jokes/comments that have no value to the topic at hand. Most of us here participate in the banter and humor with no harm intended. @JukKluk2 has provided informative information. I, as well as many members here, have ample experience with the myriad of options available. As members have said - your questions possibly have many answers. I would suggest that you provide more info re the rest of your system and your budget so that we can provide more specific advice. 5
Irek Posted November 15, 2019 Posted November 15, 2019 DAC / hedphone amplifier or DAC / preamplifier
Guest jakeyb77 Posted November 16, 2019 Posted November 16, 2019 23 hours ago, rantan said: So how long is a piece of string I thought he was a Chinese man
Satanica Posted November 18, 2019 Posted November 18, 2019 (edited) The one that sounds best is the one you can't hear at all. These are built and shipped from the UK and I don't know of an equivalent builder and seller here. Quiet Desktop PC Systems QUIETPC.COM.AU I have a media PC similar to this: Lora Fanless Media PC QUIETPC.COM.AU This beautifully finished high-end PC offers almost limitless possibilities for storage, power and expansion. It can... Edited November 18, 2019 by Satanica 1
Luc Posted November 18, 2019 Posted November 18, 2019 @Satanica 1. Err...where did you get to on show weekend and Joz's...hmm? Did you send a note explaining your absence and a six pac of Triple IPA as an apology? 2. The above admonishment is tempered by the fact that you've provided links to what I need; A new PC and a quiet one.
Al.M Posted November 18, 2019 Posted November 18, 2019 OP if you describe what audio and music source collection system have you got it will help people to answer you better in a more helpful way.
Telecine Posted November 18, 2019 Posted November 18, 2019 The one that gets the ones and zeros in the right order. 1
Satanica Posted November 19, 2019 Posted November 19, 2019 (edited) 21 hours ago, Luc said: @Satanica 1. Err...where did you get to on show weekend and Joz's...hmm? Did you send a note explaining your absence and a six pac of Triple IPA as an apology? Oh man, the wife is heavily preggars and to have to look after our 18 month old terror at the same time was asking too much so I did the (noble?) thing and sat it out this year, at home, sulking. If there is a next time in bleak city I'll shout a carton of Colonial IPA (2018 beer of choice) to try and make up for it! In the meantime I'm lining up a trip to Sydney next year. 21 hours ago, Luc said: 2. The above admonishment is tempered by the fact that you've provided links to what I need; A new PC and a quiet one. Good to hear. I've never purchased from that UK site but I get a good vibe from them and a Streacom PC case is a good looking something that looks like it belongs in your electronics rig. Cheers. Edited November 19, 2019 by Satanica 1
Tezzmond Posted November 21, 2019 Posted November 21, 2019 Hi RenSheng I think the best computer to start off with is any spare one you have on hand that can pressed into service. I am using a 2009 Mac Mini which is a core 2 duo.....nothing special. If you have an old laptop or small desktop, then this is a good start. A computer with an optical drive will allow you to rip CDS into your library. Get yourself a good budget USB based DAC, such as an Audioquest Dragonfly (Black or Red), Schiit Modis etc., depending on budget. Then play around with the software side of things. I use iTunes with BitPerfect. Try to find software that also allows you to use your iphone/ipad/ android device as a remote. This makes computer based audio a real pleasure. Next, try to rip as many CDs, download or stream as much music as possible so you build u a music library. If you want to commit to computer audio further, then you can look at a more dedicated type of computer and a better dac. Most of all have fun. Cheers 3
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