What kind of quality does a computer CD drive provide?
Will my current setup cause a significant loss of sound quality?
Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
-Josh
In reply to:The one thing I didn't like about using my computer was the noise issue. Computers run much louder than a CD or DVD player. Try placing the computer as far away from your listening position as possible. Isolate it. Or get a really good noise proof casing.
In reply to:I am curious as to your impression of the latest water cooled units.
In reply to:Got any recommendations for first time buyers?
In reply to:The temptation to tweak is upon me.
In reply to:(1) The web page for the sound card you recommended claims, for example, an S/N ratio of 105dB for audio output - a pretty ambitious spec! On the other hand, the card does not even appear to be electromagnetically shielded, judging from the photo on the web page. So, can these analog-domain specs truly attainable or guaranteed irrespective of the quality of parts and construction for the rest of your computer? For example, I assume that the cleanliness of the internal power-supply voltage could wildly vary from computer to computer; same would be true for the amount or maliciousness of radio-frequency interference inside the computer case. Given these variables, can you plug-and-play and be guaranteed for a decent "hi-fi" audio quality out of these cards? Or do you still have to optimize the power supply and other parts of the computer specifically for audio purposes in order to obtain decent results, even with the fan noise issue set aside? If these modifications can eventually be pricey, then wouldn't it be cheaper and simpler to just buy a Panasonic DVD player and forget about it?
In reply to:(2) A related question: the HTPC's certainly have an appeal with respect to high-quality video processing, but do they have the level of audio quality that satisfies, say, discerning Axiom owners when configured with an audio processor/DAC card inside the computer, rather than digitally connected to a receiver or pre-pro?
In reply to:(3) Excuse my ignorance here, but these cards are not capable of DVD-Audio or SACD playback since these formats require a specific transport, right? And, if the computer does have a DVD-A and/or SACD-capable transport, are these cards supposedly firmware/software updatable to make use of it?
In reply to:Those with Macs probably don't need the stereo-link: Macs have long had excellent built-in audio capabilities with impressive DAC.
In reply to:Be careful. It starts out so easy and cheap in computers that you can get very hooked. Next thing you know, you're spending all your time and money on it. It's very addictive.
In reply to:I was under the impression that the Cube was unusual in not even having analog audio out capability.
In reply to:I was under the impression that the Cube was unusual in not even having analog audio out capability. The Macs that do sound great. My G4 produces virtually no audible noise.
In reply to:Do a specific search on the Revo.
In reply to:With the ever dropping prices of CPUs I would rather spend $200 on a higher priced faster CPU than spend it on a $200 water cooler setup for my CPU.