Do you plan to integrate a computer into your music system?

Although standalone music systems will always be part of the audio hobby, it appears that computers are becoming increasingly important. Improvements in data transmission and storage are reported almost daily, and several services now offer downloads of music. When will a computer become part of <i>your</i> music system?

Do you plan to integrate a computer into your music system?
No! Never!
35% (90 votes)
Maybe someday.
45% (116 votes)
Soon.
8% (21 votes)
Did it recently.
4% (9 votes)
Have had one for years.
4% (9 votes)
Other? ( . . . )
4% (10 votes)
Total votes: 255

COMMENTS
Dixon Lee's picture

Other---I have an audio system connected to my computer: a Creative Labs SoundBlaster 32 feeding an NAD 35Wpc stereo integrated amplifier powering a pair of NHT SuperOnes, with Monster interconnects and a pair of Kimber Kable 4PR speaker cables. Although computer sub/sat systems are the norm, I wanted someting that was more musical and high-end. And I got that result with very affordable gear.

Scott Miller's picture

I don't see why my computer should be a part of my stereo system any more than my dishwasher should be part of my refrigerator.

Chris's picture

I love my music and my computer. What better way to enjoy both than to integrate them. This is just the natural progression.

Chris Sandvick's picture

My introduction to the high end came from a friend who had integrated an Amiga 500 into his audio setup. This was nearly 10 years ago. I've been using computers for music ever since.

T's picture

Don't know. Whats the point?

Jonathan Queen's picture

Why would anyone want an ugly computer parked next to their audio gear, it totally defeats the purpose of music, music is supposed to remove you from everyday life and relieve the stresses of life but a computer just evokes stress and should be left in the workplace!

Carl's picture

I have started using a PC for acoustic evaluation, then in speaker building and now it figures inot the amateur recording and compilation of CD's.... CONVERGANCE ain't it grand

Jim Wentworth's picture

I've finally accepted digital (Mark Levinson No 39). I imagine it would be a healthy investment to do it right, so I think I'll take a "wait and see" approach.

Wes Phillips's picture

My computer is for work, which is all about me---MY goals, MY ideas, MY accomplishments. My music system is there to involve me in MUSIC---which is a constant reminder that the universe is vaster, richer, nobler than puny little me. Combining the two would dilute both experiences, making me poorer in every sense.

David S.  Dodd's picture

Have used computers for more than a decade as an integral part of music recording/production and sometimes use them for casual CD playback, but I cannot see me integrating them as a part of my (serious) listening system.

Michael Ong's picture

The Music System is a pleasure animal while the computer is a work animal - both shall never meet!

Al Marcy's picture

Use one for test and measurement. Not for Music. Maybe if one is offered with a clean power supply and tubed DAC...

John P.  Wirick, Jr.'s picture

I'll attach my PC to my Linn/Micromega Trio/Spectral/MIT/B&W 801 system when the following four things happen: 1) The PC can atuomatically read, scan, store, and index over a thousand CDs by artist, title, composer, and individual cut. 2) Provide onscreen hypertext sorting and selection of CDs and tracks; for instance, playing each Jazz combo's interpretation of "Birdland," or every version of Mozart's Symphony 41 in the collection. 3) Allow onscreen remote-control database query and selection from PC monitor or TV, including a playlist showing artist & title, and time remaining per selection and in total for the playlist. Playlist should be updatable for all selections except the one playing. 4) The resulting sound is no worse than my current Micromega Trio, with the added convenience of instant access to any portion of several hundred hours (approximately a terabyte) of musical program. (But how would I integrate the Bedini UltraClarifier to the PC bitstream?) I am still uncertain as to how the PC can help with my Linn and LPs. Any ideas? (Maybe a 96kHz/24-bit A/D included for an extra $100 or so?)

Randy Jones's picture

It's inevitable, given our time/space constraints and the fusing of the information media due to computers and the 'net.

Dave Brown's picture

Never!!! Computer data-storage systems see music as merely another datastream that can be represented as 1s and 0s. That's why the early CD players sounded like crap. Do you really think that computer data-storage systems will care if the music stored on their systems sounds like crap? I think not. Who represents the largest portion of their potential sales market---your average computer user who wants to store vast amounts of games and programs, or the audiophiles who want to store their treasured recordings? If it was the latter, do you think that "multimedia" computers would come with $5 speakers and $25 soundcards?

Fabio Tucci's picture

Maybe a Mac, but not a PC.

Roman's picture

Why?

Adam L.'s picture

not in my life time!

Louis Perlman's picture

I spend all day in front of a PC. On many nights, I don't want to look at my machine at home, even when I have something I need to do on it. Now, if a PC with tubes came along . . .

John K.  Howell's picture

Ugh! I work with computers all day, and the last thing I want is to interface with another when I arrive home to the solace of my stereo.

HoranNYC@AOL.COM's picture

I keep a catalogue of all my disks on the computer, especially handy because a percentage are classical compilations. In the future Im sure an adequate interface will be developed to integrate in the playback part of my system, but that will probably be 10 years off considering where we are now and the last 10 years of progress.

J.  Huget's picture

The computer industry moves faster than the audio industry, which allows me to integrate a CD recorder, DVD drive, FireWire signal sources (in the future), etc. from my computer into my audio system. The computer industry seems to offer better value than the audio industry at this time. For the price of some high-end cables (say, a set for $5k) I can get a CD recorder, 20-bit AD/DA soundcard with digital I/O, DVD player, modem, printer, and a decent monitor with a fast processor, hard drive, and memory, with software to boot, for the same price. For my money, I'll take the computer and make do with some decent budget audio cables that get the job done.

Marty B's picture

I listen to CDs using the player on my computer when I am in my hobby room. I also listen to Real Player recordings and broadcasts.

Anon's picture

I haven't done it, but my brother's source is his computer---you can watch DVDs, CDs, MPEG3s, real video, real audio, and even talk on the phone with it. It's not for everyone, but hey, admit one thing to yourself: it is cool. Think---this is just one source, one price. Yeah, it doesn't sound quite as good as that Linn CD player, but can you burn CDs, copy any meduim you can think of, and do it all at the same time with that Linn? Personally, I won't hook a computer up to my system, but then again I can only listen to CDs on my system.

Arnan P.  Binafsihi's picture

It is just impossible considering the current available technology

David Gulliver's picture

There will have to be a real NEED for it. Right now, I get all the music I need from my stand alone 2 ch system. Interfacing with a PC may someday offer new capabilities, but right now it does nothing for me, so why bother?

Fred Opie's picture

Would never use a computer for music downloads. However, I'm using my computer for digital music editing on a regular basis. The soundcard is made by Digital Audio Labs and the software is Fast Edit and Sonic Foundry: Sound Forge with the Noise Reduction plug -in and CD Architect.

Mike Andrews's picture

I don't ever see it in a primary Audio only system. But maybe part of a home theater system.

Louie J.'s picture

Why, never? My Victrola doesn't have a parallel port.

Peter A.  Sendler's picture

Computer technology is not paralized by anchors of compatability with past engineering standards. The computer industry pushes technoilogy while the Audio Industry is preoccupied with compatability and maintenance of standards referred to engineering understanding as it was in 1945.

Pages

X