This is my first post, although I plan to write a quick "Hello to you all" by way of introducing myself in the general section ASAP.
Anyway - I have been reading the magazine (and have been a subscriber) for years and it never fails to inform and entertain...
I am most intrigued by the recent developments in converging computer technology with hi-fi. I am almost ready to take the plunge, buy an i-pod and do lossless CD-ripping (of my own collection - only!) as a means to get CD-quality audio files in a readily searchable and accessible format for use at home - and for quick transfers into a portable device for use on the road...
Recent magazine reviews have pointed me in a proper direction as to input sources but I want to spec out my computer with proper cards/drives to optimize this experience. Are the Audigy 24-bit cards really hi-fi in quality? I have a first-gen Audigy card and it does well through my Klipsch 5.1 speakers. I'm not so sure how it would do in sending an RCA cable stereo signal out to my listening room system... Do I need to do a digital shot and decode in the listening room? If so, with what...?
In short, how are folks using their computers to archive and then send music files over to their stand-alone listening systems? Will we get to the point that the computer serves as our pre-amp in effect, sending signals direct to the main amp...? Many possibilities...
This is my first post, although I plan to write a quick "Hello to you all" by way of introducing myself in the general section ASAP.
Anyway - I have been reading the magazine (and have been a subscriber) for years and it never fails to inform and entertain...
I am most intrigued by the recent developments in converging computer technology with hi-fi. I am almost ready to take the plunge, buy an i-pod and do lossless CD-ripping (of my own collection - only!) as a means to get CD-quality audio files in a readily searchable and accessible format for use at home - and for quick transfers into a portable device for use on the road...
Recent magazine reviews have pointed me in a proper direction as to input sources but I want to spec out my computer with proper cards/drives to optimize this experience. Are the Audigy 24-bit cards really hi-fi in quality? I have a first-gen Audigy card and it does well through my Klipsch 5.1 speakers. I'm not so sure how it would do in sending an RCA cable stereo signal out to my listening room system... Do I need to do a digital shot and decode in the listening room? If so, with what...?
In short, how are folks using their computers to archive and then send music files over to their stand-alone listening systems? Will we get to the point that the computer serves as our pre-amp in effect, sending signals direct to the main amp...? Many possibilities...