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Computer audio products are audio products. We need to get over it.

I'm a vinyl guy, but I do see the practicality of it all.

This is what is the largest part of the audio market now and it's being ruled by the likes of Plantronics! I think you need to focus less on DACs. To me, it's like you're confusing the computer for a CD player in a stereo system rather than a TV in a HT system. It's the heart of people's everyday entertainment system. How about some powered monitor, ADC turntables, and networked DACs like the Squeezebox or Linn's New Digital Stream Players. Otherwise, if you ignore this like "It's not hi-fi," you may as well have stopped reviewing with anything other than 78s.

But not just on the computer side. We also need content on the software, codecs, streamers, cables, and the other assorted integration gear. It would be nice to have some of Stereophile's subjective comparisons. As informative as Hydrogen Audio’s information can be, their testing hardline can be a pain in the neck.

I'm running a seriously good computer-based setup. It's a complex field with a lot of diverse technical aspects that potential buyers should be informed about. These products are changing the industry, and imho Stereophile should lead the way with good reviews and technical resources.

I would like tests on the major media players and comparisons of them.

A bit more, but please keep away from the $199 items. I enjoy reading about the more esoteric gear.

There is a very serious movement towards this method for audio storage, retrieval, and playback. Stereophile has always been brave enough to get out there on the edge with emerging technologies. I hope you can continue to lead the charge.

Less, at least until 24/96 downloads are more plentiful.

This is the wave of the future (in some form) and we should pay attention.

Music servers are the future of audio playback.

Much, much more. The future is near, and the magazine has to keep up with the audiophiles of the future (including the old farts and the new iPod generation).

Well, it is the future—in whatever form it evolves into.

For better or worse, the future of audio will be heavily entwined with the world of computers.

I think this is where audio is going. There will always be a place for vinyl and reel-to-reel, but those will be niche players.

It is the future of audio.

For years, I upgraded my two-channel stereo with the ultimate goal of making my music even more enjoyable, but I see my 20-year-old son and his friends using their iPods and Smart Phones and computers as their only source for musical enjoyment. So, I’m now using my PC (w/Asus Essence STX sound card) as a source and find it incredibly enjoyable (I use nothing but FLAC 16- and 24-bit files) and if more of the younger generation knew what sound quality was possible with their computers, I believe that we could get them to join us in our pursuit of better sound/more musical enjoyment. I’ve seen it happen, my son has brought friends over to listen to what is possible when using a computer as a source to my preamp and frankly they’re stunned, it reminds me of what I must have looked like the first time I walked into a high dollar audio store and heard music played like I never thought was possible by stereo components. I do know that if we turn up our noses at the thought of computer audio we will lose this younger generation and in time there will be fewer and fewer audiophiles/music lovers who care enough about sound quality to pay for better sounding gear.

Computer audio will play an increasingly important part of increasing numbers of audio systems. If Stereophile wants to stay relevant, then it needs to meet this demand.

An audiophile is an audiophile, regardless of their source.

I have 2TB of lossless music and growing.

Logitech Squeezebox Server

If you start reviewing more, I'm out. You might as well change your name to Digitalphile. Oh. and by the way, there's a recession going on. Let's focus more on the budget-priced components.

Its advantages are numerous and obvious. If Stereophile will help us recognize and patronize companies providing the best source files, management software, and DACs for digital music, the quality will continue to reach its potential.

For years I've upgraded my two 2-channel stereo with the ultimate goal of making my music even more enjoyable but I see my 20 year old son and his friends using their iPods and Smart Phones and computers as their only source for musical enjoyment. I’m now using my PC (w/Asus Essence STX sound card) as a source and find it incredibly enjoyable (I use nothing but FLAC 16 and 24 bit files) and if more of the younger generation knew what sound quality was possible with their computers I believe that we could get them to join us in our pursuit of better sound/more musical enjoyment. I’ve seen it happen, my son has brought friends over to listen to what is possible when using a computer as a source to my preamp and frankly they’re stunned, it reminds me of what I must have looked like the first time I walked into a high dollar audio store and heard music played like I never thought was possible by stereo components. I do know that if we turn up our noses at the thought of computer audio we will lose this younger generation and in time there will be less and less audiophiles/music lovers that care enough about sound quality to pay for better sounding gear.

We all need advice on the optimal way of using what digital can do—way more!

DACs and good audio cards. Computer audio is going to become a larger part of the market over time.

Being a techie, it can only get better. Why not be ahead of the curve?

You've got the mix on this just right.

Digital-based music files are the standard now. Your magazine should cover more of these new products as they are getting more common.

It is an interesting alternative.