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May 24, 2008 - 7:48am
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joshbro73
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Joined: May 17 2008 - 9:46am
Wifi setup

OK so I've got my new setup running. PSB Alpha T1s, Anti-cables, Onkyo 7555 CD and 9555 amp, Rega p1. I'm sort of loving it right now, and have been itchy to start experimenting (does this mean I've got the hifi "bug"?).

Next question. I have a bunch of files on iTunes. I want to play them through my system, but they are all mp3 quality (or whatever the apple proprietary files are called). I was thinking of getting an Airport to stream the files to my stereo. The question is this: Given that all my laptop files are of a lower quality, should I just forgo the expensive option of a buying D/A converter and running an optical out and just run through the 1/8, or should I sack it up and buy a D/A converter. I'm not sure I can afford another $1000 or whatever it costs to buy one. Other options?

In the long run I think I might re-rip all my CD's to higher quality files, but for now I aint got the time.

Josh

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May 24, 2008 - 11:12am
pbarach
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Re: Wifi setup

Other options would include the Logitech Squeezebox, or else the Logitech Duet (which does the same thing but has a different DAC, and which puts the what's-playing display on the remote. Each of these is a lot cheaper than a $1000 DAC. Each also has digital outputs (as well as analog) so that you could add your own stand-alone DAC at a later date if you wanted to.

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May 24, 2008 - 12:18pm
mrlowry
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Re: Wifi setup

I know it's time consuming to re-rip a good size collection but that is really the most important link. Well encoded files would sound better through Apple's Airport Express' analog outs than 128AAC (iTunes default setting) through a nice DAC. Lousy compression does that much damage! I would recommend either Apple lossless or AIFF. AIFF is the full data of a CD, similar to a WAV file, but it has two distinct advantages. First, if the cover art isn't found by iTunes you can add cover art yourself, WAV doesn't allow the user to change or add cover art. Not a big deal, but still annoying. Second, WAV files only use the song title as the file name. If you move them in the wrong way from drive to drive band names and album title are lost. AIFF, supports much more robust tagging so this doesn't happen.

I too would recommending investigating a squeeze box. Most of the power of a music server, without the expense.

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May 25, 2008 - 11:41am
vman
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Re: Wifi setup

I've spent some time with this myself. Findings:

- encoding has the biggest impact. I re-ripped my CD's as lossless and changed the album name (added an extension) so that I can have one version for my stereo and another (compressed) for my iPod. I then created 2 smart-folders based on compression to ease syncing.

- Airport express DAC is poor. I use Signal from AlloySoft as an iPod remote control.

- AppleTV DAC is noticeably better than the Airport express. Good for casual listening, not good for serious listening. Limited range. Oh, and the TV has to be on.

- Some CD players have digital in (airport express and AppleTV have digital out) if you want to kill two birds. But if you already have a good CD player this prob does not help.

Long story short. Re-rip / express is bad / get a DAC for serious listening.

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