I was reading in the new mag about playing hi res digital files via a PC running XP and an outboard DAC.

How does this work? Are there SACD drives for PCs? (Mine won't read SACD...) iTunes won't rip/playback anything higher res than redbook. So what player does one use?

I have a m-audio firewire 410 interface, which has digital outs. Supposedly it will do 24b 192k output. I have a PS Audio DL3 (with cullen mods). It sounds very nice with 16b 44.1k ripped to apple lossless.

Iv been reading about some Sony cd players like Sony Scd1,XA7ES,SCD77ES,XA777ES and people seem to rave about them. My brother In law was telling me that you can't go wrong, they sound great. But Im reading about many of them having repair problems. Like the laser assembly and one other common one that Isnt coming to mind right now. My Question Is, Is there any Sony players out there that don't have these common issue's. And what does someone do when Sony stops supporting these models, IE making parts to fix broken models.

Or wires can change, StereoPhile should do articles on mics, and leave out the playstation reviews, and bout's on $3,000 table radios...mics, it's where it begins.... What mic was used on the recording that you think sounds so goood? http://www.telefunkenusa.com/products/show_product.php?item=1&cat=mics

I have had mixed luck at used LP stores and EBAY - I guess that's part of the fun. I got a good copy of Dark Side of the Moon for $1.

But I have also tried "SoundStageDirect" and "AcousticSounds" - also with mixed luck. What I don't like about these it that many LP's are remixed from digital sources - what's the point?

So - any other recommendations for buying vinyl where I can be sure (or, more sure) of the quality?

I have noticed a huge difference in the quality of my vinyl LP's and have some questions. Some LP's sound outstanding and some are not worth listening to.

First, what I have: Cayin A-50T (also the Cayin CD player), MMF 2.1 with Grado Black, Dali Icon 6 speakers, Cambridge Audio azur 540P-B MM Phono Pre Amp.

Questions:
1. Does an automatic LP vacuum cleaner really make a big enough difference to spend $500 on? For a turntable that costs $250?

2. Would I be better off selling the MMF and spending about $1,000 on a better turntable?

I'm about to buy an integrated amp & speakers, but my funds are limited so I need your help.

My dream pairing would be Naim Nait 5i & Neat Motive 2 speakers, but the wife & bank account won't cooperate. So, I'm left with looking for alternatives...

Integrated amps:
Creek Evo ($1000 Canadian)
YBA 201 ($1100 Canadian used)
Naim Nait 5i (not the latest version with the stereo jack in front - $1100 used)
NAD C355bee ($600 Canadian new)

Speakers:
Monitor Audio RS6 ($1050 Canadian new)
Epos M12i ($1100 Canadian new)

I have a lot of music recorded in mono. Is there a significant improvement in playback using a mono cartridge? My amp has a mono setting and I do use that.

RJR's "Follow-Up" review of the Audio Valve Eclipse line preamplifier was a nice read. I'm sure that it sounds as good as stated. RJR's reviews are always fun to read; I appreciate the depth of his musical knowledge and the diversity of music used in his reviews.

However, does RJR really consider "I Saw Her Standing There" to be the (in his own words) "best punk-rock tune ever written"? This is a joke, right?

Bob, what about this song makes it "punk-rock"?

Perhaps we define punk-rock differently.

Thanks for your response.

Hi Stephen,
What do you think of the onkyo a-9555 with the music hall 25.2 cdp? The onkyo amp seems to get better reviews than the music hall amp and vice-versa on the cdp. What do you guys think? Would I be silly to mix and match?

these will be driving Monitor Audio 6s on acoustic music, jazz, and some classical. My goal for this system is something that will provide great details and as wide/deep a soundstage I can afford in my budget.

Any thoughts on this would be great!!! - This is my first "real" system and I really want to put together something sweet.