New to WBF!

[JeffH]

Hello all,

Been lurking for a couple weeks now. Seems like a very congenial group with a good level of knowledge. Really don't know what I can add though. I seem to be on a learning quest mostly...

Just getting into the computer audio thing and I must say it's fairly confusing. Not so much the individual component technology, but how things work together and the options available, which seem to be many.

I'm using an older Gateway 830GM PC running XP, Hiface USB converter > Cal Audio Sigma 24/96 DAC > VTL 2.5 preamp. Currently and mostly because I'm just learning the whole thing, I have long runs of really terrible ratshack cable. Both digital and RCA. I've kept the USB cable at approx 1 meter. The sound is okay, but not great. No cutting out, pops or clicks even when multi tasking!

So far, I've managed to downloaded approx 400 cd's to WD 1tb USB hard drive with another for back up. Using dbpoweramp to rip and JRiver 16 to manage. I really dig JRiver, but have not tried others.

The options or avenues of approach are amazing. But just want to keep it as simple as possible.

Laptop / NAS or ripping NAS / Newer DAC (possibly W4S I w/ upgrade caps). Don't know which of any of those to choose....yet!! And of course some sort of remote control.

Anyway, good to meet all of you!!

 

[treitz3]

Hello, Jeff. While I personally can not assist you on computer related configurations, I can welcome to the forum. Grab a seat, enjoy the conversation and make yourself at home.

 

[amirm]

Hi Jeff. Welcome to the forum. Your setup up to Hiface look good. I looked up the measurements for your DAC: http://www.stereophile.com/content/california-audio-labs-sigma-ii-da-converter-measurements

Seems like its resolution maxes out at 17 bits which is not all that great for a DAC. There are also some other anomalies there. So it is probably a good unit to target for upgrade in the future .

How long is your S/PDIF run? The quality of that cable matters. It should be a cable made for that use and not audio cable. Long runs of that will reduce its bandwidth and increase jitter which in turn raises distortion.

 

[RBFC]

Welcome, Jeff! See, even in your welcome post, you're getting solid advice.

Lee

 

[Mike]

Hello all,

Been lurking for a couple weeks now. Seems like a very congenial group with a good level of knowledge. Really don't know what I can add though. I seem to be on a learning quest mostly...

Just getting into the computer audio thing and I must say it's fairly confusing. Not so much the individual component technology, but how things work together and the options available, which seem to be many.

I'm using an older Gateway 830GM PC running XP, Hiface USB converter > Cal Audio Sigma 24/96 DAC > VTL 2.5 preamp. Currently and mostly because I'm just learning the whole thing, I have long runs of really terrible ratshack cable. Both digital and RCA. I've kept the USB cable at approx 1 meter. The sound is okay, but not great. No cutting out, pops or clicks even when multi tasking!

So far, I've managed to downloaded approx 400 cd's to WD 1tb USB hard drive with another for back up. Using dbpoweramp to rip and JRiver 16 to manage. I really dig JRiver, but have not tried others.

The options or avenues of approach are amazing. But just want to keep it as simple as possible.

Laptop / NAS or ripping NAS / Newer DAC (possibly W4S I w/ upgrade caps). Don't know which of any of those to choose....yet!! And of course some sort of remote control.

Anyway, good to meet all of you!!

Welcome aboard!
Mike

 

[Steve Williams]

welcome Jeff

you will become a computer audio guru here. Great bunch of guys

 

[Audioseduction]

What is your budget?

 

[JeffH]

What is your budget?

Approx 2k

Also, could someone lead me to the Toshiba laptop tweek/mod posting? I'm prob going that route.