Let's Talk Computer Audio
- Thread starter Steve Williams
- Start date
Didn't Olive rip files to a proprietary format that you could not transfer to another device?
Lee
Lee
Originally, yes. I believe they allow for customized back up now. They are unique in that they actually update the product
based on user feedback.
Looked into this for someone once -- there are several companies out there that will rip entire collections in wav, flac or whatever you want. Key is to make sure you get the data properly arranged for whatever your playback software is.
The only problem with that is that whatever software you use today will be something different in 5 years. That is why I am extremely cautious of any proprietary formats or software-specific schemes.
Nothing proprietary or particularly software specific. Just file trees and the data in the right place so that JRiver, iTunes or whatever will import correctly. If you move to a different software platform down the road (or even now), you might have to rearrange things for proper import but that goes with the territory, whoever did the rips.
For example, where Squeezebox Server automatically imported all my iTunes playlists, JRiver requires some work for that to go.
Sure - the really important part is getting the tags and metadata right. Most software can deal with whatever file names and directory structure you might have as long as the tags are OK.
Yes on the metadata, and some software I've dealt with wants a pretty particular data structure or you wind up having more work to do than necessary.
Good to know - so far I have gotten by with a couple of small readjustments of my directory structure, easily handled with a couple simple shell scripts.
Is there an easy way to tell (in Device Manager, perhaps?) whether there are independent USB ports?
Not as far as I know. May be Vincent might have ideas.
I know, for example, that one of the reasons that some implementations sound great is because of the SoTM USB card. My generation 4 machine sounds good because the motherboard had a single independent USB port (not just headers) that was on the motherboard itself that we used for the DAC. I don't know the rational behind why that particular motherboard had a USB port, but it worked great.
I know, for example, that one of the reasons that some implementations sound great is because of the SoTM USB card. My generation 4 machine sounds good because the motherboard had a single independent USB port (not just headers) that was on the motherboard itself that we used for the DAC. I don't know the rational behind why that particular motherboard had a USB port, but it worked great.
Older processor chipsets required a separate controller for USB. The current chipsets have the USB controller integrated into the chipset. For example, the Mobile Intel HM87 chipset controls up to 6 USB 3.0 ports and 14 USB 2.0 ports. The only time you see a separate USB controller is when the motherboard is in a transition time between USB 1.1 and 2.0 or 2.0 and 3.0.
The Toshiba C655-S5339 has dual USB ports integrated into the motherboard like most laptops (and desktops). I've never seen a laptop motherboard that didn't have the USB ports integrated. The Mobile Intel HM64 chipset controls the USB ports and provides support for up to 12 USB ports. One feature of the HM64 is that it allows individual ports to be turned on or off. From looking at the motherboard or knowing its controller I can't see how it would have had a 3rd party USB controller for a single USB port - especially when it only has two ports to begin with and they are both USB 2.0.
The Toshiba C655-S5339 has dual USB ports integrated into the motherboard like most laptops (and desktops). I've never seen a laptop motherboard that didn't have the USB ports integrated. The Mobile Intel HM64 chipset controls the USB ports and provides support for up to 12 USB ports. One feature of the HM64 is that it allows individual ports to be turned on or off. From looking at the motherboard or knowing its controller I can't see how it would have had a 3rd party USB controller for a single USB port - especially when it only has two ports to begin with and they are both USB 2.0.
In Device Manager, select "Devices by connection" and "Show hidden Devices". The lists should have arrow heads to the left of device names for devices that have children. Click on the arrow heads to drill down. In my case, my path would be
ACPI x64 based PC
Microsoft ACPI-compliant system
PCI Bus
then a couple of USB Enhanced Host controllers (expand both)
generic hub
USB devices
Details vary with OS version and the PC hardware present. You can locate your devices and then try moving them to different USB ports.
Bill
Can we conclude that adding a PCI or similar adapter card with USB ports to a desktop will solve the problem?
As Bill pointed out, you can see it in the device manager
Some screen shots: http://thewelltemperedcomputer.com/SW/Windows/Win7/USBDAC.htm
If you do, you know for sure this card has its own IRQ and the DAC is the only device using it.
This is what the SOTM does. Supposedly, it's an "audiophile-grade" USB card, that goes on a PCI(e) slot, so you don't have to work with the internal USB ports.
Apparently, the good performance of the CAPS machines can be attributed to this card.
alexandre
Thanks. So this is the "secret" and basic ingredient of good computer audio sound?
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