AudioCircle
Industry Circles => Salk Signature Sound => Topic started by: fritzspeakers on 16 Jul 2011, 08:41 am
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Here's a little preview of Jims SoundScapes & Franks gear in San Francisco...
(http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/fritzspeakers/SalkAVA1.jpg)
(http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/fritzspeakers/SalkAVA2.jpg)
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Amazing pattern in the veneer. It almost looks like the passive driver has arms and is flexing. :icon_twisted:
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Here is a link to my post in AVA on the audio show. I am glad I had the opportunity to hear these systems of Jim's. Beautiful to look at and even more so to listen to. Solid foundation, wide-open clarity up to the extreme reaches of my hearing, and superb integration of drivers. Might need a fair amount of power but not sure about that. Certainly the AVA 300 watt hybrid was doing the job. Something to check with Salk Sound about.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=96298.40 (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=96298.40)
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That veneer is really cool! What is it?
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To me it looks like burled walnut with sapwood.
That will be my next speaker veneer!
Mark
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5. Honorable mention and a real sleeper at the show was Jim Salk's Soundscape speakers which were not only beautiful to behold but also had probably the best bass I heard at the show. These speakers had an MSRP IIRC of $13,000
From:
http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?3719-California-Audio-Show-2011 (http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?3719-California-Audio-Show-2011)
$13,000 :!::?: :scratch:
Bob
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From:
http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?3719-California-Audio-Show-2011 (http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?3719-California-Audio-Show-2011)
$13,000 :!::?: :scratch:
Bob
Well, Jim's going to raise the price, and the 13k probably also includes the custom veneer.
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I remember a quote somewhere from the CAF about the SC10 being $11K. Perhaps this is the new "base price" and the $13k price included upgrades?
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The veneer is pretty expensive and I think I also see some hardwood trim which adds to the cost.
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They looked great , sounded fantastic , and best of all Frank was there playing the music for us. What an honor!
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by "music" I'm assuming you mean "Keith don't go" :lol:
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The rest of the frequency range wasn't too shabby either! The AVA with the Soundscapes was a great match!
Glenn
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After spending three days at the CA Audio Show I can say one thing for certain...Jim is one HECK of a nice guy. This man flies out to CA and upon arrival finds that the hotel has mixed up his reservations. They send him to Oakland (the other side of the Bay) to find a room?! He ends up sleeping in the parking lot?! The next morning he tries to arrange for delivery of the SoundScape speakers but the delivery service said they tried to deliver them the day before?! He finally gets them toward the end of the day and one of the shipping cartons is completely destroyed?! The SoundScape escapes unharmed but now Jim must find a way to reconstitute a shipping carton to get them back home. Jim is unfazed...
You wonder why I think that Jim is a nice guy? He let me into the Salk/AVA room all three days. ; )
I want to buy speakers from a guy like that...
The Salk/AVA room impressed me. A lot! I didn't listen to all of the rooms but I did listen to a few and I kept coming back to the Salk room. I even dragged my girlfriend there on Saturday and made her listen to a lot of different rooms. We both preferred the Salks. Many of the rooms sounded very good. Some of the speakers just didn't have the clarity of the Salks. Some just didn't have the range from top to bottom. Some didn't disappear as well. Each room seemed to have something missing in comparison. I finally came back on Sunday and just listened. I really enjoyed myself. Jim even played "Mele Kalikimaka" by Jimmy Buffett for me. I'm fairly sure that no one else at the show was playing Jimmy Buffett Christmas music. Dang it sounded good.
The SoundScapes were amazingly room friendly. I know my HT2-TLs would have struggled in that small room but the SS just took it in stride with no acoustic panels of any type. They sounded great from top to bottom and disappeared into the room. I listened to many types of music on them and they handled each with aplomb.
At one point Jim went from mellow nice guy to a serious speaker designer as he explained the choices they made for the bass section of the SoundScapes. It was obvious that a lot of thought went into the design.
Finally, I have to say that after meeting people like Jim (Salk), Frank and Dean (AVA) I still hold out hope for the good old USA. No hype. Just a passion for audio.
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i came in late on Friday at 5.50 before It's close at 6pm,It's sound Great especially Classical music.Frank and Jim are nicest enough to stay past 6pm for the Demo. :thumb:,i have to came back on saturday for a second listening.Thanks again
Lapsan
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I had the pleasure of visiting Jim and Frank's room twice today. What an experience! I got completely lost in the music both times and ended up staying much longer than I planned. Unlike some other systems I heard, the SoundScape was neutral over the whole range and played the songs accurately including all their flaws.
Dean and Frank: Thanks for manning the room all day and be so welcoming.
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Spot on Bob!
After spending three days at the CA Audio Show I can say one thing for certain...Jim is one HECK of a nice guy. This man flies out to CA and upon arrival finds that the hotel has mixed up his reservations. They send him to Oakland (the other side of the Bay) to find a room?! He ends up sleeping in the parking lot?! The next morning he tries to arrange for delivery of the SoundScape speakers but the delivery service said they tried to deliver them the day before?! He finally gets them toward the end of the day and one of the shipping cartons is completely destroyed?! The SoundScape escapes unharmed but now Jim must find a way to reconstitute a shipping carton to get them back home. Jim is unfazed...
You wonder why I think that Jim is a nice guy? He let me into the Salk/AVA room all three days. ; )
I want to buy speakers from a guy like that...
The Salk/AVA room impressed me. A lot! I didn't listen to all of the rooms but I did listen to a few and I kept coming back to the Salk room. I even dragged my girlfriend there on Saturday and made her listen to a lot of different rooms. We both preferred the Salks. Many of the rooms sounded very good. Some of the speakers just didn't have the clarity of the Salks. Some just didn't have the range from top to bottom. Some didn't disappear as well. Each room seemed to have something missing in comparison. I finally came back on Sunday and just listened. I really enjoyed myself. Jim even played "Mele Kalikimaka" by Jimmy Buffett for me. I'm fairly sure that no one else at the show was playing Jimmy Buffett Christmas music. Dang it sounded good.
The SoundScapes were amazingly room friendly. I know my HT2-TLs would have struggled in that small room but the SS just took it in stride with no acoustic panels of any type. They sounded great from top to bottom and disappeared into the room. I listened to many types of music on them and they handled each with aplomb.
At one point Jim went from mellow nice guy to a serious speaker designer as he explained the choices they made for the bass section of the SoundScapes. It was obvious that a lot of thought went into the design.
Finally, I have to say that after meeting people like Jim (Salk), Frank and Dean (AVA) I still hold out hope for the good old USA. No hype. Just a passion for audio.
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From Stereophile:
I noted deep silences, good spatial effects, good low-end impact, and a fine sense of scale in this room occupied by Salk Sound and Van Alstine: Salk Sound Soundscape loudspeakers ($12,000/pair) and 300Wpc Van Alstine hybrid amplifier ($3000).
http://www.stereophile.com/content/salk-sound-van-alstine (http://www.stereophile.com/content/salk-sound-van-alstine)
Bob
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Wow, Stereophile noticing all the equipment in this room. Nice.
Wish I could have made it, it just was not a good weekend for me to get on the LA-Bay Area express.
I don't know if anyone else noticed, but Fritz has his own line of speakers yet he was nice enough to post the pictures here. Cosmically good manners, thanks Fritz.
Jim, Frank and crew, congratulations! Good honest hard work and a bunch of talent makes happier audiophiles of us all.
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Wow, Stereophile noticing all the equipment in this room. Nice.
It's about time! Finally some recognition, even though Jim isn't paying the magazine to advertise his speakers. That says a lot about the quality of these products, if you ask me.
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We have not paid Stereophile for any advertising either.
It was interesting to note that the other Stereophile mention stated that Jim Salk's room had the best bass performance at the show.
There those great Soundscape 10 speakers were, performing better than Jim had every heard them before, driven by invisible electronics, or at least by something not worth mentioning, and having such great sound.
Just wondering,
Frank Van Alstine
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Here's a shot of the mystery electronics "serving" up the music-
(http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll3/fritzspeakers/AVA1.jpg)
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these is a bevy of electronics rockin the house.
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What are those two things on top of the rack?
Charlie
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What are those two things on top of the rack?
Charlie
SalkStream Player
http://www.salkstream.com/index.htm
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The top two things are, on the left, a big hard drive holding all the music, on the right a prototype of Jim Salk's music server playing all the music, controlled by an iPad.
It worked just fine except the OS in the server was not compatible with the software for the Kingrex UC192 we used to get from the USB out on the server into standard coax digital and into our DAC. Thus we were limited to Redbook playback without having the ability to install the Kingrex drivers.
The sound quality in our California display room was so good that nobody noticed it was just Redbook. :)
With my Mac computer the drivers are not necessary, and with Dean Barnell's PC, the drivers loaded just fine so we both can play back up to 192/24 through our computers into our DAC.
Regards,
Frank
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It was a good show , my first. It was a pleasure meeting Jim and listening to the SS's. I've the ST's and center and couldn't be happier. I must say there were more expensive equipment at the show that didn't even come close to Salk Sound.
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I don't know if anyone else noticed, but Fritz has his own line of speakers yet he was nice enough to post the pictures here. Cosmically good manners, thanks Fritz.
Yep, Fritz is a class act. Definitely one of the good guys. :thumb:
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What brand of rack is that?
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Just a quick note to clarify things...
Our StreamPlayer is compatible with any USB DAC or device at bit rates up to 24/96. Above that bit rate, it is compatible with all USB Class 2 Audio devices which are designed to play higher bit rates. No proprietary device drivers are required for these devices.
Devices such as the Kingrex UC192 and many USB DACs do not meet USB Class 2 audio standards. These devices require proprietary drivers to play files above 24/96. According to their web site, "KingRex supports proprietary drivers for Windows & Mac."
USB audio class 2 was developed in order to address the limitations of the USB standard where the transfer requirements for high resolution audio files are concerned. Devices complying with this new standard do not require special proprietary drivers in order to perform at their maximum rated speed, regardless of the operating system involved.
- Jim
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What brand of rack is that?
We built that rack expressly for use at this show. So I guess you could say it is a SalkRack.
- Jim
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We built that rack expressly for use at this show. So I guess you could say it is a SalkRack.
- Jim
Well, sounds like you just entered the rack business.
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The streamer appears to be based on Vortexbox. Steriophile is stating that the streamer will be $1295. The Vortexbox appliance is sold on Small Green Computer http://shop.smallgreencomputer.com/ for only $389 and it has a 1tb HDD and drive for ripping. That is a $900 delta in cost and a one box solution.
The player appears to be based on the alix project shown here: http://cheap-silent-usb-linux-music-server.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2009-03-01T00%3A00%3A00%2B01%3A00&updated-max=2009-04-01T00%3A00%3A00%2B02%3A00&max-results=4
You can also buy the Aurality players http://www.auraliti.com/ Both are under $799. and you can attach a usb drive direct for playback. Notice the graph on the Auraliti site that shows an ssd is not that quiet!
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stream-it -
The StreamPlayer is not based on Vortexbox. It does not use an SSD or spinning hard drive. The closest comparable device is the Bryston BDP1 ($2195), but the StreamPlayer is even more minimalistic. Instead of adding things like an HHD (noise) and a drive for ripping (noise), we have eliminated everything not absolutely essential to the task. Our goal was to produce the cleanest possible digital source and avoid any and all hardware and software "features" that would interfere with that goal.
There are many "all in one" products on the market with features like those you mention. Any low cost computer contains them as well. But those features and others were not consistent with our design goals for this project (to produce the most pristine digital music source possible). Those desiring additional features should look to alternative devices.
- Jim
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The closest comparable device is the Bryston BDP1 ($2700)
Doesn't change the value of the StreamPlayer at $1295, but the Bryston BDP-1 is $2195.
Steve
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Seems you need more information
1. The stream server appears to be based on Vortexbox. This picture sums things up:
http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=42106
2. The stream player appears to be based on the Alix project.
Here is a pic taken from a CA post of the pair. The left unit is the stream player:
http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2011/0720/100px/horizontal/IMG_2318.jpg
Here is the alix board:
http://pcengines.ch/pic/alix2d2.jpg
Same board! The alix board uses a CF flash drive. You said it does not use an ssd or hdd. You should know that a CF flash drive is an ssd.
3. You need to do some research before you say things. The Bryson http://bryston.com/pdfs/09/Bryston_BDP1_LITERATURE.pdf is a one box solution also based on an alix board. That is where the similarities end. It has a remote control, custom linear power supply, 24/192 aes/ebu and spdif ouput, usb, lcd track display, control buttons on the face. IMO it's not close or comparable. BTW it says Auraliti at the bottom.
4. Ripping noise both acoustic and eletrical are a mute point when it's not ripping.
5. According to your definition of what is good. Vortexbox streaming over the network to a $299 Logitech Touch http://www.logitech.com/en-us/speakers-audio/wireless-music-systems/devices/5745
would provide spdif and analog output.
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Doesn't change the value of the StreamPlayer at $1295, but the Bryston BDP-1 is $2195.
Steve
Steve -
Thanks for pointing that out.
- Jim
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stream-it -
Seems you need more information
I think I have all the information I need, thanks. I don't really have the time to get into an extended debate on this topic. But if you feel other products better fit your needs, buy them. That is the beautiful thing about the vast array of products available in this area. You can choose the product that best fits your needs and philosophy. If the StreamPlayer is not it, so be it.
I have used many of the products on the market today and found that none of them were exactly what I was looking for personally. So I built a device for myself. If no one purchases it, that is fine with me. I have the unit I wanted and that is what is important to me personally. But perhaps others would be looking for exactly what I was looking for. Time will tell.
1. The stream server appears to be based on Vortexbox. This picture sums things up:
http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=42106
The StreamServer prototype is currently running on Vortexbox. No decision has been made as to what linux distro will be used in the final production version. We are currently concentrating our focus on the StreamPlayer (which does not use Vortexbox) and will make our final decision about the StreamServer distro at a later date.
2. The stream player appears to be based on the Alix project.
Here is a pic taken from a CA post of the pair. The left unit is the stream player:
http://images.computeraudiophile.com/graphics/2011/0720/100px/horizontal/IMG_2318.jpg
Here is the alix board:
http://pcengines.ch/pic/alix2d2.jpg
Same board!
Yes, this is one of only a few boards available that met our needs and is probably the board we will use in production.
The alix board uses a CF flash drive. You said it does not use an ssd or hdd. You should know that a CF flash drive is an ssd.
I guess you could say that. No problem.
3. You need to do some research before you say things. The Bryson http://bryston.com/pdfs/09/Bryston_BDP1_LITERATURE.pdf is a one box solution also based on an alix board. That is where the similarities end. It has a remote control,
Not needed. The iPad app I use for remote control, for example, is far superior to any dedicated remote control.
custom linear power supply,
We are working on an optional lithium ion battery pack which will be even cleaner. The power requirements of the StreamPlayer are so low, this is a very viable option and probably the best.
24/192 aes/ebu and spdif ouput,
The added complexity is not needed for my application. But if you need it, buy it.
[/quote]lcd track display[/quote]
Switching device, not needed.
control buttons on the face.
Not needed.
IMO it's not close or comparable.
You are entitled to your opinion and I respect it. No problem. Mine just happens to be different.
BTW it says Auraliti at the bottom.
They helped design it.
4. Ripping noise both acoustic and eletrical are a mute point when it's not ripping.
This is an interesting comment. The first question I was asked when we began this project is what software was used for ripping. As I thought about this, I realized that the ripping software I use (dbPoweramp) is the gold standard where ripping accuracy is concerned and it is not available for the linux platform. Since I use the optical drive on my computer to rip directly to my music server, there is really no need for a drive in the server itself. It only serves to increase the power supply demands on the server. Using the optical drive on any of my computers results in the most accurate ripping possible. So why would I want a ripping drive on my music server? It is simply not necessary. You might go so far as to say it is undesirable for a number of reasons.
5. According to your definition of what is good. Vortexbox streaming over the network to a $299 Logitech Touch http://www.logitech.com/en-us/speakers-audio/wireless-music-systems/devices/5745
would provide spdif and analog output.
I have used both vortexbox and the Logitech Touch for a few years now. It is a good combination and will serve the needs of many users quite well. But there are levels of software and hardware not required for the basic function involved and they only serve to increase system complexity, increase power requirements and increase noise.
As I understand your comments (hopefully I am reading them correctly), you seem to feel that more features equate to a better product. I have no problem with that, but it is the opposite of the "less is more" philosophy that guided us in this endeavor. If you truly feel that way, it is certainly OK. I would never criticize your point of view and it is certainly as valid as mine. Fortunately, there are plenty of other products on the market that will better fit your philosophy. The beauty of this industry is that we have almost unlimited choices and you can select the product that is perfect for you.
- Jim
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The Bryston example is only because you compared your unit to it. That is really not fair to Bryston! Also, the Auraliti and the Bryston can use the app you use so that is a mute point as well.
How can you say less is more? Your solution is more of everything! It's two cases, two power supplies, two mother boards, two ram modules (one embedded), two different operating systems, two drives (one ssd and one hdd), two etherent connections, web interface, router and one usb connection.
The player is simple, but you didn't invert it and the Alix project dates back to May 2008.
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/326831/my-new-3-watt-dead-silent-usb-linux-music-server-pics-added
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Jim,
Have you seen the KMPD2e at the Voyage store for $136.00? Comes preloaded with Voyage MPD 0.75, 4GB CF, and enclosure.
http://store.voyage.hk/ (http://store.voyage.hk/)
Photos and details here:
http://store.voyage.hk/KMPD2e.php (http://store.voyage.hk/KMPD2e.php)
Maybe these guys can also supply you with units to your specifications.
For what it's worth, I also use Vortexbox as a media server. Vortexbox also has the same MPD player, and I've installed the MPaD app on my iPad2 as well as Theremin on my iMac to control playback from the Vortexbox to my AVA Insight + DAC. Those apps works great! Very staisfying results if you use Vortexbox and have an S/PDIF output.
Ron
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Think something is getting lost here....
Having a device, I dont care who makes it or who invented it...that basically does only one thing as best the OS and BIOS etc allow it to do I think is the prime factor in the design Jim is playing around with.
Not having Window 7 etc running 60 or so services in the background, antivirus and all the other crap that is on a "normal' pc or even a non-intel based box or non intel OS...whatever combination....
Just having the simplest hardware that all it does is send the bits to your dac etc...being able to handle all the normal and high res stuff...
Yes you are using other higher end pcs or systems to rip, transfer, but this doesnt take away from what the player is doing in its fundamental mode of opertation that being a player....no more or no "Less"...
I like the idea of having a dedicated device, that can allow all the other stuff to easliy access it for programming, updates, adding files etc...no usb to spidf, coax etc...no preamp..just the bit perfect source to a DAC, to the amp and out...and if it runs on batteries no AC interference stuff, no need for all that AC filtering and mega buck line conditioners and power cables that are 2 inches in diameter...
Keep it simple and pure when its playing..
If you dont want that second box you coud cram the drive in one box, but then that takes away from the design Jim is looking at..
I guess its possible to use a external use drive of sorts..but hey that still 2 boxes..
Maybe SSD's will come down in price so you could have a SSD large enough for storage that would fit in one box.
I have used a small form factor laptop ssd drive in an external USB adapter with my Sqeezebox touch and it worked ok....but the CPU horsepower in it accessing 100gb of data was at times....shall we say sluggish...and try to view that touch small screen from across the room!!!
All the best!
Alex
:D
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KMPD2e with Voyage MPD 0.75, 4GB CFhttp://store.voyage.hk/ (http://store.voyage.hk/)
http://store.voyage.hk/KMPD2e.php (http://store.voyage.hk/KMPD2e.php)
Vortexbox MPD the MPaD app on iPad2 as well as Theremin on iMac to control Vortexbox to AVA Insight + DAC and have an S/PDIF output.
Ron
Whoa, Ron. I wish I spoke Greek. :scratch:
I just ran out of brain cells! :lol:
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Clearly stream-it doesn't understand the point of "less is more" in this scenario. He really should follow his own advice and "do some research before you say things." ;)
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WOW stream-it. You joined this morning and already have 3 antagonistic posts regarding a circle owners product in the owners own circle! That has to be close to a record! I think Jim showed a lot of class in answering your questions, why don't you do the same and stop. There are many choices and you can purchase what you like. It is starting to sound like you are the manufacturer of a competing product.
Best,
Ed
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WOW stream-it. You joined this morning and already have 3 antagonistic posts regarding a circle owners product in the owners own circle! That has to be close to a record! I think Jim showed a lot of class in answering your questions, why don't you do the same and stop. There are many choices and you can purchase what you like. It is starting to sound like you are the manufacturer of a competing product.
Besides, a "mute" point would be one that no one hears, where a "moot" point would be one of little or no practical value!
Steve
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stream-it -
The Bryston example is only because you compared your unit to it. That is really not fair to Bryston! Also, the Auraliti and the Bryston can use the app you use so that is a mute point as well.
I'm sorry that I did not make myself more clear. I was merely pointing out that a remote is not necessary and not as good as alternative remote applications. But if you want to spend money on a remote, you certainly do have that option. You'll simply have to purchase it from someone else. No problem.
How can you say less is more? Your solution is more of everything! It's two cases, two power supplies, two mother boards, two ram modules (one embedded), two different operating systems, two drives (one ssd and one hdd), two etherent connections, web interface, router and one usb connection.
Our goal with the StreamPlayer was to develop the most minimalistic digital music player possible. There are companies that charge up to $1500 to remove unnecessary software from Mini Macs. But you are still left with more hardware than required. This unneccesary hardware adds noise and complexity to the system and adds to the power supply requirements. It does nothing to enhance audio quality.
With the StreamPlayer, we've removed all the hardware and software possible. Instead of adding features that did not contribute to sound quality, we removed them until we were left with as minimal a system as we could build.
As for the need for two complete systems, it should be noted that the StreamPlayer does not require use of the StreamServer. The server is only there in case someone wants a matching storage device. The StreamPlayer will work with any music source you happen to have...vortexbox, MiniMac, Windows computer, Linux computer, NAS device, USB backup drive, etc. In fact, we would recommend those lower cost alternatives if they fit a customer's needs.
Any "all-in-one" storage device requires more hardware and software than a simple player device. That being the case, if you split the storage function from the player function, you end up with the cleanest, most stable player possible.
The player is simple, but you didn't invert it and the Alix project dates back to May 2008.
http://www.head-fi.org/forum/thread/326831/my-new-3-watt-dead-silent-usb-linux-music-server-pics-added
I don't recall ever saying we invented the underlying technology. We merely took existing technology and adapted it fit our needs (just as any manufacturer would). Bryston based their system on the exact same technology. We just took a different approach. They have a solid product that will meet many people's needs. We feel our approach will meet the needs of another segment of the market.
Obviously we could have developed a device that would meet your expectations. It would not, however, have met mine. And I was building this device for myself.
It is obvious your philosophy differs from our's where this project is concerned. That is perfectly OK. This is a free country and you have every right to your opinion. If you don't like our design, don't buy the product. I have absolutely no problem with that.
I built the player I wanted and am very pleased with the results. You are not. Now that we have established that, let's accept it and move on as we both have more important things to do.
- Jim
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Besides, a "mute" point would be one that no one hears, where a "moot" point would be one of little or no practical value!
Steve
LOL!
I don't recall ever saying we invented the underlying technology. We merely took existing technology and adapted it fit our needs (just as any manufacturer would).
No no - he said "invert." I guess he's mad that you didn't flip it upside down? Shame on your for forgetting to do that, Jim! No wonder he doesn't want to buy it. HAHA! :lol: :roll:
In case it wasn't clear to some people, I am being completely sarcastic and just goofing around. This thread could use a chuckle. Now, let's get back on track.
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Jim nice product and approach. There is value in your service and support. Let's not forget that a lot of people don't want to fart around with the technology. They just want a proven product from someone they know and trust.
I would say that is especially true of people buying speakers at your price points. Plus you can make the product look correct with your speakers. I'm more of a diy person but I can appreciate what you're doing!
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I thought the debate was going well until the personal stuff came flying in! I mean you guys with 1000+ and 3000+ posts don't have anything better to add? Anyway, I thought it was funny as well:) Sorry about the spelling.
Jim, I actually admire your resolve! To show good faith I'll proceed with questions only. What is the second lan connection on the player for? I'm just curious.
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Jim, I actually admire your resolve! To show good faith I'll proceed with questions only. What is the second lan connection on the player for? I'm just curious.
The board comes with two USB ports, two ethernet ports and one serial port. We currently do not use the second USB port, the second ethernet port or the serial port. If we order custom versions of this board, we will probably eliminate the second ethernet port and the serial port as we would likely never use them. As for the second USB port, it could possibly be used for another purpose such as the connection of a USB backup drive containing music. So even though we do not currently implement it, we would probably keep it and may even use it in the final production version.
Since these extra connections are not in active use, they have no bearing on the performance of the units.
- Jim
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I thought the debate was going well until the personal stuff came flying in!
We're just leery of people that invent an account just to flame a particular product from a small manufacturer. Smells fishy.
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Jim nice product and approach. There is value in your service and support. Let's not forget that a lot of people don't want to fart around with the technology. They just want a proven product from someone they know and trust.
I would say that is especially true of people buying speakers at your price points. Plus you can make the product look correct with your speakers. I'm more of a diy person but I can appreciate what you're doing!
I will most likely buy one of these. In the last few years I have learned a lot from theses forums but like every thing else, the more you get into the science the more there is to learn. Quite frankly, I am willing to leave the technical issues for the most part to the poeple I trust now. I really have my hands full staying on top of my professional field. ALthough I still enjoy learning and being able to speak with laymans knowledge about my system. I want a nice looking system thats easy to operate and competes with the best sounding ones without paying outragous prices for very small returns. But thats just me and where I,m coming from right now.
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I've met a few manufacturers through AC, such as Jim Salk, Fritz, and Tom at Class D (Tom only by email) who are all willing to politely answer all questions and inquiries regarding their products. I've grown very comfortable dealing with these people and trust their products, so thats where a lot of my audio hobby dollars go. We are lucky here to have them all. They are great people with great products willing to field all questions in an unassuming low key professional manner.
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Well, sounds like you just entered the rack business.
+1
Potential customer here if you decide to add the new SoundScape racks to your offering! :green:
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Hi Jim,
I saw MPad mentioned in another post, but could you please mention which iPad app you are using to control your new Player?
Thanks,
Ted
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Have you considered using the second network connection to allow communication with the streamer? This would avoid the complexities of being on the home network.
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Hi Jim,
I saw MPad mentioned in another post, but could you please mention which iPad app you are using to control your new Player?
Thanks,
Ted
On the iPad, I use mPad and am hoping the author continues to develop it.
- Jim
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Have you considered using the second network connection to allow communication with the streamer? This would avoid the complexities of being on the home network.
That's actually a good idea, and the one positive post you've made thus far. Try to keep up that streak. ;)
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Have you considered using the second network connection to allow communication with the streamer? This would avoid the complexities of being on the home network.
When I first read your question, I thought that was a very good idea. But then I realized that most people would be using a remote app to control the player. If that is the case, they would be communicating through a wireless link to the network. So it probably wouldn't work for most people. Good thought though!
Another reason to have the system on a network is to use any computer to rip directly to a server. In that case, you would want an internet connection in the loop in order to download song titles, album art, etc.
- Jim
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How does the Salk StreamPlayer compare to the Auraliti PK90-USB?
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How does the Salk StreamPlayer compare to the Auraliti PK90-USB?
I can't really say I know all the details of the PK-90. But it uses a Julia sound card and more standard computer motherboard. The StreamPlayer uses an embedded processor for the motherboard and is a far more "stripped-down" device with much lower power requirements.
I am quite sure the PK-90 is a fine piece of gear and it does offer more features. But the StreamPlayer was designed with a different philosophy. It is a more minimalistic device. Removing all the extra hardware and supporting software results in an extremely stable and clean music player with very low power requirements. While we certainly could have included more "features," our philosophy was to produce the cleanest, most minimalistic player possible.
- Jim
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Okay, how about this? You install a mini pci-e wifi in the streamer. That gives you wifi for hand held control, input capabilities for rips to storage from other computers and it frees up the network connection to stream. The streamer then connects to the player directly on the shared network to except streams.
The Auraliti uses an atom based motherboard and the atom is embedded on the board. The ram is not embedded.
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Okay, how about this? You install a mini pci-e wifi in the streamer. That gives you wifi for hand held control, input capabilities for rips to storage from other computers and it frees up the network connection to stream. The streamer then connects to the player directly on the shared network to except streams.
The Auraliti uses an atom based motherboard and the atom is embedded on the board. The ram is not embedded.
That would proabably work and we may play with that idea (I have thought about these ideas and more before). But the wi-fi adds complexity, requires a share of the system processing power increasing the chances of dropouts, increases the OS footprint, generates RF and requires additional power. It could certainly be done, but kind of interferes with what we were trying to do. Next, someone will want S/PDIF and AES/EBU, analog inputs, storage, etc. (reasonable requests). Then someone would want HDMI, etc. and pretty soon you would have a full-blown computer again. That is what we were trying to avoid. The idea was to remove features, not add them.
Obviously there is nothing wrong with adding all kind of features. With the StreamPlayer, we wanted to eliminate functions so that the system would be as minimalistic as possible (clean and stable as possible). Down the line, I envision a "StreamCombo" that has all of these functions and more (for those who really want an all-in-one system). But that is another project.
- Jim
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Wifi is not complex and only requires one configuration to be edited by you to enable it. You need to understand how the mpd clients work. The clients do not stream content so there can be no drop out issues unless you walk into an elevator:) They provide control input only and it's press and forget. In fact you can turn them off after you send a command. The OS footprint is really marketing talk. Let's face it any Mac OSX is many times larger and it's tough to beat. RF is generated and power is used, but it's in the server and not in the player so it's not important.
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Stream-it
Obviously by your user name you are accomplished in the streaming of digital content.
Perhaps you would help me with my pursuit of streaming digital music to my 2 channel
system.
I am a novice in his area, and could use the input.
Please help a lay person like me, and leave Mr. Salk to continue to refine his idea
There is the Discless Circle on AC. I am sure that you have noticed, and I am equally sure that you are qualified to lend a hand, so to speak, with those of us who need the advice.
Please feel free to send me a personal message. I would be happy to gain the knowledge that you may be able to provide, as I am sure others would be as well.
And I should add that if you are ever in the National Capital area, we could talk in person in great depth, about this most interesting subject.
And this is my most humble 69th post.
Sincerely,
James
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Stream-it, why don't you design your own product the way you'd like it instead of bothering those actually doing this in real life? Or maybe you have already done this and are a competitor. Either way, its clear what your goals are, and it seems they differ from Mr. Salk's, so why not give it a rest? Go over to the discless circle and help those who actually need it. ;)
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Nu' ee,
Go Redskins, Huh??? :P
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Nice picture of SoundScapes at show:
http://cave.hometheaterhifi.com/profiles/blogs/california-audio-show-part-x
The comments aren't bad too.
Bob
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Obviously there is nothing wrong with adding all kind of features. With the StreamPlayer, we wanted to eliminate functions so that the system would be as minimalistic as possible (clean and stable as possible). - Jim
Ahhh....the "KISS" principle. Right up my alley. :lol: