PC source system -- another approach

JackStraw · « **on:** 30 Apr 2004, 03:54 pm »

My inability to sell my Stan Warren modded MSB Link DAC via Audiogon inspired me to take the plunge into using a HD as a transport. I am ripping the audio files onto our home desktop PC and playing them using a laptop via our network. To connect the laptop to the MSB, I picked up Xitel's Pro HiFi Link http://www.xitel.com/product_phfl.htm.

Now, if I didn't have the MSB and an Acurus DIA-100 MkII laying around, I could have run the Xitel output straight to a digital Panny receiver, but this what I've got is paid for, you know?

The sound is fantastic -- I'm playing back with MusicMatch and the DFX demo. I'm comparing .MP3 at 192kbps and 320kbps vs .WAV and thinking that the compression might be fine for my purposes.

Now, of course, I need to add a new HD to the desktop. It's a dinosaur -- P3 600 running Win98SE. I'm trying to figure out how large a drive and what interface it can support. Any helpful pointers would be greatly appreciated.

vpolineni · « **Reply #1 on:** 30 Apr 2004, 04:11 pm »

I'm using that product as a standby untill I receive my empirical audio modded rme 9632 soundcard.... I'm using the internal dac and the sound is definitely sub-par... not bad for the cost though. Your application is a good approach... however I think you'll really benefit from a digital reducer.. I think audio advisor has a monarchy dip on clearance. Regarding your hard drive query, I would recommend a 40 or 60 gig hard drive... your motherboard is rather old in terms of computer age and it may not support anything higher. good luck.

EchiDna · « **Reply #2 on:** 3 May 2004, 10:51 am »

Quote from: vpolineni

I'm using that product as a standby untill I receive my empirical audio modded rme 9632 soundcard.... I'm using the internal dac and the sound is definitely sub-par... not bad for the cost though. Your application is a good approach... however I think you'll really benefit from a digital reducer.. I think audio advisor has a monarchy dip on clearance. Regarding your hard drive query, I would recommend a 40 or 60 gig hard drive... your motherboard is rather old in terms of computer age and it may not support anything higher. good luck.

OT I know... any more info on the empirical audio mods? I found nothing in their circle or in the webpage... TIA,

witchdoctor · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 May 2004, 12:59 pm »

I have been using a PC as a transport for a few years now. Re: DFX, I turn off all effects except Dynamic Boost and Fidelity which are set at 4.
To better rip with MMJB go into Options>recorder>Settings>Advanced>and set Processing Level to High.
I use a Mensa DAC and have found the choice of a digital cable to be very important. The Bolder Cable with a bybee works great for the price!
I also found using a Dakiom stabilizer instead of the bybee improves things even more FWIW.

vpolineni · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 May 2004, 01:00 pm »

this was a custom project done by steve.. i'll ask him to post here so he can go into detail.

audioengr · « **Reply #5 on:** 3 May 2004, 03:51 pm »

The mods consist of power delivery improvements (Black Gates and high-frequency decoupling caps), op-amp replacement and post-DAC filter upgrades to eliminate sibilance. The mods take about 1-1.5 days to do on this particular sound card (Hammerfall). I also eliminated the AC coupling on the balanced outputs.

witchdoctor · « **Reply #6 on:** 3 May 2004, 04:00 pm »

Hi Steve,
What are the benefits of modding a soundcard if you use an outboard DAC?
Thanks

vpolineni · « **Reply #7 on:** 3 May 2004, 04:20 pm »

i'm using the soundcard's dac.. steve said it's a preety good one.. if you're using a dac, i'd think you'd just need to mod the digital section only.

JackStraw · « **Reply #8 on:** 3 May 2004, 04:22 pm »

Quote from: witchdoctor

I have been using a PC as a transport for a few years now. Re: DFX, I turn off all effects except Dynamic Boost and Fidelity which are set at 4.
To better rip with MMJB go into Options>recorder>Settings>Advanced>and set Processing Level to High.
I use a Mensa DAC and have found the choice of a digital cable to be very important. The Bolder Cable with a bybee works great for the price!
I also found using a Dakiom stabilizer instead of the bybee improves things even more FWIW.

I've been ripping with EAC, which is extremely secure but also extremely slow. I suppose if you've had good experience ripping with MMJB I might give it a whirl. I'm sure that it's faster.

As far as the HD search my MB manufacturer says that I can use up to 120GB. Once I start to run out of space on the 20GB that's in there I'll probably put one of those on order.

EchiDna · « **Reply #9 on:** 3 May 2004, 11:42 pm »

thanks for the tips on the mod guys!

I'm tempted to give it a go myself, just a bit tight on the $$ atm... *sigh*