[JBrahms]

You are my last hope before I surrender.

I have had a very nice life as a computer user, seeking to understand nothing about them, and merely to use them.  I am amazed and impressed by those who can make them sing and dance, but I just use them to post on forums.

As I gaze at my stacks of treasured Living Stereo LPs, and I once more undertake to set up a new cartridge, I know that the handwriting is on the wall: hi-rez through computers is where I need to head.

But I know nothing.  Zip. Zilch.   

So, I'm hoping for advice that is product-specific.

I listen to 99% classical.
My main purpose of the new computer will be to get hi-rez (up to 24/196) downloads from eclassical, HD Tracks, etc. 
I don't care about ripping.  Even if it's easier.  Even if it sounds better.

My budget is 1000-1200 and hoping I can get something that sounds better than SACDs through my Marantz SA8004.

I'll be using the coax or optical inputs (24/196) on my Marantz.  The rest of my system is Harbeth, Luxman, VPI,

If folks could recommend specific brands, starting with the cable and working backward to file backup, that would be so awesome.

I plan on buying an Itouch or Ipad, so that's not included in the price.

I'm trying to avoid getting educated and invoking debates; really just looking for great hi rez sound recs.

Many thanks!

[django11]

I'll let others give specific recommendations.   I just want to point out that there will be a fair amount to learn.  After the learning and the setup then simplicity kicks in.  Mostly  ...

You will get enjoyment out of a digital set up quite quickly.  To get the most out of it takes a bit more time.

[JBrahms]

Thanks - I do have two audio buddies who will basically come and do the setup for/with me.  They are both farther down the computer audio path, though, and focused on things that are secondary to me (ease of rippings CDs and cover art, playlists, etc.).

I'm hoping to hit a button on the Bruckner 8th, and 82 minutes later hit another button for the Bruckner 9th, that sort of use.

[geowak]

I don't know what kind of Dac's you have in the Marantz, but if you can use them you will not have to get an external Dac. If you will need a Dac, that be a big part of your budget. I have Benchmark and Schiit audio.

[Vincent Kars]

If you are happy with your audio gear, a USB to SPDIF converter will do the job.
Look for asynchronous USB and USB Audio Class 2 support. The latter is needed for anything > 24/96

Downloads often come as FLAC. WMP or iTunes don’t support this format.
You need a media player natively supporting FLAC
Have a look at JRiver, MusicBee, Foobar

As you are in to classical, MusiCHI (http://www.musichi.eu/) is an option as it is dedicated to classical music.
Sonata http://www.sonataserver.com/ is another one. It is a combination of 2 of my personal favourites: dBpoweramp and JRiver

[JBrahms]

Thanks, in reply to a couple of posts:

Hopefully I don't need a DAC, as I know I can access my Marantz DAC, but from there it's complicated.  The Marantz's USB input is limited to 24/96 and I want 196.  The coax and optical are 24/196, so I'll be using that input.    Also, it does NOT read FLAC.  The only lossless it reads is WAV.   I understand I'll need to use dppoweramp or whatever to convert if I buy a FLAC file.

Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[JBrahms]

If you are happy with your audio gear, a USB to SPDIF converter will do the job.
Look for asynchronous USB and USB Audio Class 2 support. The latter is needed for anything > 24/96

This is how bad I am; I have no idea what that means.  Can you recommend a specific one that I can purchase, and tell me where it goes in the system I'm setting up?   I have a DAC but won't be using the USB input

[Vincent Kars]

One option is to use the PC as a source, just like a turntable or a CD player.
On the PC you maintain your collection and to do so you need a media player.
You type e.g. Bruckner in the search box and it shows you all you have by this composer.
You select a symphony and press play.

You want to get the audio from the PC  to your audio gear.
The USB of the Marantz is limited to 24/96 ( you can give it a try by simply hooking it up to your PC, gives you a taste where file based audio is about)
The coax input of the Marantz goes up to 24/192 (wonder if the Toslinks does as the standard is 24/96).
Your PC probably don’t have a coax out (SPDIF).
A USB to SPDIF converter bridges the gap and allows you to play 24/192 straight into the DAC of the Marantz

An example: http://www.musicalfidelity.com/products/vSeries/v-linkii/

[JBrahms]

One option is to use the PC as a source, just like a turntable or a CD player.
On the PC you maintain your collection and to do so you need a media player.
You type e.g. Bruckner in the search box and it shows you all you have by this composer.
You select a symphony and press play.

You want to get the audio from the PC  to your audio gear.
The USB of the Marantz is limited to 24/96 ( you can give it a try by simply hooking it up to your PC, gives you a taste where file based audio is about)
The coax input of the Marantz goes up to 24/192 (wonder if the Toslinks does as the standard is 24/96).
Your PC probably don’t have a coax out (SPDIF).
A USB to SPDIF converter bridges the gap and allows you to play 24/192 straight into the DAC of the Marantz

An example: http://www.musicalfidelity.com/products/vSeries/v-linkii/

Thanks much: as I read that MF product it's limited to 24/96 unless I'm reading it incorrectly.

Here's what Marantz says about their four digital inputs :

You’ll appreciate the fact that both the front panel USB “Type A” input and the rear panel USB “Type B” input support 24-bit files at sampling rates from 32 to 96 kHz for high fidelity playback of all your on-the-go music.  In addition to your iPod and iPhone files, you can “push” high definition digital music files from your computer to the SA8004.  If you use either the coaxial or optical rear panel digital inputs, the SA8004 handles 24-bit PCM data at sampling rates up to 192 kHz.

[Vincent Kars]

Sorry, wrong link.
This is the right one: http://www.musicalfidelity.com/products/vSeries/v-link192/

As this is all very new to you, I recommend using the USB of the Marantz.
You can always upgrade later.

Create a small library on your PC.
Rip some CDs, maybe you have some MP3s, you might even decide to use Windows Media Player to get a taste of what this “pushing” is about.

An alternative is to use a USB stick or USB HD but again you need to build a library on your PC, transfer it to the stick, connect it to the Marantz.

The advantage of a PC IMHO is a better interface (including cover art) and a better support for all kind of audio formats.

[jarcher]

All the different options can be daunting, but here goes my suggestion on the gear / connections for a first timer looking for ease of use:

1) Mac Mini - new or used - $400 to $600.  I'd probably just go for an entry-level new one. If your music collection outgrows the internal hard drive, you can add a large external one (or have the internal one upgraded).  Mac Mini's are small, don't take up much space or consume much power, and if you ever want to go the upgrade path, there's many people who work on them (or strip them down) to improve sound quality.

2) Pure Music software from Channel D. It piggy backs on itunes to make it  sound much better & it will also allow you to import those fancy FLACS from HD tracks, etc.  $129 - but can be used on unlimited computers.  Might seem pricey, but it's worth it.

2) USB to SPDIF converter : Music Fidelity Vlink (192) previously mentioned or M2Tech Hiface 2.  Either should be under $200 new. The advantage of the Hiface2 is that you save a bit of $ from buying a high quality USB cable (it plugs directly into the USB port & has a SPDIF coax connector on the other end).

3) USB & SPDIF Coaxial cables.  I personally like Wireworld products, either their Ultraviolet or Starlight series are well regarded.  Figure $90 - $170 or so for both depending on which series & length you get. There are obviously many options out there, and you can spend a lot more or less, but I think the above is a decent starting point that will avoid any "cable anxiety" in the future.

Hook it all up to your Marantz CDP / DAC via the SPDIF coaxial cable.  As you may have noticed, I haven't suggested using the toslink optical out from the Mac Mini to the Marantz.  I've tried using the toslink optical out & wasn't happy w/ the results.

Lastly, use that ipad / ipod touch / or even a cheap non-Apple android tablet as the remote control.  Obvious advantage w/ apple stuff is the free Remote app that's guaranteed to work w/ itunes (and Pure Music as well).

All of the above should keep you well below your budget, so you have more $ left for music.

Alternatively, if for some reason you don't want to go Apple / Mac, one of the frequent AC contributors here, HAL (Rich), designs / builds / sells dedicated windows based music servers well below $1K (I want to say $800, but don't recall).  I've had personal experience with them and they work well, take up very little space (as small as a mac mini), and HAL (Rich) would certainly offer you after sales service that I'm sure would top any large volume PC maker.

See: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=98467.0

Best of luck!

[JBrahms]

Sorry, wrong link.
This is the right one: http://www.musicalfidelity.com/products/vSeries/v-link192/

As this is all very new to you, I recommend using the USB of the Marantz.
You can always upgrade later.

Create a small library on your PC.
Rip some CDs, maybe you have some MP3s, you might even decide to use Windows Media Player to get a taste of what this “pushing” is about.

An alternative is to use a USB stick or USB HD but again you need to build a library on your PC, transfer it to the stick, connect it to the Marantz.

The advantage of a PC IMHO is a better interface (including cover art) and a better support for all kind of audio formats.

Thanks again for sharing your expertise.   
Question: The Marantz USB is 24/96, would the Musical Fidelity's 24/192 override the Marantz's USB limitation to 24/96?

I usually don't upgrade, but instead buy once and then "retire" from equipment buying for 5-6 years, so that's why I'm shooting for 24/192 through the Marantz.  I like to set it and forget it.

[Vincent Kars]

The Marantz has a USB receiver limited to 24/96. This is by design, no way to change this.

The Vlink192 has a USB receiver capable of 24/192.
Its output is SPDIF.
If it receives a 24/192 over the USB, it will transform it to 24/192 over SPDIF (coax)
As your Marantz is capable of receiving 24/192 over SPDIF you circumvent the 24/96 limit of its USB input.

[avta]

You might enjoy reading some general information about computer based audio. This site is fairly comprehensive. ( www.channld.com/computeraudio.html ) You might also enjoy following topics at Computer Audiophile ( www.computeraudiophile.com ) There are lots of people willing to help you as you learn how to enjoy this hobby. Best of luck.

[JBrahms]

All the different options can be daunting, but here goes my suggestion on the gear / connections for a first timer looking for ease of use:.....

Best of luck!

Well, wow, thanks so much.  This is my fourth attempt, on four different forums over a span of two years, to get this type of post.  All those prior efforts failed.  I have to say that it's been very frustrating to get what now appears to be very simple information. 

Your post would be a great sticky in the newbie thread or this one.

I also read the Dagogo review of HAL's MS-1, which is helpful if I go that route.
Really, many thanks.

[JBrahms]

The Marantz has a USB receiver limited to 24/96. This is by design, no way to change this.

The Vlink192 has a USB receiver capable of 24/192.
Its output is SPDIF.
If it receives a 24/192 over the USB, it will transform it to 24/192 over SPDIF (coax)
As your Marantz is capable of receiving 24/192 over SPDIF you circumvent the 24/96 limit of its USB input.

Ah, okay, "the USB" in this case is the USB from my computer.   I thought you were saying I'd need to use the USB input on the Marantz.

Again, thanks much

[toddbagwell]

If you listen to mostly classical, check out the sonata music sever software program:

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/433-sonata-music-server-review/


If you are not interested in building your own computer, Chris C. of computeraudiophile has partnered with a company to build/sell his C.A.P.S.[Computer Audiophile Pocket Server] PCs

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/490-computer-audiophile-pocket-server-c-p-s-v3-introduction/

http://smallgreencomputer.com/

http://shop.smallgreencomputer.com/Computer-Audiophile-Pocket-Server_c5.htm


hope this helps.
todd

[Russtafarian]

I took a lower-cost Windows approach:  $500 Windows laptop, $50 Jriver 18 software, $15 Jremote ipod/ipad software.  I'm very happy with this system.

Pretty easy to set up and there are folks here and at the HiRez circle who can help you work through issues if you get stuck.  You can start with USB from PC to the Marantz just to get everything configured and playing music.  Once you're comfortable with the system you can add the USB/SPDIF converter to get that extra bit of performance.

Also, if the PC is dedicated to playing music, running Fidelizer before starting Jriver is an easy way to optimize Windows for audio playback.

Just to warn you, it will sound really good but it won't sound like vinyl.

Russ

[jarcher]

Well, wow, thanks so much.  This is my fourth attempt, on four different forums over a span of two years, to get this type of post.  All those prior efforts failed.  I have to say that it's been very frustrating to get what now appears to be very simple information. 

Your post would be a great sticky in the newbie thread or this one.

I also read the Dagogo review of HAL's MS-1, which is helpful if I go that route.
Really, many thanks.

[JBrahms]

Appreciate all the tips.   It's very helpful to have a set construct in mind as I consider choosing this-or-that option.  Usually, the conversation is all options, and no framework!

Again, please keep those thoughts coming.