[this_is_vv]

so this is the situtation , i have a celeron Dell optiplex PC and a i7 Notebook. Dell is running linux MPD and gets all my music bitstream perfect to my tubedac-11(usb) that kinda act as a preamp. And someday when dell is giving me grief i connect my notebook to the tubedac-11 using a long usb wire.i7 is windows pc with running foobar.

yesterday i went ahead and i did a one to one test listened same music on dell and then on i7.  there wasnt a holw cow difference but there was prominent difference.

only thing that was different was in i7 i can change the volume manually using foobar. even though i didnt checked with Mic for same volume there was promiment difference in high mids...

that made me think does the processing power and OS is making difference...

i hopefully soon getting an Macbook air i will also test it with that...any other guys found a difference...

V

[this_is_vv]

On  the same note, Can anyone point me where to get information of how to make a Macbook air as Music transport....

V

[WC]

As long as both machines are fast enough to process audio, the biggest effect will be in the amount of memory each have assuming you were using the same music player apps on each computer.

[avta]

This-is-vv you might take a look at Computer Audiophile (  www.computeraudiophile.com ) under the CA Academy section. There are a number of articles you may find of interest.

[this_is_vv]

Thank you i will look, can anyone again point me to make mackbook as transport...

V

[jarcher]

Thank you i will look, can anyone again point me to make mackbook as transport...

V

I think the difference your hearing is more in the software vs the hardware - ie foobar vs MPD. Seems like you may have a preference for Foobar as a player. I don't have direct personal experience of these two players, but I wouldn't be surprised if foobar sounds better. If you want foobar to sound even better, use memory play mode.

As for a Mac as transport, no real difference vs what your doing now with your other PCs - just different software options. If it v were me I'd choose jriver or iTunes as the media library program, and for the latter something like pure music as the player to ride on top.

Lastly, would v recommend choosing a Mac mini vs a macbook - even an older one. Too much noise generated by the screen and battery. You'll save money as well. Using a smart phone or tablet as remote you can go headless & won't miss the laptop screen.

Hope that helps.

[this_is_vv]

I think the difference your hearing is more in the software vs the hardware - ie foobar vs MPD. Seems like you may have a preference for Foobar as a player. I don't have direct personal experience of these two players, but I wouldn't be surprised if foobar sounds better. If you want foobar to sound even better, use memory play mode.

As for a Mac as transport, no real difference vs what your doing now with your other PCs - just different software options. If it v were me I'd choose jriver or iTunes as the media library program, and for the latter something like pure music as the player to ride on top.

Lastly, would v recommend choosing a Mac mini vs a macbook - even an older one. Too much noise generated by the screen and battery. You'll save money as well. Using a smart phone or tablet as remote you can go headless & won't miss the laptop screen.

Hope that helps.

Thanks for this post, and i think you may be have a very well point that i liek sound of foobar....need to dig into it....

about Mcbook air is bcz i am getting it as gift nothing beats free...cant sell it though...seems like anything that can get me a spdif out , for Macbook i am trying if my usb to spdif can work if that can work great.But as i dont have too much use for it was thinking to making as a music client or mpd...

V

[jarcher]

Having used the mini-toslink out of an Imac & Mac Mini, I'd say that the USB via a convertor sounds better.  Hope you can get the Hiface2 to work......

The MBP is not a bad transport - just think the Mac Mini would be better.  Less stuff to produce EMI / etc.  Simpler is better.  And for the pre-2010 you can plug & play an upgraded power supply.  For 2010+ you can get them modded to DC, then add a better power supply.  A better power supply does a lot to help digital - even for streamers.

Try out the memory play - think you'll be pleasantly surprised.  And saves you $ over upgrading from a HD to a SSD.

[this_is_vv]

Having used the mini-toslink out of an Imac & Mac Mini, I'd say that the USB via a convertor sounds better.  Hope you can get the Hiface2 to work......

The MBP is not a bad transport - just think the Mac Mini would be better.  Less stuff to produce EMI / etc.  Simpler is better.  And for the pre-2010 you can plug & play an upgraded power supply.  For 2010+ you can get them modded to DC, then add a better power supply.  A better power supply does a lot to help digital - even for streamers.

Try out the memory play - think you'll be pleasantly surprised.  And saves you $ over upgrading from a HD to a SSD.

Thanks i am just asking how can i make the MBP as transport and if possibel control from my iphone with that can hi res files..

V