itunes Hardrive vs Cd?

if you've not been impressed then you've been doing it wrong. it much better than CD once setup correctly. IMHO that is.

Not doubting you at all r-tee, but why spend money on a £5k cd player then, when a Mac plus a lead will do a better job for £500?
Is it as simple as that? ...if so great.

Have a read through the Distributed Audio section for a number of ways of putting a computer based music system together, there are all sorts of solutions from driving a DAC from the Mac to very high-end streaming devices.

CD for sound and Mac for convenience

Thanks Matt and T.

I've checked out that thread (sorry Matt, newbie...not been down there before).

So in summary, it seems like the Mac has the potential to sound as good as a £1k cd player if Lossless is used?

More to it than I thought, but thanks.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mat Cork:

So in summary, it seems like the Mac has the potential to sound as good as a £1k cd player if Lossless is used? [QUOTE]

Not in my opinion. I've yet to hear any computer set-up using computer and DAC that anywhere near equalled the intro level CD5i.

Others will surely disagree. You and your friend really need to listen to the various combos to figure out what fit for you.

quote:

Originally posted by Trilobyte:
CD for sound and Mac for convenience

CD for sound and CD for convenience - no screen or computer required.

I am not going to pick a fight as it is all opinion, and we all have ears which listen differently, but for me when I had the chance of several hours using a Macbook with iTunes in lossless mode, I found that what came out was easily comparable with, and as enjoyable as, roughly cost equal Naim CD players [ie. CD5i and CD5x].

As I have never enjoyed the CDX2 [which I find too forward in presentation, more so than either the CDS series or the 5x], it is for me a sonically better result using the MAC/DAC [not going to mention the maker name here as it is seemingly inflamatory], and as I say it is all opinion. There are those who enjoy these things, and those who do not.

I like most of Naims pieces including everything in the new line except the CDX2, so you may consider that in the context of me enjoying a Macbook with DAC, costing roughly 900 + 700 GBP.

What I will not do is compare it to a CDS series machine as the cost differential alone makes a nonesense of the possibility of me at least making a rational comparison!

Would you compare a Morgan and a Ferrari? I suspect that they both have good points but are aimed at entirely different markets!

The only reason I do not have a Macbook is the cost. I already have a PC which itself will in time fulfill the role of hard disk storage using EAC for CD file extraction, and Media Monkey for archiving and retrieval.

This is simply a cost based thing. For me it would be lovely to have the plug and play simplicity of the Mac solution, but it is going to be at least a year before that could become possible, and by then I may feel no need, once I get the PC set up ...

So clearly one music enthusiast can have a different view to another on this, and so the only sensible option is to see whether you are nearer my set of priorities or those who don't like the MAC/DAC arrangement, by trying to hear it. The old mantra, Audition before deciding, remains as valid as it ever was.

ATB from George

I was able to compare a Mac (with apple lossless library) to my CDX2/XPS through my 282 pre amp (plus x 2 Hicaps/250.2/totem forest speakers). I had connected the mac via optical to an Arcam Movie Solo (there for home cinema duties), which in turn is connected to the AV input of the 282, with unity gain activated, to utilise my naim amps for front L & R speakers. With the same pieces of music playing and volume levels equalised, I was able to switch between the CD player and Mac via the Arcam.
A few friends came round and had a listen one evening and we concluded that there was either no difference, or we slightly preferred the Mac setup (on certain tracks)
I was so impressed I subsequently sold my CDX2 and purchased a stand alone DAC rather than using the onboard Arcam one. Obviously, this is just my experience though.

quote:

Originally posted by Mat Cork:
Not doubting you at all r-tee, but why spend money on a £5k cd player then, when a Mac plus a lead will do a better job for £500?
Is it as simple as that? ...if so great.

mat no its not so simple of cheap. sorry.

this is what i have put togeather:

supernait/neat momentum 3i/target R2 stands/NACA5/VDH optical/airport express/netgear SC101T server/dedicated tecra M9 laptop/itunes.

a macbook and lead will give you a taste of the functionality, this is how i started. i liked it so i built the above system

I've recently started experimenting with the infamous Lavry DC10, optically fed AIFF rips from a MacBook Pro. My CDI, an excellent machine in the CDX / CDX2 class, has had very little use since it arrived. I find the presentation different and mostly better. The Lavry is slightly softer and fuller in the bass and slightly polite in comparison with the CDI. It is more resolving of detail, conveys instrumental timbre far better and is a very enjoyable listen. My set-up (active SBLs) does not lack attack but can be a little black-and-white, so this trade works well for me. It wont suit everyone's taste, system or room acoustics.

From unreliable memory of friends' systems, I'm not sure I would I would swap something like an S-level Naim or Densen B400-XS for a Mac-Lavry, but anyone contemplating a mid-range (!) Naim CD player would do well to listen to this kind of set up.

duncan

I'm probably talking rubbish here Avole...but I thought you could just run an Airport from the Mac and then a standard interconnect from that to your amp?

quote:

Originally posted by Mat Cork:
I'm probably talking rubbish here Avole...but I thought you could just run an Airport from the Mac and then a standard interconnect from that to your amp?

You can but the Airport Express isn't really made as a piece of HiFi equipment so a lot of people run the digital out into a DAC to get better sound quality.

quote:

Originally posted by gary1 (US):

Others will surely disagree.

Most would disagree. Just do some reading.

Your best bet for an educated view is from someone who has not recently purchased an $8500 solution.

Surely they have a biased opinion.

MANY people here are very pleased with the performance of a $1000 DAC, and believe it competed with MUCH more expensive Naim CDPs.

Just imagine what a $$$ comparable DAC would bring to the table.

Naim is allegedly releasing a few offerings that will bear this out. Wait and see.

I expect certain naysayers to change their tune once a Naim BRAND unit is released.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by pcstockton:

Your best bet for an educated view is from someone who has not recently purchased an $8500 solution.

Surely they have a biased opinion.

[QUOTE]

PC,

Your comment only applies if that individual has not done their homework and looked at and listened to the various solutions on the current market for alternatives.

In fact before demoing and deciding to purchase the HDX I went out and auditioned a number of DACs including the Bel Canto, PS Audio, and finally the Lavry. My opinion was that the Sonos/SN DAC performed much better than any of the above DACs. In fact, prior to hearing the HDX I had substantial reservations because of all of the forum comments from the summer show and even my dealers first impressions of the prototype. Since I felt that the CD5x/FC2x which I had was far superior than the Sonos/SN DAC, I was prepared to keep this as my main source until a better solution presented itself. The final production model of the HDX turned out to be miles ahead of the prototype and given where I wanted to go with my music and fully aware of both the pros and cons of the HDX decided to purchase the unit. In terms of playback of ripped files it was +/- equal to a CDX2 (better than my current CDP/PSU at the time) but not as good as CDs played with a CDS3. It did afford playback of 24 bit which is superior to 16 bit replay which was borne out and continues to be in my listening. Not to mention the fact that I also felt the rips done by the HDX were superior to other software solutions that I had heard.

I have repeatedly stated that I had hoped that the Lavry or other DAC solution had been IMO the best performer as it would have saved me alot of money.

So, I would disagree with your conclusions. Someone who has done their research and listening and decided that the more expensive option was by far the best option available does provide for an educated and unbiased viewpoint.

Why is there always the implication of motives? You guys disagree. Leave it at that. Gary has a SN as his amplification for gods sake. He's no elitist. A recommendation to listen for yourself can not be questioned.

Both opinions are prominent on this board and those that like their CD players don't often thread here so we don't have the big opinion picture whether you think it be by ignorance or preference. Folks can listen and judge for themselves after getting the recommendations that they've requested. I'll not offer one.

I still don't see anyone who gave up their CD555 for an inexpensive DAC.

I *almost* could have given up on a CDS3/555PS for a valve DAC I've tried ( was around 6k ), but still not there in terms of performance compared to a CD555. ( I was glad I held out because this was pre-CD555 )

quote:

Originally posted by gary1 (US):
...decided that the more expensive option was by far the best option available

But NOT in the budget of at LEAST 50% of Forum members.

Keep that in mind Gary when people are asking questions here about DACs and such.

You are basically telling them that there are two choices, both of which cost over $4000 or $8500, the SN DAC and the HDX.

If not that, then you will have to "slum it" with a bare Sonos.

You need to realize that regardless of whether or not you think the Lavry, or any other DAC for that matter, is a worthwile source, it is a great starting point for those who can afford $1000 on this pursuit.

Instead of trashing the Lavry, so predictably, EVERYTIME... perhaps you could offer what you personally would consider if you only had $1000 to spend.

And that would be.......

*

quote:

Originally posted by pcstockton:

quote:

Originally posted by gary1 (US):
...decided that the more expensive option was by far the best option available

But NOT in the budget of at LEAST 50% of Forum members.

Keep that in mind Gary when people are asking questions here about DACs and such.

You are basically telling them that there are two choices, both of which cost over $4000 or $8500, the SN DAC and the HDX.

If not that, then you will have to "slum it" with a bare Sonos.

You need to realize that regardless of whether or not you think the Lavry, or any other DAC for that matter, is a worthwile source, it is a great starting point for those who can afford $1000 on this pursuit.

Instead of trashing the Lavry, so predictably, EVERYTIME... perhaps you could offer what you personally would consider if you only had $1000 to spend.

And that would be.......

Come on PC. This quote was in response to your question. In his first post that you questioned, he recommended a CD5i over any in budget DAC combo he heard without naming names. It's his opinion only but it fits the price profile. I'm now bowing out until something new happens and I was sincere about sending that DAC to try, I'll even send the TC along if you like. The other thread was closed so I don't know if you responded. You seem pretty set with a nicely integrated setup so I understand if you don't want to play around.

quote:

Originally posted by munch:
I know a couple of forum members that have.

Then the CD555 was a waste of money for them to begin with.

quote:

And i know a lot of forum members with cd555/ 552/500 active and passive systems that use the Lavry.

Sure for the sheer convenience streaming music is a nice alternative thing to have.
When I had an SB2 + DAC, my listening pattern has changed to mostly using it over a CD player as it sounded just about good enough.

Greetings Mat,

I've recently replaced my Naim CDX2 with a new Apple iMac and Lavry DA-10 DAC. This feeds a Nait 5i and SBLs.

I picked the Mac/DAC sound over my own CDX2 in a blind dem a while back, so knew it had serious sonic potential. I'm very happy with the sound (ripping my CDs in Apple Lossless), and of course the convenience factor is fabulous.

It's so easy to download tracks from iTunes, and add them to one's library.

I have heard a loss of sound quality with a wireless 'Airport Express' configuration in other systems. My set-up is hard wired with a digital optical connection and good quality interconnects.

No bias here. I enjoy my all-Naim CD based system too.

John.

J.N.

What other sub 1k DAC have you tried with your mac?

ferenc prefered the Mytek as I recall, which is about $1K. I have not heard it, so no opinion.

I do notice the Lavry is pretty sensitive to vibration, so that may account for some (not all) of the variation in opinions - differences in shelf, cable dressing, room and location re: speakers.

Charlie

quote:

Originally posted by CharlieP:

I do notice the Lavry is pretty sensitive to vibration, so that may account for some (not all) of the variation in opinions - differences in shelf, cable dressing, room and location re: speakers.

Charlie

Interesting - I have always had mine on Fraim, which may help to explain my positive experience with it.