The music server as seen by Fidelio Audio
Posted by: Jan-Erik Nordoen on 06 January 2011
A couple of nights ago, I came across this interview with René Laflamme of Fidelio Audio. and thought that it would be of interest to forum members. So here's the translation. (The original version in French, with some great photos, can be found on the Magazine Audio website)
Enjoy !
Jan
The music server as seen by Fidelio Audio
By Marc Philip, Magazine Audio
Has the music server evolved to the point where we can give up other means of music playback?
Since we are on the subject of music and the many different ways of listening, I thought it would be useful to interview professionals involved at the production end of our precious CDs and other media: the artists, sound engineers, disc publishers, daily users… a non-exhaustive list. How do they view this particular aspect of dematerialized music, i.e., music files stored on computer hard disks?
My first guest is René Laflamme, President and co-founder of the famous record label Fidelio, based in Montreal (Quebec, Canada) and part-time sales advisor in a Montreal high-end stereo store.
His particular expertise and market knowledge will enlighten us on the setup of a quality music server according to each customer’s needs, taking into account variables introduced by the type of software, component performance level and cabling.
René Laflamme is one of the few professionals who has convinced us that music playback via a computer can be superior to conventional methods. For the past three years, his demonstrations at high-end audio shows have won over the public and merited several prizes for best sound. At the Salon Son et Image show in 2010, his demonstrations were awarded a "Best Sound of The Show."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MP: Hello René,
To start off, could you tell us how you manage your personal collection of music on your computer to obtain maximum performance?
RL: Hello Marc,
The best solution for sound quality is a Naim server with a DCS or Naim D/A converter (DAC), because the power supplies are regulated and the quality of the master clock is on the same level as a good CD player. For the computer you need a 1000 W power supply and true audio quality software.
MP: Where you get such a power supply?
RL: No, I meant the computer’s internal power supply. You also need a good hard drive (eg Plextor) and software to rip your CDs like dBPoweramp, in some cases the use of a digital soundcard (Lynx AES16) and in all cases, a separate D/A converter (DAC). A dedicated audio server is a simpler solution that will give superior performance, and when used with a remote such as an iPad, is really an ideal solution from any point of view.
MP: When you mention Naim, are you referring to the UnitiQute?
RL: Yes, but also Naim HDX SSD
MP: Personally I use software like iTunes, dBPoweramp (on a virtual partition) and Pure Music running on Mac OSX to read all formats, even your XTractHD 24/176 which, on a separate note, allowed me to rediscover your recording of the New World Symphony, which the CD version made me put aside too soon. This album is now one of our reference recordings when we evaluate equipment.
In this regard, it states on the cover: DXD XtractHD 24bits/352kHz extreme resolution and on the CD, 24-bits/176 kHz wave files. Why the different versions?
RL: The master is at 352kHz. I reduce that by half to176kHz for commercial release in order to reach as many customers as possible. None of my clients have a DAC capable of handling such high resolution. Nevertheless, we’re preparing for the future: the file is available in 24-bit / 352kHz on a USB key for $70.
MP: How do you rip this kind of HD file without any loss?
RL: A quality drive, hard disk or USB key that I'll make available soon.
MP: How can the user take full advantage of such high resolution without losing information?
RL: You must use a high quality digital cable: Firewire, AES (Siltech) or USB (Cardas or Nordost)
MP: If I convert to lossless or FLAC, I'm left with a "simple" 16/44.1 file. Is there a winning recipe for maintaining file integrity?
RL: I don’t like conversions. Why not keep the AIFF and wav files? These are best as we are guaranteed of file integrity with no loss.
MP: What about the hard disk in the MacBook Pro?
RL: Made in China and worth $40 ... does that answer your question?
MP: I also have an NEC hard drive connected externally via FireWire, what do you think?
RL: With Siltech Firewire, it would have to be tested.
MP: What kind of cable do you use to connect a PC or Mac to your DAC and the DAC to the amplifier or amplifiers?
RL: Siltech Golden Ridge mk2 AES or S/PDIF, or Siltech Goldenfire (firewire) and for the analogue part, a Siltech Princess or 770i.
MP: In your experience, which are the best drives?
RL: SSD drive and Seagate for hard drive.
MP: Is a music server able to compete against a good CD player and DAC?
RL: The Naim HDX playing back 24-Bit / 96kHz files through the DCS DAC won in a blind test against the DCS CD transport with the same DAC on 16-Bit / 44.1. But if the files are 16-Bit /44.1 kHz, the CD transport was slightly better but costs $22,000 more than the HDX. If I use a laptop to feed the DAC, the CD transport is generally better in my opinion.
MP: This leads to the question: If we do not have a DAC that can read and replay very high resolution files - especially 24 bit / 352 kHz – then what is the point?
There will soon be more DACs that can read these files, there are currently a few interesting machines: the Naim DAC, the Pro DCS and the Digital Audio from Denmark.
The filters in the analog / digital section do not work the same way in 352kHz as in 44.1kHz where they colour the sound more. Even down-sampling to 176kHz or 96kHz resolution gives better results.
MP: Can you explain the fundamental differences between 16/44.1 and the same file upsampled to 48 kHz, then 24/96, 24/176 and finally 24/352kHz?
RL: Customers ask this question and quite rightly, to know what they will be able to hear... Up-sampling in DSD or 352kHz DXD is very fluid compared to the raw signal.
The most advanced software today is very powerful and has the ability to insert samples between the “treads” of the “staircase” and comes very close to reproducing the real HD.
I've compared the BUZZ CD in 16/44 in a Nagra player up-sampled by the DCS SUP (up-sampled to 24/96) and compared to my 24/96 master, the up-sampled CD gave the same effects of spatialization and openness.
MP: Could you name a few reference DACs from the most affordable to the most expensive, and the key reasons for your choices?
RL: GRACE DESIGN DAC, MOON and AYRE (transparency and good illumination) Very honest for the price.
NAIM DAC (very musical and natural)
DCS PAGANINI DAC (realistic colors) PCM & SACD
DCS SCARLATTI DAC (definitely the best on the market, a large dynamic range and an incredible palette of colors) CD & SACD
MA : What do you think of WiFi or AirPort Extreme for sound quality?
RL: This is not good if used directly. You must use a hard disk or SSD and use it as a buffer to obtain good results and even then it is subject to fluctuations in the wireless network.
MP: What advice can you give to a beginner building his first music server?
RL: AYRE QB9 USB DAC or NAIM DAC with MAC APPLE TV
MP: Apple TV? Why?
RL: The Apple TV with its internal hard drive allows connection between a desktop computer (with multiple hard drives) and the listening room without adding jitter, because the Apple TV drive is a buffer, like the Naim DAC. Of course, there must be a digital cable between the Apple TV and the DAC. A solution that works better than many small USB DACs.
MP: What is the most important link in the chain, then the second most important, and so on?
RL:
DAC
Computer or server
Cables
Power supply and AC filtering for the computer.
MP: It seems that the USB connection does not offer good performance, what do you think?
RL: With a Cardas USB cable and Nordost, it now works very well.
MP: It appears that FireWire is disappearing? Your opinion?
RL: Perhaps. The computer world is much bigger than the audio world, the future will tell. That being said, the Sata2 connection is the best for transferring high resolution files from a desktop computer.
MP: I was thinking more of the USB port on a computer, without wiring, I doubt that a piece of wire will make a big difference if the USB port itself is a bottleneck, right?
RL: I hated the sound through USB before I got the Cardas cable. My recent experience with USB has been very good, since making a recording of Chopin on the Nagra LB with an external SSD drive connected by USB.
The SADiE Professional (UK), a reference in classical music, also works in USB. I think that S/PDIF and AES can be better, but with less difference now that there are high end USB audio cables capable of reproducing the entire palette of colours and transparency.
MP: So we agree that very few DACs on the market today are capable of operating at these resolutions and that it is still possible to hear an audible difference between 16/44.1 and its HD counterpart?
RL: Yes if the server has a quality clock at least as good as a CD player and the power supply is not a switching power supply, I speak for a computer tower.
MP: When you mention the Naim DAC, what specific model do you refer to?
RL: The Naim DAC at CDN $ 4,000. This DAC has a USB input on the front for an iPod or a USB key with files up to 352kHz.
MP: So you do not use lossless or FLAC, why?
RL: Why not keep the full resolution? There is always a difference between the original and the converted file.
MP: Could you elaborate a little more, I thought FLAC files were identical to the original?
RL: In a high-level system, any file conversion gives a more digital sound with less depth, you just have to try it to hear it.
MP: In your opinion, only AIFF is valid?
RL: Yes, as well as WAV.
MP: Since we cannot read all types of files with small handheld devices, are the owners of these devices condemned to MP3s forever?
RL: Bad drives, poor quality power supplies, a lot of internal leakage between chips. Maximum resolution on an iPod... 24Bits / 48Khz, it's OK for the casual listener, and makes a great tactile remote control.
MP: Yet it would be cool to put some files on iPhone HD and play them on any DAC, what do you think?
RL: Not with the tests I’ve done; "bigger is better” for hi-end.
MP: Still, I'd sign up if I could store some music on my iPhone in 24/96 or even higher resolution and be able to play back in any situation.
RL: Yes, but the low voltage circuits with low power consumption such as batteries give an interesting but rather limited result.
MP: Finally, what are your recommendations for servers at different budget levels?
1 - Laptop + Cardas USB cable + Music Hall DAC (Tube). (about $ 995)
2 - Laptop + Cardas USB cable + QB9 Ayre DAC (24Bits/192kHz) (about $ 2700)
3 – Naim Unitiserve SSD + Naim DAC (Siltech Golden Ridge 2 S/PDIF digital cable) (about $ 9795) + iPad or iPhone remote.
4 - Naim HDX SSD + DCS Scarlatti DAC (Siltech Golden Eagle S/PDIF digital cable) + Anaconda AC cable (about $ 35,000) + iPad or iPhone remote.
MP: On behalf of our readers, thank you René for the time devoted to this interview.
Enjoy !
Jan
The music server as seen by Fidelio Audio
By Marc Philip, Magazine Audio
Has the music server evolved to the point where we can give up other means of music playback?
Since we are on the subject of music and the many different ways of listening, I thought it would be useful to interview professionals involved at the production end of our precious CDs and other media: the artists, sound engineers, disc publishers, daily users… a non-exhaustive list. How do they view this particular aspect of dematerialized music, i.e., music files stored on computer hard disks?
My first guest is René Laflamme, President and co-founder of the famous record label Fidelio, based in Montreal (Quebec, Canada) and part-time sales advisor in a Montreal high-end stereo store.
His particular expertise and market knowledge will enlighten us on the setup of a quality music server according to each customer’s needs, taking into account variables introduced by the type of software, component performance level and cabling.
René Laflamme is one of the few professionals who has convinced us that music playback via a computer can be superior to conventional methods. For the past three years, his demonstrations at high-end audio shows have won over the public and merited several prizes for best sound. At the Salon Son et Image show in 2010, his demonstrations were awarded a "Best Sound of The Show."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MP: Hello René,
To start off, could you tell us how you manage your personal collection of music on your computer to obtain maximum performance?
RL: Hello Marc,
The best solution for sound quality is a Naim server with a DCS or Naim D/A converter (DAC), because the power supplies are regulated and the quality of the master clock is on the same level as a good CD player. For the computer you need a 1000 W power supply and true audio quality software.
MP: Where you get such a power supply?
RL: No, I meant the computer’s internal power supply. You also need a good hard drive (eg Plextor) and software to rip your CDs like dBPoweramp, in some cases the use of a digital soundcard (Lynx AES16) and in all cases, a separate D/A converter (DAC). A dedicated audio server is a simpler solution that will give superior performance, and when used with a remote such as an iPad, is really an ideal solution from any point of view.
MP: When you mention Naim, are you referring to the UnitiQute?
RL: Yes, but also Naim HDX SSD
MP: Personally I use software like iTunes, dBPoweramp (on a virtual partition) and Pure Music running on Mac OSX to read all formats, even your XTractHD 24/176 which, on a separate note, allowed me to rediscover your recording of the New World Symphony, which the CD version made me put aside too soon. This album is now one of our reference recordings when we evaluate equipment.
In this regard, it states on the cover: DXD XtractHD 24bits/352kHz extreme resolution and on the CD, 24-bits/176 kHz wave files. Why the different versions?
RL: The master is at 352kHz. I reduce that by half to176kHz for commercial release in order to reach as many customers as possible. None of my clients have a DAC capable of handling such high resolution. Nevertheless, we’re preparing for the future: the file is available in 24-bit / 352kHz on a USB key for $70.
MP: How do you rip this kind of HD file without any loss?
RL: A quality drive, hard disk or USB key that I'll make available soon.
MP: How can the user take full advantage of such high resolution without losing information?
RL: You must use a high quality digital cable: Firewire, AES (Siltech) or USB (Cardas or Nordost)
MP: If I convert to lossless or FLAC, I'm left with a "simple" 16/44.1 file. Is there a winning recipe for maintaining file integrity?
RL: I don’t like conversions. Why not keep the AIFF and wav files? These are best as we are guaranteed of file integrity with no loss.
MP: What about the hard disk in the MacBook Pro?
RL: Made in China and worth $40 ... does that answer your question?
MP: I also have an NEC hard drive connected externally via FireWire, what do you think?
RL: With Siltech Firewire, it would have to be tested.
MP: What kind of cable do you use to connect a PC or Mac to your DAC and the DAC to the amplifier or amplifiers?
RL: Siltech Golden Ridge mk2 AES or S/PDIF, or Siltech Goldenfire (firewire) and for the analogue part, a Siltech Princess or 770i.
MP: In your experience, which are the best drives?
RL: SSD drive and Seagate for hard drive.
MP: Is a music server able to compete against a good CD player and DAC?
RL: The Naim HDX playing back 24-Bit / 96kHz files through the DCS DAC won in a blind test against the DCS CD transport with the same DAC on 16-Bit / 44.1. But if the files are 16-Bit /44.1 kHz, the CD transport was slightly better but costs $22,000 more than the HDX. If I use a laptop to feed the DAC, the CD transport is generally better in my opinion.
MP: This leads to the question: If we do not have a DAC that can read and replay very high resolution files - especially 24 bit / 352 kHz – then what is the point?
There will soon be more DACs that can read these files, there are currently a few interesting machines: the Naim DAC, the Pro DCS and the Digital Audio from Denmark.
The filters in the analog / digital section do not work the same way in 352kHz as in 44.1kHz where they colour the sound more. Even down-sampling to 176kHz or 96kHz resolution gives better results.
MP: Can you explain the fundamental differences between 16/44.1 and the same file upsampled to 48 kHz, then 24/96, 24/176 and finally 24/352kHz?
RL: Customers ask this question and quite rightly, to know what they will be able to hear... Up-sampling in DSD or 352kHz DXD is very fluid compared to the raw signal.
The most advanced software today is very powerful and has the ability to insert samples between the “treads” of the “staircase” and comes very close to reproducing the real HD.
I've compared the BUZZ CD in 16/44 in a Nagra player up-sampled by the DCS SUP (up-sampled to 24/96) and compared to my 24/96 master, the up-sampled CD gave the same effects of spatialization and openness.
MP: Could you name a few reference DACs from the most affordable to the most expensive, and the key reasons for your choices?
RL: GRACE DESIGN DAC, MOON and AYRE (transparency and good illumination) Very honest for the price.
NAIM DAC (very musical and natural)
DCS PAGANINI DAC (realistic colors) PCM & SACD
DCS SCARLATTI DAC (definitely the best on the market, a large dynamic range and an incredible palette of colors) CD & SACD
MA : What do you think of WiFi or AirPort Extreme for sound quality?
RL: This is not good if used directly. You must use a hard disk or SSD and use it as a buffer to obtain good results and even then it is subject to fluctuations in the wireless network.
MP: What advice can you give to a beginner building his first music server?
RL: AYRE QB9 USB DAC or NAIM DAC with MAC APPLE TV
MP: Apple TV? Why?
RL: The Apple TV with its internal hard drive allows connection between a desktop computer (with multiple hard drives) and the listening room without adding jitter, because the Apple TV drive is a buffer, like the Naim DAC. Of course, there must be a digital cable between the Apple TV and the DAC. A solution that works better than many small USB DACs.
MP: What is the most important link in the chain, then the second most important, and so on?
RL:
DAC
Computer or server
Cables
Power supply and AC filtering for the computer.
MP: It seems that the USB connection does not offer good performance, what do you think?
RL: With a Cardas USB cable and Nordost, it now works very well.
MP: It appears that FireWire is disappearing? Your opinion?
RL: Perhaps. The computer world is much bigger than the audio world, the future will tell. That being said, the Sata2 connection is the best for transferring high resolution files from a desktop computer.
MP: I was thinking more of the USB port on a computer, without wiring, I doubt that a piece of wire will make a big difference if the USB port itself is a bottleneck, right?
RL: I hated the sound through USB before I got the Cardas cable. My recent experience with USB has been very good, since making a recording of Chopin on the Nagra LB with an external SSD drive connected by USB.
The SADiE Professional (UK), a reference in classical music, also works in USB. I think that S/PDIF and AES can be better, but with less difference now that there are high end USB audio cables capable of reproducing the entire palette of colours and transparency.
MP: So we agree that very few DACs on the market today are capable of operating at these resolutions and that it is still possible to hear an audible difference between 16/44.1 and its HD counterpart?
RL: Yes if the server has a quality clock at least as good as a CD player and the power supply is not a switching power supply, I speak for a computer tower.
MP: When you mention the Naim DAC, what specific model do you refer to?
RL: The Naim DAC at CDN $ 4,000. This DAC has a USB input on the front for an iPod or a USB key with files up to 352kHz.
MP: So you do not use lossless or FLAC, why?
RL: Why not keep the full resolution? There is always a difference between the original and the converted file.
MP: Could you elaborate a little more, I thought FLAC files were identical to the original?
RL: In a high-level system, any file conversion gives a more digital sound with less depth, you just have to try it to hear it.
MP: In your opinion, only AIFF is valid?
RL: Yes, as well as WAV.
MP: Since we cannot read all types of files with small handheld devices, are the owners of these devices condemned to MP3s forever?
RL: Bad drives, poor quality power supplies, a lot of internal leakage between chips. Maximum resolution on an iPod... 24Bits / 48Khz, it's OK for the casual listener, and makes a great tactile remote control.
MP: Yet it would be cool to put some files on iPhone HD and play them on any DAC, what do you think?
RL: Not with the tests I’ve done; "bigger is better” for hi-end.
MP: Still, I'd sign up if I could store some music on my iPhone in 24/96 or even higher resolution and be able to play back in any situation.
RL: Yes, but the low voltage circuits with low power consumption such as batteries give an interesting but rather limited result.
MP: Finally, what are your recommendations for servers at different budget levels?
1 - Laptop + Cardas USB cable + Music Hall DAC (Tube). (about $ 995)
2 - Laptop + Cardas USB cable + QB9 Ayre DAC (24Bits/192kHz) (about $ 2700)
3 – Naim Unitiserve SSD + Naim DAC (Siltech Golden Ridge 2 S/PDIF digital cable) (about $ 9795) + iPad or iPhone remote.
4 - Naim HDX SSD + DCS Scarlatti DAC (Siltech Golden Eagle S/PDIF digital cable) + Anaconda AC cable (about $ 35,000) + iPad or iPhone remote.
MP: On behalf of our readers, thank you René for the time devoted to this interview.
Been telling folks here about the Music Hall for cheap thrills for some time. I think it pretty hip that he's fiddled about at this end with things like MH and airport. Makes you think he's heard many of the alternatives.I wonder if he's tried a 555ps with the dac.
He's speaking from his experience of obviously trying a lot of stuff in varying combos with some really good software. I'm sure the techies are going to have a go at him.
quote:- axes to grind -
How so ? Apart from heavily plugging Naim
, I found his views quite open.Jan
quote:Originally posted by likesmusic:
Perfectly reasonable opinions, but come on, he's hardly Quincy Jones or Bod Ludwig!
(And lossless storage in FLAC is bad, but enforced re-sampling to 48kHz by Apple TV is good? hmmm...)
Spooky that he said he preferred aiff as he didn't like conversions
Tog
quote:Originally posted by likesmusic:
Perfectly reasonable opinions, but come on, he's hardly Quincy Jones or Bod Ludwig!
(And lossless storage in FLAC is bad, but enforced re-sampling to 48kHz by Apple TV is good? hmmm...)
At least he didn't point to it as his optimum. Do you know if any of the hacks get around it or standard def in general?Thanks Michel and Ears ; the three hours spent translating and revising the text wasn't a complete waste then 