Hush Media PCs
- Thread starter Alec
- Start date
John Duncan
Well-known member
[quote user="JohnDuncan"]No, but not as well as £2,000 spent in a number of other ways, I'd wager?[/quote]
Probably true, but they dont all cost that much, some are under 1k (and i wouldnt spend 2k on a glorified pc unless it sounded so good it made me wet myself at the mere thought of it). Chances are what im going to do is get a new desktop with an M- Audio card and media centre. Cheaper, and itll sound better than my current setup (or at leat no worse, and i get the connection on the card and a new pc into the bargain - instead of buying something like a Hush and using it exclusively for music. I've not got much space, so, tho i like the idea, i might have to forego it in my current abode.
Probably true, but they dont all cost that much, some are under 1k (and i wouldnt spend 2k on a glorified pc unless it sounded so good it made me wet myself at the mere thought of it). Chances are what im going to do is get a new desktop with an M- Audio card and media centre. Cheaper, and itll sound better than my current setup (or at leat no worse, and i get the connection on the card and a new pc into the bargain - instead of buying something like a Hush and using it exclusively for music. I've not got much space, so, tho i like the idea, i might have to forego it in my current abode.
John Duncan
Well-known member
[quote user="al7478"]Chances are what im going to do is get a new desktop with an M- Audio card and
media centre.[/quote]Probably a better idea. You could get a 400 quid desktop and depending how noisy the components are, replace them with specialist 'quiet' ones - fan and hard drive, mainly - and have a dog's sound card, all for a lot less than a grand.
Alternatively, my iMac is utterly silent, and has an optical out - that and a Beresford DAC would come in round the grand mark, look cool, etc etc.
jd
media centre.[/quote]Probably a better idea. You could get a 400 quid desktop and depending how noisy the components are, replace them with specialist 'quiet' ones - fan and hard drive, mainly - and have a dog's sound card, all for a lot less than a grand.
Alternatively, my iMac is utterly silent, and has an optical out - that and a Beresford DAC would come in round the grand mark, look cool, etc etc.
jd
[quote user="JohnDuncan"][quote user="al7478"]Chances are what im going to do is get a new desktop with an M- Audio card and
media centre.[/quote]Probably a better idea. You could get a 400 quid desktop and depending how noisy the components are, replace them with specialist 'quiet' ones - fan and hard drive, mainly - and have a dog's sound card, all for a lot less than a grand.
Alternatively, my iMac is utterly silent, and has an optical out - that and a Beresford DAC would come in round the grand mark, look cool, etc etc.
jd[/quote]
Thanks. I'm bordering on ordering a pc from a particular local supplier - have told them what itll be used for - usual low-powered pc stuff and "hifi" source - and did mention that noise is an issue. However, the one i have at the moment is the quietest ive had, and, to my knowledge, has to specially quiet parts. I might justr go for it and see if its quiet enough, but id rather get it all right first time in one package. EDIT - should read "has NO specially quiet parts".
media centre.[/quote]Probably a better idea. You could get a 400 quid desktop and depending how noisy the components are, replace them with specialist 'quiet' ones - fan and hard drive, mainly - and have a dog's sound card, all for a lot less than a grand.
Alternatively, my iMac is utterly silent, and has an optical out - that and a Beresford DAC would come in round the grand mark, look cool, etc etc.
jd[/quote]
Thanks. I'm bordering on ordering a pc from a particular local supplier - have told them what itll be used for - usual low-powered pc stuff and "hifi" source - and did mention that noise is an issue. However, the one i have at the moment is the quietest ive had, and, to my knowledge, has to specially quiet parts. I might justr go for it and see if its quiet enough, but id rather get it all right first time in one package. EDIT - should read "has NO specially quiet parts".
In your place, I would buy a mac mini plus outboard dac, like the beresford. Alternatively could get an apogee duet, edirol or tascam for not much money. The mac mini is very small, silent, good looking, has an optical out etc.From your previous posts I gather that you're not so tempted to go for a mac. Remember, however, that you buy a great machine with the mac mini and always have the option to install windows XP (or vista) on it. The mac mini is built up from laptop parts which makes it very small and silent. It also keeps it value quite well.
[quote user="Solomon1"]In your place, I would buy a mac mini plus outboard dac, like the beresford. Alternatively could get an apogee duet, edirol or tascam for not much money. The mac mini is very small, silent, good looking, has an optical out etc.From your previous posts I gather that you're not so tempted to go for a mac. Remember, however, that you buy a great machine with the mac mini and always have the option to install windows XP (or vista) on it. The mac mini is built up from laptop parts which makes it very small and silent. It also keeps it value quite well.[/quote]
There is a sense in which i could be tempted. However, i like the security of being able to deal with a shop thats a few minutes walk away (especially if anything goes wrong, but more generally too), Being able to put Vista on it does make it more tempting - stupidly i hadnt thought of that - because wanting to have media centre displayed on the tv is a key part of waht i want to do. However, id also be slightly concerned about a laptop's ability to run everyday pc tasks and my music fluedly - especially with (the pretty much essential) Vista...Am i being silly?
There is a sense in which i could be tempted. However, i like the security of being able to deal with a shop thats a few minutes walk away (especially if anything goes wrong, but more generally too), Being able to put Vista on it does make it more tempting - stupidly i hadnt thought of that - because wanting to have media centre displayed on the tv is a key part of waht i want to do. However, id also be slightly concerned about a laptop's ability to run everyday pc tasks and my music fluedly - especially with (the pretty much essential) Vista...Am i being silly?
My apologies - ive just found out what a mac mini is - it isnt a pc as such is it? its a media server? I think it warrants further investigation. And anything more you could tell me with regard to what i want to achieve would be great (music formats it can take, for example).
John Duncan
Well-known member
[quote user="al7478"]it isnt a pc as such is it? its a media server?[/quote]No, it's a computer. And front row looks better anyway
[quote user="JohnDuncan"][quote user="al7478"]it isnt a pc as such is it? its a media server?[/quote]No, it's a computer. And front row looks better anyway
[/quote]
Front row...? Better than what...? I'm thinking that my pc idea still has the least in the way of extra boxes/leads needed, and fits by budget (a beresford will be added at some point. No idea if thatll improve the sound when ill have an m-audio card anyway, but ill suck it and see).
Front row...? Better than what...? I'm thinking that my pc idea still has the least in the way of extra boxes/leads needed, and fits by budget (a beresford will be added at some point. No idea if thatll improve the sound when ill have an m-audio card anyway, but ill suck it and see).
[quote user="al7478"][quote user="JohnDuncan"][quote user="al7478"]it isnt a pc as such is it? its a media server?[/quote]No, it's a computer. And front row looks better anyway
[/quote] Front row...? Better than what...? I'm thinking that my pc idea still has the least in the way of extra boxes/leads needed, and fits by budget (a beresford will be added at some point. No idea if thatll improve the sound when ill have an m-audio card anyway, but ill suck it and see).[/quote]ok......but you'd be silly not to look into the mac mini computer. It has basically everything you wish for- audio and video related- it sound very good. It even has it's own remote control suplied with it, so you can control your pc from your couch! (That's front row)You'd be hard pressed to find a pc that fits your requirements better. You can use itunes for music (because it's integrated) but could choose an open standard like vlc media player-plays about every movie/music file you could think of. Open office is your friend for word docs, spreadsheets etc etc. It's free -which can't be said of the microsoft office package- and just as good as it's premium counterpart.I have both a pc and a macbook. What I can vouch for is that the mac is certainly better for music and movies- both for hearing/watching and creating them.
[quote user="Solomon1"][quote user="al7478"][quote user="JohnDuncan"][quote user="al7478"]it isnt a pc as such is it? its a media server?[/quote]No, it's a computer. And front row looks better anyway
[/quote] Front row...? Better than what...? I'm thinking that my pc idea still has the least in the way of extra boxes/leads needed, and fits by budget (a beresford will be added at some point. No idea if thatll improve the sound when ill have an m-audio card anyway, but ill suck it and see).[/quote]ok......but you'd be silly not to look into the mac mini computer. It has basically everything you wish for- audio and video related- it sound very good. It even has it's own remote control suplied with it, so you can control your pc from your couch! (That's front row)You'd be hard pressed to find a pc that fits your requirements better. You can use itunes for music (because it's integrated) but could choose an open standard like vlc media player-plays about every movie/music file you could think of. Open office is your friend for word docs, spreadsheets etc etc. It's free -which can't be said of the microsoft office package- and just as good as it's premium counterpart.[/quote]
So i could have it connected to a monitor and the tv? And could i find a way of using flacwith it? it might be worth considering as an addition to my current pc - to use jsut as a media server - but i wouldnt replace it altogether i dont think. P.S. what are the "edirol or tascam" units you refered to above...?
So i could have it connected to a monitor and the tv? And could i find a way of using flacwith it? it might be worth considering as an addition to my current pc - to use jsut as a media server - but i wouldnt replace it altogether i dont think. P.S. what are the "edirol or tascam" units you refered to above...?
[quote user="al7478"]So i could have it connected to a monitor and the tv? [/quote]Yes. The mac mini has a digital dvi out.[quote user="al7478"] And could i find a way of using flacwith it?[/quote]You could use vlc to play the flac files. (or Cog, MacAmp Lite X) See the flac site: http://flac.sourceforge.net/download.html Other option: convert them back to wav, then to apple lossless.[quote user="al7478"]P.S. what are the "edirol or tascam" units you refered to above...?[/quote]These are external dacs. You could add one of them at a later date to improve on the sound. This is IME better -soundwise- than using an internal highspec'd soundcard. I use the tascam us-144 myself, Ashley suggested the edirol Edirol UA 25 . Could also go firewire and choose edirol's FA-66.As an icing on the cake the mac mini has bluetooth and wireless internet as standard. This means you can use the mac with an (optional) cordless mouse and keybord or connect wirelessly to your printer! You can use your current mouse and keyboard. If you'd ever want to change...the (optional) standard apple keyboard is one of the nicest I've ever seen.
professorhat
Well-known member
Just a warning on the old bluetooth keyboards from Apple - I've been through two and my friend has been through one. No problems at all for a few months and then they just didn't work any more. They've since brought out a new model, but I'm sticking with a USB extension cord for the while! EDIT - bluetooth mouse is still going strong though after 3 years!
Oh, should say, Mini Mac is an excellent media centre though. Front Row is a nice front end which you can use with the remote - it presents all your music, movies, photos etc. through a nice GUI.
Oh, should say, Mini Mac is an excellent media centre though. Front Row is a nice front end which you can use with the remote - it presents all your music, movies, photos etc. through a nice GUI.
Can add no more. I know it's my nr1 choice for all the reasons I posted before. Can only encourage you to check it out in the real.
Thanks Solomon1. professorhat - ive been looking around and the GUI does look nice. This has all given me food for thought. Just when i thought i was set on my decision too. Didnt think this thread would lead to a genuine rethink but, even tho im still leaning toward pc, it has.
Dont go to the dark side that is the Mac... . Overrated, and overpriced. Style over substance, as usual from Apple.
[quote user="fr0g"]Dont go to the dark side that is the Mac... . Overrated, and overpriced. Style over substance, as usual from Apple.[/quote]
Have you done anything in particular to your pc to keep it quiet...?
Have you done anything in particular to your pc to keep it quiet...?
[quote user="al7478"][quote user="fr0g"]Dont go to the dark side that is the Mac... . Overrated, and overpriced. Style over substance, as usual from Apple.[/quote]
Have you done anything in particular to your pc to keep it quiet...?[/quote]
I dont need to. It isnt used as a media hub. But the laptop I am at now is currently almost silent, and its 24 degrees C here.
Dont get me wrong, the Macs are nice. But the mini is a very low specced machine. For the money stick with your plan, and get the budget M Audio Audiophile card. Much less outlay, much more return. Dont go chucking money at the DAC either straight away as that card is damn good
Have you done anything in particular to your pc to keep it quiet...?[/quote]
I dont need to. It isnt used as a media hub. But the laptop I am at now is currently almost silent, and its 24 degrees C here.
Dont get me wrong, the Macs are nice. But the mini is a very low specced machine. For the money stick with your plan, and get the budget M Audio Audiophile card. Much less outlay, much more return. Dont go chucking money at the DAC either straight away as that card is damn good
[quote user="fr0g"][quote user="al7478"][quote user="fr0g"]Dont go to the dark side that is the Mac... . Overrated, and overpriced. Style over substance, as usual from Apple.[/quote]
Have you done anything in particular to your pc to keep it quiet...?[/quote]
I dont need to. It isnt used as a media hub. But the laptop I am at now is currently almost silent, and its 24 degrees C here.
Dont get me wrong, the Macs are nice. But the mini is a very low specced machine. For the money stick with your plan, and get the budget M Audio Audiophile card. Much less outlay, much more return. Dont go chucking money at the DAC either straight away as that card is damn good[/quote]
Cheers. Yeah, ill listen to it as is for a while, then add the dac later - thought itd be an experiment as no one i know of has used both together. i can always sell it or send it back (tho i dunno how the land would lie there). maybe ill even upgrade my cables first. My totally irrational unscientific side wants Gotham cables, as im rather looking forward to The Dark Knight...
Have you done anything in particular to your pc to keep it quiet...?[/quote]
I dont need to. It isnt used as a media hub. But the laptop I am at now is currently almost silent, and its 24 degrees C here.
Dont get me wrong, the Macs are nice. But the mini is a very low specced machine. For the money stick with your plan, and get the budget M Audio Audiophile card. Much less outlay, much more return. Dont go chucking money at the DAC either straight away as that card is damn good[/quote]
Cheers. Yeah, ill listen to it as is for a while, then add the dac later - thought itd be an experiment as no one i know of has used both together. i can always sell it or send it back (tho i dunno how the land would lie there). maybe ill even upgrade my cables first. My totally irrational unscientific side wants Gotham cables, as im rather looking forward to The Dark Knight...
[quote user="al7478"][quote user="fr0g"][quote user="al7478"][quote user="fr0g"]Dont go to the dark side that is the Mac... . Overrated, and overpriced. Style over substance, as usual from Apple.[/quote]
Have you done anything in particular to your pc to keep it quiet...?[/quote]
I dont need to. It isnt used as a media hub. But the laptop I am at now is currently almost silent, and its 24 degrees C here.
Dont get me wrong, the Macs are nice. But the mini is a very low specced machine. For the money stick with your plan, and get the budget M Audio Audiophile card. Much less outlay, much more return. Dont go chucking money at the DAC either straight away as that card is damn good[/quote]
Cheers. Yeah, ill listen to it as is for a while, then add the dac later - thought itd be an experiment as no one i know of has used both together. i can always sell it or send it back (tho i dunno how the land would lie there). maybe ill even upgrade my cables first. My totally irrational unscientific side wants Gotham cables, as im rather looking forward to The Dark Knight...[/quote]
Gotham work fine. Good cables... cheap. Also Van Damme.
As for the DAC , It ought toi improve the sound but drop Stanley an email first, and make sure you can return it if it doesnt help
Have you done anything in particular to your pc to keep it quiet...?[/quote]
I dont need to. It isnt used as a media hub. But the laptop I am at now is currently almost silent, and its 24 degrees C here.
Dont get me wrong, the Macs are nice. But the mini is a very low specced machine. For the money stick with your plan, and get the budget M Audio Audiophile card. Much less outlay, much more return. Dont go chucking money at the DAC either straight away as that card is damn good[/quote]
Cheers. Yeah, ill listen to it as is for a while, then add the dac later - thought itd be an experiment as no one i know of has used both together. i can always sell it or send it back (tho i dunno how the land would lie there). maybe ill even upgrade my cables first. My totally irrational unscientific side wants Gotham cables, as im rather looking forward to The Dark Knight...[/quote]
Gotham work fine. Good cables... cheap. Also Van Damme.
As for the DAC , It ought toi improve the sound but drop Stanley an email first, and make sure you can return it if it doesnt help
professorhat
Well-known member
The Mini Mac is a great size to fit under the TV though! Seriously though, have a look and decide for yourself.
[quote user="professorhat"]The Mini Mac is a great size to fit under the TV though! Seriously though, have a look and decide for yourself.[/quote]Agree.Frog, you basically said you don't like macs. Fair enough, but your comments so far are merely pointed at what's wrong with the mac mini, while you don't own it and thus have no experience with it. Furthermore you haven't named a worthy alternative. The audiocard you named is really nice, but and that's a BIG BUT- it's designed to fit in a tower pc. To keep such a thing quiet you probably need to go for water cooling...and it still leaves you with a hulk of a machine. They only other choice to keep it cool and thus quiet is selecting laptop parts or buying a laptop- this both goes for a system based on windows os or apple os. The new windows os -vista- is notorious for it's high demands on hardware, which is like saying in other words that on the same hardware, it's slow.Since a media pc is mainly aimed at producing music and movies well, the mac will do more then good enough. I mean, even some hifi manufacturers swear by it! See the avi hifi website for this. A pc needs to be assembled, thus will never look as nice, is probably just as expensive- or more as it needs higher specced hardware just to start up and run properly. Many windows customers have gone BACK to XP as they found it worked better- buying a mac still leaves you the option of installing the system you know -windows XP- on it AND enjoy the benefits of a smoother operating media system.
[quote user="fr0g"]Dont go to the dark side that is the Mac... . Overrated, and overpriced. Style over substance, as usual from Apple.
[/quote]Luke, Luke! Come to the Dark Side! Windows is not your destiny. Join us and we'll rule over the galaxy! The emperor has foreseen this... Luke, join me and together we'll bring down the evil emperor of Microsoft...
[/quote]Luke, Luke! Come to the Dark Side! Windows is not your destiny. Join us and we'll rule over the galaxy! The emperor has foreseen this... Luke, join me and together we'll bring down the evil emperor of Microsoft...
[quote user="Solomon1"]The audiocard you named is really nice, but and that's a BIG BUT- it's designed to fit in a tower pc. To keep such a thing quiet you probably need to go for water cooling....[/quote]
To keep the card quiet, or just to keep a tower pc quiet full stop, you mean?
To keep the card quiet, or just to keep a tower pc quiet full stop, you mean?
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