Understanding sound quality input into a hifi system

[pkerai]

I have recently decided to use the USB port on my Audiolab 8200CD player as the sole source for my music library.

There is little support for this from Audiolab, who may release an update to the model via USB connection.

Other then that the Audiolabs manual states that PC's can run audiophile programs such as jriver or foobar.

Getting audiophile sound from a PC is tricky, as it is mainly a software issue.

I have found that Windows based PC's have had audio out via USB from Windows Vista onwards.

However Windows 7 gives better support in achieving this.

This leaves me with lots of problems in determining which setup is best for me.

But to summarise, here are a few solutions from which someone can advise which is better.

My music will want to be in highest quality possible (either lossless or MP3 320kbps).

I will only need it one room.

It must be controlled via a iphone iOS app program. (Hence the constraint)

Furthermore, I have recently purchased a SONOS CONNECT device.

After playing about, I have found this interface the most cleanest of all app based programs.

(Even when comparing monkeymote remote app to control foobar audio program).

I just need to know what is the best method of connection with all this apparatus.

ie. How does the SONOS CONNECT + AUDIOLAB 8200CD Compare lets say to Windows 7 based PC (running foobar-which is free and I am most used too) + AUDIOLAB 8200CD.

How do they compare in sound quality when playing the same track in same quality via these contrasting methods.

I would also like some feedback on those who have setup an 'always on pc server' connected to a good quality dac (such as mine) through some audiophile software. What sort of power/safety and even practible problems does it pose?

Many thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi, you can see from my signature how I am set up.

You have lots of options for HiFi quality sound from a computer based setup and lots of scope for experimenting.

Not sure how the two options you describe would compare, perhaps you will be able to test yourself.

With a Windows set up you have lots of options for HiFi quality media software (J River Media Center 17, Foobar, JPLAY and lots of others). These will enable you to play back your files bitperfect (no interference from your PC although output via USB should ensure high quality output anyway if asynchronous). If you have an iTouch, IPad or iPhone (and presumably works on other phones as well) you can download the MyRiver remote control app.

I would recommend JRiver MC 17 and you can take a 30 day free trial after which to purchase is about £40 I recall. You can also try JPLAY which works with JRiver and other media software and offers functionality such as hibernation mode to enhance the music quality further (personally did not get along with this as my laptop struggled or the program is unstable but have heard positive reviews from others).

There are good threads on this forum on both JRiver and JPLAY if you do a search.

As for power/safety can't see any issue and why would use any more power than a CD. Switch your laptop to sleep when not playing music as I do and no issue but great sound can be achieved.

As you will see I have moved to a Mac based system so now use iTunes with BitPerfect application.

Hope works out.

 

[amcluesent]

As you already have the Sonos CONNECT, why not just connect it to an S/PDIF input on Audiolab 8200CD and the PC to the USB input and try for yourself?

TBH, unless there's a misconfiguration, both approaches should give a bit-perfect stream to the DAC and differences should be minimal.

 

[pkerai]

Hi,
I wanted to know if anybody else has done this.

Its deciding whether to use a NAS device connected to sonos then (Digitally) to the DAC, or an always on PC with a USB connection to the DAC.

Is there any theoretical difference between the two methods.
I can be fooled by placebo bias!!!!

Assuming the source music is of the same resolution, should there be any sound difference.
What other factors are to be considered?