randerson3024

I have heard the Belkin competes with the expensive ones. I guess I will find out when it comes.

Nice rig! I roll with a P-03/D-03/G-0Rb at home. My BHSE is on order. I have yet to try an SRD-7 MK2, but I am looking at better tubes for the Stax amp.

Yes, I caught that after replied, but my extensive internet skills did not allow for a correction. Vicki is hilarious and rocks, Grawk is cool, and I am gratified to learn I am not sexually confused!

I am using a new iMac feeding the Ayre. I'm afraid I can't comment as to it's quaility comparing to DAC's at it's price range. I am using a Reimyo DAP 999, which is much more expensive, and much better, but I expect it to be. I colleauge has a PS Audio (not the Perfect Wave), and the Ayre sounds much better. The only other comparison I can make is a straight comparison to an Esoteric DV-60 which is used as a video and SACD source as well as a transport to the Reimyo for redbook CD playback. So far, the Esoteric does better the Ayre on standard CD's, but the Ayre does sound good. I haven't attempted to compare SACD playback to computer playback with the Ayre since the source is so different. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

So far, so good. Amarra makes it sound more musical to me, and less "electrnonic". I am having licensing issues on the boat, so it will be awhile until I can use the full blown version of Amarra. I am also waiting for a Kimber USB cable. I have no idea how much of a difference it will make. I have heard that Belkin cables sound good as well, but I haven't had a chance to try one.

I think I love Boomana. I hope she's not a dude...........

I agree completely. A lot of this has to be done in port. It takes a long time for the pages to resolve themselves on many audiophile pages with our slow connection, so I tend to be lazy and ask questions that I should be researching myself.

Interesting thread here - I started it because I am really inexperienced with computers as sources, and I suppose I am I a snob in the regards of what I consider to be an acceptable quality of playback, and hopefully not too inclined to think the amount of money spent on my system has added any inches to my dick, although human nature does come in to play. There is nothing wrong with being an elitist for the right reasons, in this case, musical truth, which gives me great joy and sanity while stuck out here for lengthy voyages on this fucking ship. If I can't listen for at least two hours a day, I go nuts. The bottom line is that I know exactly jack-shit about computers as a playback source. My choices in the matter came down to 3, a Berkeley Alpha DAC, Linn Akurate DS, or the Ayre QB-9. The Ayre was cheaper and the easist to try. The Amarra software so far has greatly increased the musicality of the playback, especially compared to my favorite playback medium, XRCD's played back through my Reimyo. There has been lots of wonderful advice, and I intend to become more educated in the use of computers, software, and DAC's. For now, I think I have made the right choice. I can also say in all honesty, that if I had less money to throw at this, I would still listen daily, and glean what I can from whatever equipment I had, just like I did 20 years ago with Advents, Dynaco, and a used Thorens turntable.

The Amarra makes a big difference in my system. The iMac and Ayre QB-9 are good by themselves, but the Amarra makes it truly musical. The licensing issues could not be solved working through the LAN out here on the boat, however the folks at Amarra were more than gracious in figuring out a solution by sending me a copy I can use. I encourage anyone with the Ayre to listen to both versions. I really think I can start archiving my CD's and sending them home now.

Exactly!

Is it just me, or is it like watching business when they play? Not as if there isn't talent, but it just doesn't seem fun.

I could take a lesson here, seeing how I work for the 'Gubment.

Minimize your screen - at least that's what i do, especially if I am looking at hooters!

I'm learning........

Very nice!

Well, being an OU fan, I must revel in the success of Garrett Hartley's flield goal - Go Sooners!

Beethoven Symphony #7 - Carolos Kleiber

mypasswordis's grammar is double-plus good.

The songs have interurruptions as well. i am using Amarra on an iMac with lossles format feeding an Ayre. It sounds OK without the hiccups/ Ideas?

Erik Satie - Variationi on a Theme

Jaco Pastorius

Actually, it does. i will try it.

It's the wongle of the dongle that counrts.....................

It seems OK with the new Ayre QB-9, but an Esoteric D-03 or Reimyo DAP 999 source it ain't. I 'm going to try the full blown version of Amarra.

Happy Birthday!