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Home Theater => Sources => Audio Only Sources => Topic started by: cyberdraven on Jun 19, 2014 at 10:47 AM

Title: Music Source
Post by: cyberdraven on Jun 19, 2014 at 10:47 AM
Hi Guys,
Im a virgin and this is my 1st post so please be kind and gentle.  hehehe.

Im building up a simple stereo system.  I have a Xavian Floorstander and a Rotel intergrated amp.  What I need is to have a music source.  My ideal set-up would be to keep it as simple as possible - A music source, an integrated amp and finally speakers. 

My wishlist is a music source that could do the following:
1.  Will play hard drive
2.  Doesnt need turning the TV or attaching monitor in navigating
3.  Has a comparable SQ with CD players without the need to add an outboard DAC
4.  To have a tuner is a plus
5.  Doesnt came with a hefty pricetag.  Im allotting 30K, otherwise, Ill consider doing the old fashion racking system.

Thanks

Paeng
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: geriboy on Jun 19, 2014 at 11:30 AM
http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,186840.0.html

http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,178517.0.html
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: disturbed on Jun 19, 2014 at 12:57 PM
30k is already hefty haha pero at least pasok na lahat ang sources
cocktail audio
squeezebox comes to mind, if you find one
olive one

great floorstander you got there :)
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: sientobente on Jun 19, 2014 at 01:27 PM
Hanep idol, naka xavian fs ka pala. I would suggest an htpc, it has better processing power. Add an external DAC, a wifi dongle and install a foobar remote into your smartphone or pad, you are good to go. A USB DAC like Musiland can handle newer hi-res file formats like DXD and DSD that can go up to 32/384. There are also nice cheap htpc cases from silverstone that should fit your rack nicely.

Finally, so that there won't be a need to turn the monitor on, move foobar into the startup folder in windows. Just start the PC and enjoy the music :)

Btw, san ka pala virgin?  ;)
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: cyberdraven on Jun 19, 2014 at 02:40 PM
@ sientobente.  simple lang boss sana.  no computers at ayaw ni misis.  im using it in our living room set-up.  once I set-up our bedroom to have a HT, that would be the time ill be dwelling with computers.  Computers for me is a complicated stuff.  hehehe. 

With respect to bluetoothing..., masama ata pakingan..  hehe, with respect to bluetooth, same SQ ba compared to direct connection?

@ disturbed.  Thanks men.  The cocktail audio is a fine machine but I woudnt maximize its potential since i already have an amp.  Actually, more than the cocktail audio, been looking for the cayin ip40 but again, I already have an amp.  The logitech squeezebox is a perfect solution pero parang wala na ito sa trade.  Tried to na din and wala na daw ito.  With respect to the Olive One, im still waiting reviews from local peeps.  Meron na bang nagdadala nito?

I have something in mind sana but couldnt get much info on the local scene.  Any opinion on the following products?
Cambridge Audio NP30
Pioneer N-50
Marantz NA7004

How about some popcorn hour?  Can i get decent audio without external DAC?

Thanks

Paeng
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: disturbed on Jun 19, 2014 at 02:50 PM
me line out naman ata sir ung cocktail para diretso na lang sa amp nyo..well sana dumating na olive one ko..ill let you know once I get it.nasa courier na since Sat pa..got a quote on the shipping just last night..so hopefully i ship na nila asap pra sa weekend or early next weeek makuha ko na..hanap din kasi ako maganda source katulad nyo..sugal lang ung olive one lol
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: mbtorn on Jun 19, 2014 at 03:01 PM
You may want to consider cambridge audio stream magic 6, a network music player that can upsample up to 384khz.
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: mykel18 on Jun 19, 2014 at 03:04 PM

I have something in mind sana but couldnt get much info on the local scene.  Any opinion on the following products?
Cambridge Audio NP30
Pioneer N-50
Marantz NA7004

How about some popcorn hour?  Can i get decent audio without external DAC?

Meron naman sir dealer ng mga brands na yan dito and models (except with the Pioneer N-50 not sure if carried ng distro dito)

For popcorn hour, need mo ng display pa.

Okay na kahit alin dyan sa 3 choices mo.  ^-^ >:D ;)
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: sientobente on Jun 19, 2014 at 03:08 PM
@ sientobente.  simple lang boss sana.  no computers at ayaw ni misis.  im using it in our living room set-up.  once I set-up our bedroom to have a HT, that would be the time ill be dwelling with computers.  Computers for me is a complicated stuff.  hehehe. 

With respect to bluetoothing..., masama ata pakingan..  hehe, with respect to bluetooth, same SQ ba compared to direct connection?

@ disturbed.  Thanks men.  The cocktail audio is a fine machine but I woudnt maximize its potential since i already have an amp.  Actually, more than the cocktail audio, been looking for the cayin ip40 but again, I already have an amp.  The logitech squeezebox is a perfect solution pero parang wala na ito sa trade.  Tried to na din and wala na daw ito.  With respect to the Olive One, im still waiting reviews from local peeps.  Meron na bang nagdadala nito?

I have something in mind sana but couldnt get much info on the local scene.  Any opinion on the following products?
Cambridge Audio NP30
Pioneer N-50
Marantz NA7004

How about some popcorn hour?  Can i get decent audio without external DAC?

Thanks

Paeng
Pangit bluetooth idol. It might have more negative effects from jitter or worse, it may not have enough bandwith to accomodate hi-res files. You just use the the smartphone as a remote to browse through your files in your PC's HD or any storage device connected to it.

Regarding the NA7004, meron tayong member dito who owns one. Yung maraming chicks dito, si Courage. He says the sound quality was at par as his Rega DAC. He also owns a Cambridge NP30 if you'd like to compare further.
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: cyberdraven on Jun 19, 2014 at 04:12 PM
Ang sarap naman dito, bilis magreply.  Hahaha.

I heared the popcorn hour a200/400 model could be navigated through a cellphone app.  Not pretty sure though on its dac.

Actually, the simpliest solution sana is to have a laptop pero ayaw ni misis having a laptop on her dining area.  If only i could do ipod to feed direct to amp via simple dac, that might even be acceptable.
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: JoeyGS on Jun 19, 2014 at 05:03 PM
The sound output of the popcorn is not so good.

What's best is still ..... music server cpu (fanless and headless, no monitor) + dac

The cpu can be tucked away on top of your integrated amp

The music files can be remotely controlled by an ipad or iphone (or any computer) via wifi. So the music server cpu is connected to your router.
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: JoeyGS on Jun 19, 2014 at 05:10 PM
This is what I have ...... http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,17792.msg1933599.html#msg1933599 (http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,17792.msg1933599.html#msg1933599)

and another member has this .... http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,17792.msg1928217.html#msg1928217 (http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,17792.msg1928217.html#msg1928217)
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: cyberdraven on Jun 19, 2014 at 06:13 PM
This is what I have ...... http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,17792.msg1933599.html#msg1933599 (http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,17792.msg1933599.html#msg1933599)

and another member has this .... http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,17792.msg1928217.html#msg1928217 (http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,17792.msg1928217.html#msg1928217)

Nice Zuma!  I believe it comes with a price.
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: beringin on Jun 19, 2014 at 09:54 PM
I have  a J Feng digital HDM 01D from China. It acts as a transport of my flac files to my Rega DAC.  This model has no built in DAC. Some of their models are already with DAC. Brushed faceplate aluminum is thick and  the built is really high end. Medyo mabagal lang yung processor niya so it takes a few minutes to boot, similar to a laptop starting up. Browsing from files is a little bit slow.  May remote control and also touchscreen.   I have attached a 2TB exernal HD and so far the unit can access all of my files. This model can play up to 24/192 khz. I believe newer models have wifi and with faster processor. Not available locally but can be purchased online. Maganda yung disply niya showing album cover.

http://www.jfdigital.com/en/products/index.asp?classid=1

(http://www.jfdigital.com/asp_bin/pro_img/201405/20140527113618543.png)


I also have a Cambridge Audio Stream Magic 6. Very fast processor and browsing files is really fast  .  I can stream my flac wirelessly fom NAS but only up to 24/96 khz.  It can access thousands of internet stations ; i use this to listen to DZRH  :) every morning ( i am based out of the Philippines).  I believe not available locally pero pwede naman paratingin from the US.  I have attached a 1TB portable hard drive and so far ok naman, easily can detect my flac files , but only up to 24/96 khz.   It has built in DAC so direct connection na to my amp. With downloadable apps for ipad and android smartphone.  HTH

(http://i.b5z.net/i/u/1352634/i/Galaxy-tab-SM6-BT100-2.jpg)
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: disturbed on Jun 19, 2014 at 10:01 PM
^ ganda sir!
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: JoeyGS on Jun 20, 2014 at 02:34 AM
Well...... You can start with the basic then upgrade the components later as budget permits.....

Nice Zuma!  I believe it comes with a price.
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: Courage on Jun 20, 2014 at 10:04 AM
@ sientobente.  simple lang boss sana.  no computers at ayaw ni misis.  im using it in our living room set-up.  once I set-up our bedroom to have a HT, that would be the time ill be dwelling with computers.  Computers for me is a complicated stuff.  hehehe. 

With respect to bluetoothing..., masama ata pakingan..  hehe, with respect to bluetooth, same SQ ba compared to direct connection?

@ disturbed.  Thanks men.  The cocktail audio is a fine machine but I woudnt maximize its potential since i already have an amp.  Actually, more than the cocktail audio, been looking for the cayin ip40 but again, I already have an amp.  The logitech squeezebox is a perfect solution pero parang wala na ito sa trade.  Tried to na din and wala na daw ito.  With respect to the Olive One, im still waiting reviews from local peeps.  Meron na bang nagdadala nito?

I have something in mind sana but couldnt get much info on the local scene.  Any opinion on the following products?
Cambridge Audio NP30
Pioneer N-50
Marantz NA7004

How about some popcorn hour?  Can i get decent audio without external DAC?

Thanks

Paeng

CA NP30 is very good SQ wise but will not play higher than 96 khz

Marantz NA7004 is much better as this is already an FM Tuner, Internet Radio and can be used as External DAC as well if you wish to connect your CD player. This has very good DAC and comparable to REGA DAC i used to own. Meron na din syang Airplay..

Kung malapit ka sa bahay you can demo this at my place.. Wag ka lang magdadala ng chicks kasi di ako mahilig sa chicks pag nasa bahay at nandun si misis he he he
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: Superman on Jun 20, 2014 at 11:02 AM

Kung malapit ka sa bahay you can demo this at my place.. Wag ka lang magdadala ng chicks kasi di ako mahilig sa chicks pag nasa bahay at nandun si misis he he he

Hmmmmm.... :D
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: IsoMetrix on Jun 21, 2014 at 08:36 AM
Hi Guys,
Im a virgin and this is my 1st post so please be kind and gentle.  hehehe.

Im building up a simple stereo system.  I have a Xavian Floorstander and a Rotel intergrated amp.  What I need is to have a music source.  My ideal set-up would be to keep it as simple as possible - A music source, an integrated amp and finally speakers. 

My wishlist is a music source that could do the following:
1.  Will play hard drive
2.  Doesnt need turning the TV or attaching monitor in navigating
3.  Has a comparable SQ with CD players without the need to add an outboard DAC
4.  To have a tuner is a plus
5.  Doesnt came with a hefty pricetag.  Im allotting 30K, otherwise, Ill consider doing the old fashion racking system.

Thanks

Paeng

Rotel RT09 can handle all those you have in your wish list. Got it last February on SALE with less than PHP 30K.

(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l47/IsoMetrix1/Rotel/100_0488_zps851219c0.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/IsoMetrix1/media/Rotel/100_0488_zps851219c0.jpg.html)

Rotel RCX1500 can even simplify your system further. It got a 100 watts per channel class D amplifier and a CD player, in addition to all those functionalities of the RT09. Got it just a month ago for PHP 35K on SALE (Demo Item). I'm using it as pre amplifier for my RB1592 and to power an  outdoor speaker.

(http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l47/IsoMetrix1/Rotel/100_0483_zpsa746c4a1.jpg) (http://s93.photobucket.com/user/IsoMetrix1/media/Rotel/100_0483_zpsa746c4a1.jpg.html)
Title: Music Source
Post by: mykel18 on Jun 21, 2014 at 08:50 AM
Dumadami na ang mga options. May nagustuhan ka na ba sir?
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: IsoMetrix on Jun 21, 2014 at 09:11 AM
...............................  If only i could do ipod to feed direct to amp via simple dac, that might even be acceptable.


Rotel RA11/RA12 can do this without the need for a DAC. Both amplifiers got a built in DAC.
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: cyberdraven on Jun 21, 2014 at 09:22 PM
Got the specs of the options master.  Thanks so much for all the inputs.  Now it's time to audition them to finally decide.  Atleast now, I have a list of what to look for.
Title: Music Source
Post by: royc on Jun 24, 2014 at 03:06 PM
If only i could do ipod to feed direct to amp via simple dac, that might even be acceptable.

Puede naman gawing source ang ipod, yun ang gamit ko. Wolfson DAC ang nasa old ipods, google mo lang anong generation ang may best DAC. I use a fiio L11 LOD to get the line out signals and use apple lossless sa audio files. Try it before buying an expensive solution. Hiram ka ng lumang ipod.

Here's an article I wrote on the topic:

http://royconenjoyinglife.blogspot.com/2014/06/how-i-turned-my-old-ipod-into-hi-fi.html
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: Nelson de Leon on Jun 24, 2014 at 04:03 PM
Having a Wolfson DAC doesn't not really equate to better SQ especially those made for portable devices. Those minsan bumabagay din naman sa system.
Title: Music Source
Post by: royc on Jun 24, 2014 at 04:22 PM
Having a Wolfson DAC doesn't not really equate to better SQ especially those made for portable devices. Those minsan bumabagay din naman sa system.

Yes sir, I doubt that a DAC for a portable device can compete with higher end DACs, but for those like me who wants a simple audio source for serving lossless audio files then old ipods may be an answer. I already considered a laptop-based solution, but I believe an ipod is easier to use and maintain.

I actually did not expect that my ipod-based system can sound this good, considering that my ipod nano 3g is not among the top 3 ipods with the best wolfson DAC (each generation uses a different DAC chip). To my ears it sounds like a CD source.
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: Nelson de Leon on Jun 24, 2014 at 04:43 PM
Yes sir, I doubt that a DAC for a portable device can compete with higher end DACs, but for those like me who wants a simple audio source for serving lossless audio files then old ipods may be an answer. I already considered a laptop-based solution, but I believe an ipod is easier to use and maintain.

I actually did not expect that my ipod-based system can sound this good, considering that my ipod nano 3g is not among the top 3 ipods with the best wolfson DAC (each generation uses a different DAC chip). To my ears it sounds like a CD source.

Congrats sir! Like i say, minsan din, nasa synergy din.
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: JoeyGS on Jun 24, 2014 at 05:35 PM
Yes the older ipods indeed outputs good digital and analogue signals via the line out and not on the headphone out.  I still have my 5th generation 60gb ipod even if the lcd is starting to degrade.  Getting the sound from its line out is good enough and is better than current non-audiophile grade music players.
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: royc on Jun 25, 2014 at 09:06 AM
Your 5th gen ipod supposedly has the best DAC among the ipods, though the 7th gen is said to be equally good :-)
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: Joken on Jun 25, 2014 at 11:26 AM
Another option is to setup an android music player. With this setup, you can use a DAC of your choice.
Below is the configuration.

Android Tablet/Smartphone + USB Audio Player Pro (by eXtream Software Dev) + OTG cable + USB DAC.
 
If you want to play files from portable HD, just install "Stick Mount Pro" or equivalent app and connect a USB Hub. But i would recommend a USB Hub with Card Reader so you can also play files from other storage devices.

Btw, make sure to test first your DAC for compatibility by installing the trial version of USB Audio Player Pro.
Title: Music Source
Post by: royc on Jun 25, 2014 at 03:23 PM
Pag external DAC, does it matter anong brand or model yung android? Mukhang okay yung option to play from a hard disk. Sayang hindi puede ang luma kong android.
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: Nelson de Leon on Jun 25, 2014 at 04:15 PM
Pag external DAC, does it matter anong brand or model yung android? Mukhang okay yung option to play from a hard disk. Sayang hindi puede ang luma kong android.

Depende ata sa compatibility ng OS ng android mo vs your player.
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: Joken on Jun 25, 2014 at 04:39 PM
Pag external DAC, does it matter anong brand or model yung android? Mukhang okay yung option to play from a hard disk. Sayang hindi puede ang luma kong android.

refer to this for compatibility list http://www.extreamsd.com/USBAudioRecorderPRO/ (http://www.extreamsd.com/USBAudioRecorderPRO/).

if you already have an Android device/DAC not in the list, you can test muna using the trial version.

btw, dapat powered ang usb hub kung gusto mo mag connect ng portable hard disk.



Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: royc on Jun 25, 2014 at 04:44 PM
Thanks! Anyone tried the FiiO X3?
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: Joken on Jun 25, 2014 at 05:07 PM
Anyone tried the FiiO X3?

almost all fiio models are compatible, so most probably it will work.
yung cherry mobile fubo tablet pala ay tested na compatible.


Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: mYKi on Jun 25, 2014 at 09:47 PM
My initial setup was Fiio X5 to a Cambridge Audio DAC.

I then wanted to have a way to just access all my music files from the iPad or iPhone. So after much research at my options, I chose Mede8er MED1000X3D to my DAC and using the M8 Jukebox iPad/iPhone app (http://m8jukebox.com/) to control it.

Any of the X3D models should work with the app.
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: royc on Jun 28, 2014 at 08:00 AM
Interesting. Is the Mede8er  available locally? Price?
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: nogo on Jun 28, 2014 at 09:33 AM
Interesting. Is the Mede8er  available locally? Price?

http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,127728.0.html

and

http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,155553.0.html
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: nogo on Jun 28, 2014 at 09:42 AM
My initial setup was Fiio X5 to a Cambridge Audio DAC.

I then wanted to have a way to just access all my music files from the iPad or iPhone. So after much research at my options, I chose Mede8er MED1000X3D to my DAC and using the M8 Jukebox iPad/iPhone app (http://m8jukebox.com/) to control it.
Any of the X3D models should work with the app.

Sir may i know what's your setup from med to dac to amp?

I have med1000 and rxv-375, I believe these 2 have their own built-in DAC. What's in my mind is to use toslink cable from Optical out of med to optical in of rxv375. This way I could bypass the dac of the med1000 (configured to optical passthrough) and utilize the dac of the receiver or am I wrong with my thoughts?

Does using external DAC between med1000 and receiver would improve sound quality?

Kindly enlighten me.

Thanks so much

Title: Music Source
Post by: royc on Jun 29, 2014 at 09:07 AM
My initial setup was Fiio X5 to a Cambridge Audio DAC.

Is the Fiio's X5's DAC not good enough? I have been reading good reviews on the X3 and assumed the X5 is even better.
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: cyberdraven on Jul 07, 2014 at 12:20 PM
been into a hifi shop to audition.  BTW, I brought my wife to listen as well as she has a good taste on music as well.  I loved how she appreciate the texture and envolvement of a song.

We tried an entry-level NAD cdp, an NMT and a combination of NMT + external DAC.  The NMT standalone is quite the poorest of the three.  SQ is much better with an external DAC.  The ambiance is present with good soundstage.  Layering is good and quite frankly, all the technical details your looking into is well presented.  However, we choose the standalone cdp.  It just add a better feel on the music.  We cranked up the volume and the music is very envolving.  Much more musical to our taste than using NMT.  Again, these are our personal opinion.

Thanks

Paeng
Title: Re: Music Source
Post by: Courage on Jul 07, 2014 at 11:20 PM
been into a hifi shop to audition.  BTW, I brought my wife to listen as well as she has a good taste on music as well.  I loved how she appreciate the texture and envolvement of a song.

We tried an entry-level NAD cdp, an NMT and a combination of NMT + external DAC.  The NMT standalone is quite the poorest of the three.  SQ is much better with an external DAC.  The ambiance is present with good soundstage.  Layering is good and quite frankly, all the technical details your looking into is well presented.  However, we choose the standalone cdp.  It just add a better feel on the music.  We cranked up the volume and the music is very envolving.  Much more musical to our taste than using NMT.  Again, these are our personal opinion.

Thanks

Paeng

Good choice, i have tested 3 NMT's connected it to my rega dac vs laptop connected to rega dac and the diff in sq is very audible.. Di talaga maganda as music source for me ang nmt.

Comparable to cd sq are those network audio player, even without a dac its good as long as your music files are of high quality and not those bad music files converted to higher resolution..