Hi res audio - newbie questions
Discussion
I'm looking to dip my toe into the world of hi res audio. The reason being that despite having a sizeable cd/vinyl collection I rarely find myself listening to any of it at home and I can't actually remember the last time I bought a cd (still buy the odd vinyl tho). I've come to the conclusion that I should focus on digitising my cd library and create a system based around a central HD repository which I can listen to at home and copy across for portable use.
The thing is I don't really know where to start. I used to have a lot of music on iTunes but lost it all and so effectively starting from scratch. I don't want to be tied to Apple so am open to any and all suggestions and advice.
I would like to be able to store music in one location which can be played on my living room hifi. The storage location should also be able to be easily accessed to be able to copy files over to a portable player.
For the portable side I've pretty much decided on a chord mojo and a pair of hifiman 400i magnaplanar cans. The former as it is so universally revered and the latter because I used to love my grado sr60s many moons ago (reviews seem comparable) and they're only $250 on amazon right now. To begin with I will prob use my iPhone as the transport running the onkyo HD player.
As for the 'central library' I have no idea where to start. Current hifi is standard separates with AirPort Extreme for streaming from the iPhone and my Mac mini is also plumbed into the amp for audio out. The tv audio also runs through the amp. Tv is used as a monitor for the mac but not connected to an aerial. All our viewing is Netflix or DVDs. Hence I'm used to having to boot up hifi and computer to listen or watch. Tbh having the mac running into the hifi was what caused my cd listening to decline as it's mainly Spotify or 6music for me these days.
I like the idea of ditching the current system (decent but bought in my student days on a budget) for something like the new naim uniti but they don't seem to be available yet despite glowing reviews over a year old! I would like to be able to rip from cd and have a really easy to use interface. The Mac mini is 2nd gen and getting slow so could be replaced.
So: priority no1 is sound quality ( I like an open, airy sound like you get from open backed cans ). Priority no2 is an easy to use library which is easily accessed at home and for portable devices.
Budget is open to suggestion. The initial outlay for the mojo and 400is will be about $750 and I could save/spend that each month no issue. I'd like to start with the library and build up from there.
Thoughts?
The thing is I don't really know where to start. I used to have a lot of music on iTunes but lost it all and so effectively starting from scratch. I don't want to be tied to Apple so am open to any and all suggestions and advice.
I would like to be able to store music in one location which can be played on my living room hifi. The storage location should also be able to be easily accessed to be able to copy files over to a portable player.
For the portable side I've pretty much decided on a chord mojo and a pair of hifiman 400i magnaplanar cans. The former as it is so universally revered and the latter because I used to love my grado sr60s many moons ago (reviews seem comparable) and they're only $250 on amazon right now. To begin with I will prob use my iPhone as the transport running the onkyo HD player.
As for the 'central library' I have no idea where to start. Current hifi is standard separates with AirPort Extreme for streaming from the iPhone and my Mac mini is also plumbed into the amp for audio out. The tv audio also runs through the amp. Tv is used as a monitor for the mac but not connected to an aerial. All our viewing is Netflix or DVDs. Hence I'm used to having to boot up hifi and computer to listen or watch. Tbh having the mac running into the hifi was what caused my cd listening to decline as it's mainly Spotify or 6music for me these days.
I like the idea of ditching the current system (decent but bought in my student days on a budget) for something like the new naim uniti but they don't seem to be available yet despite glowing reviews over a year old! I would like to be able to rip from cd and have a really easy to use interface. The Mac mini is 2nd gen and getting slow so could be replaced.
So: priority no1 is sound quality ( I like an open, airy sound like you get from open backed cans ). Priority no2 is an easy to use library which is easily accessed at home and for portable devices.
Budget is open to suggestion. The initial outlay for the mojo and 400is will be about $750 and I could save/spend that each month no issue. I'd like to start with the library and build up from there.
Thoughts?
Edited by shirt on Wednesday 28th June 22:29
I didn't realise the distinction between formats. Ideally I'd like to not be limited to a particular one. I guess I mean uncompressed files in as high a quality as possible. I'm not one to be discussing endless technical details when it comes to music but I'd like to start with the best quality source material.
MQA is interesting from what I read have just read briefly. what you mean by eerily realistic? I googles your meridian dac then ended up looking at the sooloos system and older DSP 3200 speakers. I know things have come on a lot in the last 5 yrs but an older complete meridian system is looking tempting. the cocktail system is also interesting. one thing about high res is that it seems to be new players leading the way so that's one more I hadn't heard of.
just bought the hifiman he-400i cans, $295 delivered which I couldn't say no to. there's a local dealer for the chord mojo so will audition that in person with iphone vs a standalone astell kern ak70 before making a decision on the portable solution.
lots to read about. good thing is that the digital approach seems well designed and less boxes, so an easy one to get past the mrs without her noticing what it costs
MQA is interesting from what I read have just read briefly. what you mean by eerily realistic? I googles your meridian dac then ended up looking at the sooloos system and older DSP 3200 speakers. I know things have come on a lot in the last 5 yrs but an older complete meridian system is looking tempting. the cocktail system is also interesting. one thing about high res is that it seems to be new players leading the way so that's one more I hadn't heard of.
just bought the hifiman he-400i cans, $295 delivered which I couldn't say no to. there's a local dealer for the chord mojo so will audition that in person with iphone vs a standalone astell kern ak70 before making a decision on the portable solution.
lots to read about. good thing is that the digital approach seems well designed and less boxes, so an easy one to get past the mrs without her noticing what it costs
I have to agree with you gizlaroc in that everyone's ears are different and measuring the nth degree of whatever is no guarantee of obtaining musicality inline with your preferences. My personal taste is for open airy soundstage with detail and bass. I imagine your quad esl setup has this in spades.
My hifiman he-400is arrived today so I'm looking forward to auditioning them tonight and then going out shopping for a portable DAP player at the weekend.
Re: formats and delivery, outnumbered raises a good point in what happens when the HDD fails. Been there, done that and know how painful it is. Therefore whilst I do still want a stored library, it does make sense to keep open to as many formats as possible, or at least stick to tech which can be adapted later on with firmware.
As such, what is the limitation with the chord mojo wrt MQA audio? I was looking at the pioneer xdp100 as it seems to have all formats covered, huge storage and a low price thanks the he newer model. Was hoping to pair that to the mojo to overcome its apparent shortcomings in the onboard processor.
My hifiman he-400is arrived today so I'm looking forward to auditioning them tonight and then going out shopping for a portable DAP player at the weekend.
Re: formats and delivery, outnumbered raises a good point in what happens when the HDD fails. Been there, done that and know how painful it is. Therefore whilst I do still want a stored library, it does make sense to keep open to as many formats as possible, or at least stick to tech which can be adapted later on with firmware.
As such, what is the limitation with the chord mojo wrt MQA audio? I was looking at the pioneer xdp100 as it seems to have all formats covered, huge storage and a low price thanks the he newer model. Was hoping to pair that to the mojo to overcome its apparent shortcomings in the onboard processor.
b
hstewie said:
hstewie said: I got the Hifiman 400S's at the weekend, I don't think you'll be disappointed 
Regards Tidal and Spotify, still doing some research but everything I've read so far favours Tidal for quality, even the "standard" service.
Well it was a right old palaver getting hold of some high def files but I got their in the end. blame where I am located, my uk bank account not letting me pay, and then the only laptop we have in the house which iTunes works on being in Russian!Regards Tidal and Spotify, still doing some research but everything I've read so far favours Tidal for quality, even the "standard" service.
Anyway, managed to get (from hdtracks) a 192/24 copy of both ok computer and van Morrison's astral weeks, played on iPhone via onkyo hf player.
Ok computer was pretty uninspiring as I was finding my way around the player and nothing therein inspired massive confidence in this experiment. It was good, but not the departure I was expecting.
However astral weeks was a totally different story. I managed to stumble on an eq setting which worked and from then on I was rather impressed (and a little relieved too tbh). Very revealing and detailed sound with great presentation. I think with more eq fiddling and a better player/dac I will be where I want to. Looking forward to auditioning some players/dacs at the weekend now.
Re: streaming I guess I don't have much choice as Spotify is blocked unless I access via vpn and I've never had much luck getting a reliably quick connection via vpn for streaming on a mobile device. Looks like tidal or nothing. Shame as Spotify premium includes the mindfulness app which my mrs would find really useful.
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