OT: Computer audio - music server issue

**alancohen** · July 3rd, 2013, 09:32 AM

I use a MacMini for all my computer-based music. I started ripping all my CDs as AIFF files which quickly necessitated an external drive. So I bought a 1TB USB 2.0 G-Drive. My early 2009 MacMini supports only USB 2.0 & Firewire.

I'm also using John Kenny's Cuinas DAC, which is USB input, and since installing it, have loved the sound.

But something was missing. I still wasn't getting that nice, creamy vinyl sound. Being I had very little frame of reference, and it's so hard to A/B this stuff, I figured: it is what it is.

To add to the confusion I've moved my entire library around a few times and I thought the degradation I was experiencing might be due to this.

Then I read this Computer Audio primer over on the HDTracks site : https://www.hdtracks.com/files/Compu...emystified.pdf It's a pretty good read for the newly initiated to the world of computer music.

On page 12 I read something that I hadn't seen anywhere before, but it made perfect sense. It suggested not to use a USB port to import externally stored music while simultaneously outputting it through the same USB bus. Now my Mini has 5 USB connections, but I can't believe there are 5 separate USB cards in there. I'm sure they're all connected. So I've been doing exactly what the article suggested not to do.

So if I wanted to avoid this, I needed a Firewire external drive. My Mini does not do Thunderbolt or USB 3.0. The good news is USB 3.0 has made Firewire obsolete and I was able to get a 3TB driver for $150. My 1TB drive was 3/4 full, so the expense was coming anyway.

Well...problem solved! I've been working my way through my library and even crappy little MP3 files sound much better. Before everything sounded 'efforted', with little bits of occasional break-ups. Now, if I closed my eyes and pretend, I could swear a slab of vinyl was spinning in the corner. The only thing that brings me back to digital reality is the lacks of pops and crackles.

Happy-happy.

**Old Guy** · July 3rd, 2013, 01:50 PM

Macs always seem happier on Firewire.

Not sure the USB generalization is true in the PC world. Even if so, simple matter to drop in a card.

**alancohen** · July 3rd, 2013, 04:04 PM

The article doesn't discuss using different USB sound cards as an option, whether it's internal or external, Mac or PC. It says sharing the USB bus for simultaneous retrieval and playback is what causes the issue.

Most playback software has the option to 'play from memory', where it saves the file (in RAM I suppose) prior to playback. PureMusic can do this. Solves the problem. So does a Firewire HD.

**Old Guy** · July 3rd, 2013, 04:33 PM

Originally Posted by alancohen

The article doesn't discuss using different USB sound cards as an option, whether it's internal or external, Mac or PC. It says sharing the USB bus for simultaneous retrieval and playback is what causes the issue.

Understood- But I simply doubt they have tried every PC and such on the market. I read thousands of articles in my life, and believe less than 10% of them.

I am not saying it is wrong, but saying it's true because I tried is wrong. True in some cases it would appear. Apparently I need more proof than you before a flat generalization is acceptable.

I was also talking about a second USB controller, don't assume AB and I said the same thing. I did not say a second sound card.

**Old Guy** · July 3rd, 2013, 06:03 PM

It would appear many mid level PC's have not so good sound hardware. I have only found a couple I like.

**Audio_by_Goodwill** · July 3rd, 2013, 09:10 PM

External speakers on my computer made by ALT would be a huge step up for me, nevermind the sound card............ My speakers are internal to the monitor.

**alancohen** · July 4th, 2013, 07:31 AM

Is THAT what that button means.

You mean I didn't need to go through all this hassle building these speakers? I could have just pressed the "ALT option" button on my keyboard?

**Old Guy** · July 4th, 2013, 07:33 AM

Originally Posted by alancohen

Is THAT what that button means.

You mean I didn't need to go through all this hassle building these speakers? I could have just pressed the "ALT option" button on my keyboard?

But you would have missed out on all the nice tech posts...

**Altec Best** · July 4th, 2013, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by alancohen

Is THAT what that button means.

Altec Lansing Technologies... ALT

**Old Guy** · July 4th, 2013, 10:04 AM

Back to the discussion about USB, I just want to say I don't accept any articles that are flat assertions- like 'this is the best" or "you can't do that". I gave up counting how many I've proven wrong. Hundreds, at least.

Also, it's way more complex than the writer of the article knows. An OS with less overhead may well be able to implement something a clunky system like Windows can't. I'd be interested in seeing if Linux, say, could do I/O on the same controller. Or even a properly set up OS of any other flavor. So many possibilities as to render generalizations moot.

We haven't even scratched the surface. Latency, for instance.