Truth be told, when I wrote last month's column, I hadn't given a PC-based computer audio player a proper shake.
#J river media center cos software
In fact, Doug offered a solution that came in at under $500: a netbook computer with an external hard drive, playback software like J River's Media Center 15 ($49.98), and the High Resolution Technologies Music Streamer II ($150), a USB DAC capable of 24-bit/96kHz output at a fraction of the Ayre QB-9's price. What Doug hammered home, in an e-mail chain that eventually involved a dozen reviewers and editors and over 100 messages, was that performance comparable to that of my recommended rig can be had for far less money. So while Doug and I often see eye to eye on many products, he had a problem with me calling a $1500 Apple Mac, $695 software, and a $2750 DAC a value at a total of $4945 USD. I share his enthusiasm for high-value audio - it's the reason I accepted the assignment as senior editor of GoodSound!, the SoundStage! Network's thriftiest family member.
He's the sort of reviewer who doesn't get excited by the prospect of reviewing a $20,000/pair speaker, but oozes enthusiasm when he finds one for $500/pair that kicks butt. The trouble began even before the article appeared online, when publisher Doug Schneider took me to task for recommending an Apple Mac, Amarra music-player software, and an Ayre Acoustics QB-9 D/A converter as not just a fantastic digital audio source, but as the one GoodSound! readers should buy. Not since I scrawled "Suzie has Cooties" on the wall of the boys' bathroom has something I wrote evoked such spirited discourse. I also inadvertently set off a controversy within the hallowed virtual halls of the SoundStage! Network.
In last month's installment of Audio 101, I discussed digital sources.
0 kommentar(er)
