Computer Music Listening
Wed, Jun 2 2010, 7:15AM
Hi - I was interested in the review of the computer speakers in the new Gramophone.
These days I tend to do most of my listening from my Macbook Pro, at my desk, while I'm working (or should be working).
I've ripped my CDs to Apple Lossless, and use a pair of Grado 325's with an iBasso D10 Amp/DAC, and I'm very happy with the results I get.
My speakers are Bose companion 3 - but recently I've been very tempted by the B&W MM1 - though they are pretty pricey, I'm wondering if their hi-fi performance justifies the investment? Or whether the German set featured in the mag are as good (sorry don't have my copy to hand and I can't remember the manufacturers details!)? Or should I save my pennies and stick with Bose? Maybe Andrew can advise? Think of it as a mini edition of the much missed (by me at any rate) Audio Ambulance feature :)
More generally, how many Forum members are like me and do much of their listening via computer equipment these days?
AVL
Mon, Oct 4 2010, 11:53AM
#2
RE: Computer Music Listening
Perhaps it would be easier and of better quality to link the computer to your HiFi?
See the forum discussion
Linking a Laptop to Hi-Fi
Mon, Oct 4 2010, 1:44PM
#3
RE: Computer Music Listening
Perhaps it would be easier and of better quality to link the computer to your HiFi?
That tends to require your hi-fi to be in the same room as your computer (to listen to it, not to link to it).
Mine isn't, and perhaps avl06's isn't, either?
I think I'd have to expect a serious improvement in sound quality over what I'd already got to consider buying the B&W MM1s - diminishing returns and all that - especially as they won't better your headphones.
The 'German set' is the Teufel Concept B200 - an amp + speakers set-up which certainly seems to get good reviews (as Teufel kits generally seems to), although at around £180 it's still quite pricey.
As an alternative, and if you have the space, you could just get an entry-level amp & some small speakers from somewhere like Richer Sounds (assuming you're UK based).
After all, there's nothing intrinsically 'better' about a system that's been designed to look good on a desktop - in fact, that may actually impose limitations and increase costs.
I certainly do, since I spend 8-10 hrs a day working in front of a computer.
Doubtless it will be anathema to some, to listen to 'serious' music in such an environment, but I don't tend to subscribe to the view that you must do nothing when you listen.
Moreover, not listening when at my computer would reduce the time I have available to listen to music by 1/2 to 2/3. Yes, some may say that's a "never mind the quality, feel the width" sort of argument, but perhaps I'm just the sort of person who'd rather have had the chance to listen to something in less-than-perfect conditions, rather than not at all.
"Louder! Louder! I can still hear the singers!"
- Richard Strauss to the orchestra, at a rehearsal.