Transfering downloads from computer to hi-fi
Sat, Jul 23 2011, 9:16PM
I have recently begun to download hi-res. music from the net with some success. But I have the problem that my computer and hi-fi are three rooms apart. The latter consists of a Quad 66/ 606 amplifier set and a Quad CDP2 CD player. I also have a Cambridge BD650 for playing SACD, Bluray and DVD discs for large works recorded in uncompressed formats.
The experiment I tried with a Squeezebox failed because the wi-fi would not connect owing to the distance between the electronics. So I am now contemplating buying a Naim NDX into which I can put the signal from a disc made in the computer or, perhaps better, a hard disc drive carried from the computer to the hi-fi.
I would like advice on how then to play back the music. If I put it from the NDX through the 66/606 it would presumably degrade the signal as they are quite an old combination now. Should I buy a Naim integrated amplifier to do that? Or is there another, preferably cheaper method?
Any advice would be most welcome!
James B
Mon, Jul 25 2011, 7:28PM
#2
RE: Transfering downloads from computer to hi-fi
Can anyone recommend a particular 'HomePlug' system? I'm using a new Cambridge Audio NP30 Network Music Player, and it's fine over wireless at 'normal' bit rates, but at 24/96 can be a bit flakey (as the manufacturer warns, to be fair). It's not going to be practical to run 'true' Ethernet between wifi router and hifi, so I could buy a 'wireless over mains' device. But I hear that the performance of these can be very variable, and not necessarily much better than wifi, so would be grateful for a specific recommendation.
Alternatively, my wifi router is a good five years old. Would I improve my chances of getting fully acceptable signal transfer by buying an up-to-date model?
Fri, Jul 29 2011, 9:10AM
#3
RE: Transfering downloads from computer to hi-fi
I don't know about routers, but I can recommend homeplugs from Solwise. I have the 'sender' unit attached by cable to my router, then a 'receiver' some rooms away plugged in and connected by cable to my freesat box for BBC iplayer. In another room, I have a wireless 'receiver' plugged in to boost the signal to my wireless internet radio and laptop. Solwise have a very helpful forum and customer support.
Mon, Aug 1 2011, 8:58AM
#4
RE: Transfering downloads from computer to hi-fi
Thanks for that. Any idea which of the speeds is required for reliable 96/24 transmission?
Mon, Aug 1 2011, 5:38PM
#5
RE: Transfering downloads from computer to hi-fi
Thanks for that. Any idea which of the speeds is required for reliable 96/24 transmission?
Not entirely sure; the plugs are rated 85Mbs, and the wireless one at 54Mbs, and the latter certainly seems able to provide a good quality AAC stream at over 320Kbs from Radio 3 on my Revo Mondo internet radio. The solwise forum is very good, check it out, there's usually a reply to any question from one of the solwise team.
Mon, Aug 22 2011, 2:05PM
#6
RE: Transfering downloads from computer to hi-fi
I use homeplugs for connecting my Transporter to the server - 200AV Solwise units. No problem with 96/24 files.
Tue, Aug 23 2011, 11:12AM
#7
RE: Transfering downloads from computer to hi-fi
Thanks - I bought the Solway 1000kMbs units as they were only a bit more expensive, and I thought might offer a degree of future proofing. They worked first time and are carrying 94/26 stuff uncomplainingly.
Sun, Sep 11 2011, 8:45AM
#8
RE: Transfering downloads from computer to hi-fi
BTW they are Solwise (not solway!). They have good reviews on amazon. I had no idea about them. Going to have to give a couple a try out. Wireless is so darn slow I'm forever stretching cables about the place.
Sun, Sep 11 2011, 11:35AM
#9
RE: Transfering downloads from computer to hi-fi
Some routers can connect an USB harddisk, where you can put your music
files. If possible you should connect your hifi with an ethernet cable
to your router and you pc through wifi. However I would prefer a wired
network connection.
Tue, Nov 29 2011, 9:33AM
#10
RE: Transfering downloads from computer to hi-fi
Connecting PC to Hifi player.
One solution may be the use of the Apple Airplay. I recently downloaded the program available as a freebie from the Marantz website for my CM 603 AV receiver. This took around an hour on broaband.
With iTunes streaming ripped CDs and radio stations was easy. Radio 3 is available at 320 kbps.
In my case the PC is in a different floor of the house from the Hifi. Running up and down stairs may be good for the waistline, but not very practical. A laptop would solve this problem. However, as a freebie I'm not complaining.
Tue, Nov 29 2011, 8:35PM
#11
RE: Transfering downloads from computer to hi-fi
I use the little wireless DAC illustrated in Andrew Everard's article on the website to link my PC to an audio system. It works well and gives good sound. It does though only work at CD rate ie 16 bit 44.1 kHz but as none of the CDs I have bought as downloads were available at higher rates that's not a problem for me.
Tue, Dec 13 2011, 7:57AM
#12
RE: Transfering downloads from computer to hi-fi
I have just taken delivery of a Myryad Mi integrated Hi Fi. It comes with an M port designed to receive and play music from an ipod. I don't have an ipod but I wondered how I would go about downloading mp3 recordings on my computer, and transfering them either to a phillips mp3 player (which I have) or burn them to a CD.
If either of those are possible, how can I maximise the quality to match the quality of my HiFi system. Or is this Pie Fi in the sky?
David F
Tue, Dec 13 2011, 3:40PM
#13
RE: Transfering downloads from computer to hi-fi
You can burn the mp3s to CD either as an "audio" CD (that would play in an ordinary stand-alone CD player) or as a "data" CD which contains the original files. I assume this unit can handle either option. So in either case the sound quality will be set by the bit rate of the original mp3 and you can't go wrong.
You also have some options to directly connect your laptop directly to the unit which might be more convenient. The easiest is to use the headphone out of your laptop to one of the analogue inputs of the unit, but this will probably not give good sound quality. A better option would be to connect a digital output (SPDIF/Toslink) from your laptop if it has one to the unit, or if it doesn't, buy a cheap USB adaptor which adds this capability.
Ted
Wed, Jan 25 2012, 12:32PM
#14
RE: Transfering downloads from computer to hi-fi
Many thanks to everyone who helped on my problem. In the end, influenced by a son's Christmas present of a 60gb memory stick, I have gone in for a Naim Superuniti. I have to say it is fabulous and my music, especially the hi-res. downloads, are better than anything I have heard outside the concert hall and indeed than some things I have heard in a hall! I use Spendor A6 speakers which may not be the peak of sophistication but they do give wonderful, realistic sounds.
While writing, has anyone had problems with Passionato again? They seem to have taken off all their EMI recordings and they will not answer emails in spite of saying on their website that they will do so promptly. I am particularly looking for Haydn's symphony 101 recorded by Jeffrey Tate and the ECO which used to be there but is no longer. Anyone know where to find it?
Awaiting delivery of the Naim NDX, which will feed my Arcam FMJ A32 amplifier and Quad electrostatics, the 989s. Judging by what I hear already from playing on my Arcam SACD player D137 many DVD/A disks I have burned on my computer both of BBC HD broadcasts and downloaded high-rez files I think ii would be well worth your while first simply trying out your old Quad amplification.If you did then decided you wanted to aim higher, the Cambridge Azur or Oppo BD would be cheaper options than the SuperNait.
Incidentally, you could consider using a HomePlug system if you don't want to wire up an ethernet link from computer to hi-fi.
David