Solved AUDIRVĀNA (and other audio related chitchat)

Edwin · Jun 14, 2022

Dru2 said:
Can I get a written reply? Thoughts?

I'm not familiar with that hardware/software but it looks to be quite sophisticated.

I trust your judgement when you say it sounds good!

Zardoc · Jun 14, 2022

The SoundBlaster ZxR is a very well-appreciated sound card if not the best for computers. I remember with (was it Windows XP or 10) There were a lot of problems getting stable sound drivers for the Sound Blaster brand cards. But if I were to buy a card, the Sound Blaster would be to choice or maybe an Asus for lower budget.

The USB sound chip on Asus Z590 and Z690 has an issue. You’ll sometimes hear a crackle noise on win errors and other windows warnings. If not for that, the sound is acceptable.
Is this pushing me to get an onboard sound card.

I really love music of all sorts but I’m not at the stage of buying high-tech add-ons. I have a friend who worked as a sound engineer and he collects and repairs old tube amps. He swears that vinyl with a high quality tube amp like the McIntosh MC series and a pair of Altec, Cerwin JBL etc. is the ultimate sound experience.

Dru2 · Jun 14, 2022

Zardoc said:
The SoundBlaster ZxR is a very well-appreciated sound card if not the best for computers. I remember with (was it Windows XP or 10) There were a lot of problems getting stable sound drivers for the Sound Blaster brand cards. But if I were to buy a card, the Sound Blaster would be to choice or maybe an Asus for lower budget.

I've actually owned SoundBlaster cards since the famed Creative AWE 64 Gold. In fact I still have the card. Over the years I've always upgrade to the next card, but the ZxR was the last. Prior to that I had the X-FI which I posted here - My thoughts on Creative’s X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty Pro. That was a really good card as well.

You are right in the fact that Creative had an issue with supplying updated drivers for new OS releases, and why I eventually stopped buying their cards. The prevailing thought was Creative forcing you into a new card rather than supporting the old one on a new OS.

Zardoc said:
The USB sound chip on Asus Z590 and Z690 has an issue. You’ll sometimes hear a crackle noise on win errors and other windows warnings. If not for that, the sound is acceptable.

My DAC has never had issues running on my last three Gigabyte boards. Lucky I guess.

Zardoc said:
I really love music of all sorts but I’m not at the stage of buying high-tech add-ons. I have a friend who worked as a sound engineer and he collects and repairs old tube amps. He swears that vinyl with a high quality tube amp like the McIntosh MC series and a pair of Altec, Cerwin JBL etc. is the ultimate sound experience.

You can just stick to the basics and be happy. Anyway, I'm with your friend on tube amps and vinyl. What a sweet sound (if you're into that sort of thing) :)

Ghot · Jun 14, 2022

Original artist: Al Wilson

WXC · Jun 14, 2022

Ghot said:
Original artist: Al Wilson

Great find, Ghot.

Fanatic cover, love her sultry voice!

~~~

Just for reference.

Edwin · Jun 18, 2022

Going to give JRiver another whirl.

Dru2 · Jun 26, 2022

Dru2 said:
So today while doing my quarterly PC dusting maintenance, I decide to install my old SoundBlaster ZxR card, and daughterboard. Since I run my DAC though USB, and everything runs through it I don't need a soundcard. However, the MB soundcard has always be active.

I've now removed the card and went back to on-board for digital as something in either the Creative software or perhaps the soundcard itself was interfering with my DAC's ability to use USB. Suddenly I was getting signal dropouts, or the DAC would display "USB Disconnect" in its display and wouldn't play. Removing the soundcard and its supporting software seems to have alleviated that issue.

Edwin · Jun 26, 2022

I think I'm re-living my youth..., rippin cassettes off the radio!
Found this old beast in the closet...,
... rippin playlists straight off YT through the DAC...

yeah, I'm just havin some fun cuz there's nuthin better to do!

Dru2 · Jun 26, 2022

I'm currently trying to figure out where I'm going to setup my turntable, phono amp, and CD recorder so I record some vinyl. Workspace where my computer is, is extremely limited. May have to temporarily move my large photo printer so can use that desk for the setup. Just need to see if I have digital cables long enough to run to the PC.

Edwin · Jul 3, 2022

Dru2 said:
I'm currently trying to figure out where I'm going to setup my turntable, phono amp, and CD recorder so I record some vinyl. Workspace where my computer is, is extremely limited. May have to temporarily move my large photo printer so can use that desk for the setup. Just need to see if I have digital cables long enough to run to the PC.

Did you get er all set up?

Edwin · Jul 3, 2022

@Dru2
Just curious, I know it's not high fidelity, but, what app do you use on your phone?
Streaming or local files?

Dru2 · Jul 3, 2022

@Edwin,
I have a lifetime subscription to Plex so I use Plexamp to stream from my NAS. Also great for streaming to the car from phone.

Dru2 · Jul 3, 2022

Dru2 said:
I'm currently trying to figure out where I'm going to setup my turntable, phono amp, and CD recorder so I record some vinyl. Workspace where my computer is, is extremely limited. May have to temporarily move my large photo printer so can use that desk for the setup. Just need to see if I have digital cables long enough to run to the PC.

Edwin said:
Did you get er all set up?

No not yet. It's still a thought, but a distant one at the moment.

Dru2 · Jul 3, 2022

@Edwin, what are you using?

I was using VLC, but once I decided I didn't want to load down my phone with music files, I stopped using it. Still have it, just don't use it.

Edwin · Jul 3, 2022

Dru2 said:
@Edwin, what are you using?

Currently, Musicolet
I have MediaMonkey Pro, as well, but the last couple of updates turned me off!

Musicolet plays local files only! Period! I have 512GB MicroSD Card in my phone so, I can tote a good bunch of decent files with me.

Edwin · Jul 3, 2022

Musicolet Pro is pretty sophisticated and customizable..., and, with the Jabra's, the listening experience is quite enjoyable just about anywhere! (The Jabra's are frickin awesome!!!)

Dru2 · Jul 7, 2022

Edwin said:
Currently, Musicolet
I have MediaMonkey Pro, as well, but the last couple of updates turned me off!

Musicolet plays local files only! Period! I have 512GB MicroSD Card in my phone so, I can tote a good bunch of decent files with me.

@Edwin, sorry I missed this post (despite asking the question). I've never heard of Musicolet, but as I said, I'm using plexamp to stream my music from my NAS running Plex.

That said, for wireless headphones for my phone I have a pair of Bose NC 700. Great sounding with lots of features including built in mic, touch and voice features.

I'm personally not a fan of in-ear phones (a comfort thing for me) though I've heard great things about Jabra's IEMs.

Dru2 · Jul 7, 2022

Check out this all-female Japanese band - TOKYO GROOVE JYOSHI. The bassist (Juna Serita) is a rising star, but the one that stole the show for this piece was Shinobu Kawashima on the Tsugaru-jamisen (stringed instrument). She's a guest star.