Parasound Emotiva opinion

[RichB]

Doh! My bad.

Worse than I thought then. I thought he was comparing one pre-pro to another pre-pro, not one analog preamp to a pre-pro.

I would never buy another analog preamp. In my mind, the analog preamp is filed under "obsolete" along with the Vinyl player and such.

I am almost on the same page.

What I am looking for is a perfectly (or almost perfect) data-stream presented to a DAC with a well executed analog path including the volume control.
Perhaps, a bit-stream can be degraded or non-optimally transmitted between various digital components in the chain. This can do harm just as harm can be done in an analog stage.
So the choice comes down to which does a better job and can you hear the difference.

All that is needed to demonstrate the digital sound quality alterations is a computer, a DAC, and a good system.

- Rich

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I am almost on the same page.

Well, quit stalling, put down those dumbbells, and catch up already.

It's really simple. Lossless audio files from your iPad straight to your processor. Enjoy the music.

And when you do get there eventually, I'll introduce you to XBMC for HD movies and HD TV shows from your PC straight to your TV.

 

[RichB]

Well, quit stalling, put down those dumbbells, and catch up already.

It's really simple. Lossless audio files from your iPad straight to your processor. Enjoy the music.

Apply won't make that easy.

iPad controls J River on PC.
PC access music on NAS.
PC streams to DACs.

It works like a charm.
The real trick is stop all the perverted software (and hardware) from molesting the data.

- Rich

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

iPad controls J River on PC.
PC access music on NAS.
PC streams to DACs.

Too lengthy is thy path.

1. iPad
2. NAS
3. PC
4. DAC
5. Pre-pro + Amps

Too many electronics and pathways to power on and destroy the earth.

1. iPad
2. Pre-pro + Amps

 

[RichB]

Too lengthy is thy path.

1. iPad
2. NAS
3. PC
4. DAC
5. Pre-pro + Amps

Too many electronics and pathways to power on and destroy the earth.

1. iPad
2. Pre-pro + Amps

The iPad is not in the path but is a web app acting as the control.
So it is iPad:

1. PC data from NAS (where the terrible bytes are stored )
2. DAC/Preamp (via asynchronous USB) to Amps

How do you stream directly from the iPad to Pre-Pro?
What types of files: WAV, FLAC, ALAC, DSF, DSD, SACD ISO...?

I have not found a good way to play FLAC directly from my iPad.

- Rich

 

[crossedover]

Must be supercharged Ipad to store that much hd audio. My flack 24/192 music takes up space. The Eagles studio albums are just about 9 gigs
..

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

How do you stream directly from the iPad to Pre-Pro?
What types of files: WAV, FLAC, ALAC, DSF, DSD, SACD ISO...?

ALAC. Apple Lossless Audio Codec.

 

[PENG]

Doh! My bad.

Worse than I thought then. I thought he was comparing one pre-pro to another pre-pro, not one analog preamp to a pre-pro.

I would never buy another analog preamp. In my mind, the analog preamp is filed under "obsolete" along with the Vinyl player and such.

The OP is comparing the XSP-1/XPA-2 gen 2 to the PM8004 so I assumed he used analog inputs without any tone controls, sound processing and no subwoofers.