Tinnitus Andronicus

Great review. But it's the review by GoldenSound that sold me. Definitely gonna buy me a set of these gems when I can save up the cash.

I'm not sure if this topic should go in the section for Music Servers or Streaming or Storage so I'm putting it here. I've been using a Windows 10 desktop PC for the past five years as my primary playback source, with JRiver MC31 being my current app for local library playback (lossless PCM and bitstreamed DSD) and Qobuz streamed with the Qobuz Windows player. I understand that using a general purpose computer to store and play music is frowned upon by audiophiles. I've considered buying some kind of streamer and/or server dedicated to music but I always get lost in the range of choices and options and so I stick with what seems to be working. This is my signal chain at present: Dell XPS-8930 Windows 10 desktop, USB out > Spring 3 KTE DAC > Benchmark HPA4 preamp > AHB2 amp > Spendor A6R pair + REL T9i sub I never heard what all the fuss was about dirty PC noise from USB and now that I've got a Spring 3 DAC with galvanic isolation for USB I'm not concerned about it. I store my local music files on a 4TB internal drive and back them up to an external drive. Anyway, my current PC is running fine though the extended warranty has long ago expired, so my motive for upgrading my five-year old PC is primarily to move up to Windows 11 even though I hate changing to the new OS, changing from Windows XP to 10 was a huge PITA with no real improvements, but as a Windows user (unwilling to deal with the challenges of a Linux setup or the expense of moving to a Mac) I'm going to have to make the move eventually. When I bought my current PC it was with no attention given to optimizing audio performance. Yet, somehow it has worked out okay. The only real hardware upgrade I've made is adding two 4TB internal drives, one for music which is now 2/3 full and one for video which is almost empty since I don't really collect video files. I've been choosing Dell since my earliest days of using a home PC, and am satisfied with the reliability of the products and the service if I pay for the maxed out three year service plan. I would consider switching but after sale warranty support is extremely important and it's been helpful when I've needed support with basic setup and occasional OS or software issues. I don't know how to choose the components that go into ordering a PC that will be best suited for audio playback. I know that I want a desktop with an optical drive that supports Blu-ray (so I can rip audio from Blu-ray, my current PC only supports CD and DVD) and an optical drive that is well rated for use with dBpoweramp secure and accurate ripping. And I will want extra storage, probably 8TB like I have now. Currently I am not doing crazy oversampling with HQPlayer but that is something I may want to explore in the future, high sampling rates with DSD, as many Holo Audio DAC owners have liked to do. So that means I need more processing power. I'm not into gaming at all and I don't do any serious editing of video or audio so I'm not using my PC as a DAW. I want to stick with a tower desktop and Dell has several different models at https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/desktop-computers/sc/desktops I don't know how to choose processor and processor generation, I'm just going with a basic Windows 11 home OS unless there is a reason to go with 11 Pro. Is there any reason to get some kind of optimized soundcard, since I'm not using it to handle anything but system sounds and browser audio? All my music playback is handled exclusively by JRiver or Qobuz sent to my DAC. Please make any suggestions that would help me out here, I'm pretty much of a dummy with this stuff. I'm hoping to spend around $2K, up to $3K max. If you want to try and persuade me to get a streamer then feel free to make suggestions but then I will need something that can handle high sampling rates both PCM and DSD to match my Spring 3 specs, and that can support Qobuz streaming and JRiver as my library management and playback app for local files, and wifi capable since connecting ethernet to the router is not practical. FWIW I tried Roon recently and decided to stick with JRiver for now. I just need a new PC in the near future. Maybe someday I'll take the plunge and get a Roon lifetime license and buy a Nucleus but for me Roon is overkill since I just have one user, one music library, one stereo system, one room.

Excellent suggestion, thank you. 😀

Thanks for all of this info. In our home it is the homeowner who makes the ISP and wifi decisions and we currently have a wifi setup with these all over the house across three floors. https://www.amazon.com/Eero-6-Extender/dp/B085VQVPJK/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2OQPEF8MAWR1U&keywords=eero+extender+with+ethernet+port&qid=1691251563&sprefix=eero+extender+ethernet%2Caps%2C193&sr=8-3 so I could easily buy one and put it in the room with my system BUT the Eero doesn't have an ethernet port on the extender in any of the models they offer. So this is not going to work for me. Add to that the issue with streaming Qobuz, and I'm concluding that the expense and convoluted efforts involved in adding a streamer to my system are not worth it to me. Unless I bought one of these models of streamer: https://www.musicdirect.com/equipment/network-player/pro-ject-stream-box-s2-ultra-media-streamer/ which is wifi enabled and supports Qobuz, BUT if I understand the product description correctly with that streamer I am compelled to use their own software for managing and playing both local files and Qobuz streaming, am I right? And I don't want to give up JRiver to use a different music player and library manager.

I am way out of my depths with all this tech talk, so at the risk of appearing a dummy, I'll ask anyway... I've never owned or used a dedicated hardware streamer before. I play local files stored on a Windows 10 desktop PC using JRiver MC31 and stream Qobuz with the Qobuz player for Windows 64-bit, USB out to my new Spring 3 KTE DAC. Sounds fine to me, I never understood what all the fuss was about noisy PC signal corrupting USB audio. The Spring 3 KTE has galvanic isolation for USB so I don't think it's a problem for me. I've been told playing files with an all-purpose computer is a no-no, and I need a streamer. I'm interested in the Red, I think it would interface well with my Spring 3. So at present my signal chain is like this... Dell Windows 10 desktop PC with JRiver MC31 (ASIO driver, exclusive audio control) + Qobuz player (Wasapi exclusive) going out USB direct to Spring 3 DAC (I use a different DAC, Rega DAC-R for general computer audio, system sounds and browser audio, so the Spring 3 is exclusively for music playback). Then to Benchmark HPA4 into AHB2 out to Spendor A6R floorstanders and REL T9i sub. If I put a streamer into the mix, how will it be configured? Can I still use JRiver for library management and playback control? Will JRiver and Qobuz player communicate with the Red via shared wifi network? Will I want to move my local music files from the internal hard drive to an external drive and connect that with USB to the Red? What settings will I need to use for JRiver to play with the streamer? I don't understand DLNA or UPnP, which of those comes into play for JRiver to work with the streamer? If I'm missing something here, fill me in, please. I have my eyes set on the Red, but if there's another streamer out there better suited to my wants, I'm open to suggestions. Thanks... EDIT: It appears now that the Red does not have wifi capability, so then will I need to connect to the router with an ethernet cable? That may be a deal breaker, I rent a room in a house with free shared wifi and to run an ethernet cable to the router in another room might not sit well with the homeowner, and a hundred foot cable snaking around the house wouldn't be good... unless there is another way?

Rega Elex-R Integrated Amp (2021 Model) View Classified I bought this unit in January of last year shortly before Rega replaced it with the Elex Mk4. The latest iteration of this respected amp adds an onboard DAC with two digital inputs as well as a headphone input. My earlier model does not have those features, as it was assumed that anyone buying an amp in this price class would probably want a separate DAC and headphone amp, which is how I used it. The Elex-R has plenty of power and a somewhat warm sound signature while not sacrificing details. Internal MM phono stage and four line inputs, tape out jack and another pair of outputs if you want to bypass the internal power amp and use a separate power amp with the Elex-R serving as a line preamp. https://www.audiolab.com/rega-elex-r-integrated-amp/ It's in perfect cosmetic and operating condition, and comes with its own remote, manual and original factory carton. Dimensions are 17" x 13" x 3" and it weighs 25 lbs. Asking price $995, plus shipping costs for USPS ground rate shipping within CONUS. Shipping cost depends on the destination, so PM me with your zip code and I'll give you the estimated shipping cost. Better yet, if you are able to pick it up at my San Francisco residence, you're likely to save a bundle on shipping. This amp is heavy and the box is quite large. PAYABLE BY PAYPAL. Seller Tinnitus Andronicus Date 06/23/23 Price 995.00 USD Category Headphone Amplifiers  

View Classified Rega Elex-R Integrated Amp (2021 Model) JUST LOWERED THE PRICE AND ADDED FREE SHIPPING. I bought this unit in January of last year shortly before Rega replaced it with the Elex Mk4. The latest iteration of this respected amp adds an onboard DAC with two digital inputs as well as a headphone input. My earlier model does not have those features, as it was assumed that anyone buying an amp in this price class would probably want a separate DAC and headphone amp, which is how I used it. The Elex-R has plenty of power and a somewhat warm sound signature while not sacrificing details. Internal MM phono stage and four line inputs, tape out jack and another pair of outputs if you want to bypass the internal power amp and use a separate power amp with the Elex-R serving as a line preamp. https://www.audiolab.com/rega-elex-r-integrated-amp/ It's in perfect cosmetic and operating condition, and comes with its own remote, manual and original factory carton. Dimensions are 17" x 13" x 3" and it weighs 25 lbs. Asking price $995, with free USPS ground rate shipping within CONUS. If you are able to pick it up at my San Francisco residence, that would be best. PAYABLE BY PAYPAL. Seller Tinnitus Andronicus Date 06/23/23 Price 900.00 USD Category Amplifiers  

View Classified AudioQuest Type 5 Speaker Cables (10' pair, banana connectors) AudioQuest Type 5 Speaker Cables (10' pair, banana connectors), bought new a year ago. As you can see in the photo, one of the banana connectors is bent and about to break off. Clumsy accident on my part. Still works, but you'll want to replace the broken connector so it doesn't break off in your speaker terminal. Audioquest sells these exact same connectors in a box of four for $60. It's a simple repair, connector attaches to wire by tightening down a couple Allen screws, but I didn't want to bother with it, so I'm selling the cables "AS IS". At the present time I need the money more than I need fancy speaker cables. AudioQuest Type 5 Speaker Cable SureGrip 300 BFA/Banana Silver · SureGrip 300 Connectors · Splitters / Connectors / Adaptors · Accessories $300 payable with PayPal. Free USPS Priority flat-rate shipping to any CONUS address. Seller Tinnitus Andronicus Date 06/18/23 Price 300.00 USD Category Cables  

View Classified Turntable Accessories: Humbucker & Stylus Gauge I'm getting out of the vinyl hobby. Sold my turntable and record cleaning machine and will be selling off my record collection in the near future. Right now I have these turntable accessories that need to be put to use by a dedicated vinyl lover: NEOTECK stylus tracking force gauge (batteries included, works perfectly) - $10 HAGERMAN AUDIO LABS Humbucker - $20 The Humbucker is effective for reducing hum if your cartridge is picking up hum. Usually used with Grado MI cartridges, I found it effective in reducing the hum of my Rega P6/Exact setup. Prices shown are roughly half the regular retail price for each product, a pretty good deal. I'll offer the following bundle deal if you want to pick up both items: HUMBUCKER + STYLUS GAUGE - $25 Shipping for one or both items is $5 USPS for any CONUS address. Payment by PayPal. Seller Tinnitus Andronicus Date 06/15/23 Price 25.00 USD Category Accessories  

View Classified Furutech DeStat III Static Charge Eliminator For Vinyl Records I bought this unit one year ago to help get rid of the static charge on my vinyl records which was adding a lot of noise to my playback experience, and I can say it definitely has helped a lot - see this YouTube review for a convincing demonstration https://youtu.be/83bUSSOUnuA - but I've since decided to give up on the expensive and high-maintenance vinyl habit and to focus on improving and enjoying my digital playback system. So I'm selling my Rega P6, RCM and destat gun, and will be selling off my record collection in the months ahead. https://www.musicdirect.com/equipment/accessories/furutech-destat-iii-static-charge-remover/ This unit has been gently used and is in perfect working condition. Runs on four AA batteries and comes with original factory box and manual. I'm asking $200, payable by PayPal. It will ship to any CONUS address by USPS flat-rate Priority Mail for $17. Please send me a PM if you're interested. Seller Tinnitus Andronicus Date 06/11/23 Price 200.00 USD Category Accessories  

View Classified Pro-Ject VC-E Record Cleaning Machine & 7" Arm Kit I bought this unit a year ago and have cleaned a couple hundred records with it. It has performed without any issues and works perfectly. And it definitely made a big difference in reduction of surface noise, so for me it was a worthy investment. But I've since decided to give up on the expensive and high-maintenance vinyl habit and to focus on improving and enjoying my digital playback system. So I'm selling my Rega P6, RCM and destat gun, and will be selling off my record collection in the months ahead. Included with the VC-E are two goat hair brushes and two bottles of record wash solution (quart size unused bottle of MoFi brand record wash and small unused bottle of Pro-Ject solution), as well as a couple replacement vacuum arm adhesive felt pads and MoFi velvet brush. I also have the optional 7" vacuum arm kit which I purchased separately. It's virtually like new, and I'm willing to sell it separately or bundled with the VC-E. https://www.turntablelab.com/products/pro-ject-vc-e-record-cleaning-machine https://www.musicdirect.com/equipment/accessories/analog-accessories/pro-ject-vc-e-7-arm-kit-9120097826695/ PRICE DROP AS FOLLOWS: $300 for the VC-E and $100 for the 7" arm kit, or $375 for both items purchased together as a bundle. Payable with PayPal. The VC-E will be shipped USPS ground rate or Priority (your preference or whichever's cheaper) in its original factory carton with manual, AC cord and accessories, with shipping cost depending on your CONUS location. Package is 15 lbs, box dimensions 15" x 12" x 14" to be shipped from 94114 zip code. Check the USPS website to estimate your shipping cost or send me a PM with your zip code and I'll give you an exact shipping quote. The 7" arm kit will be shipped by flat-rate USPS Priority Mail to any CONUS address at buyer's cost of $17. If you purchase both items together they will be shipped in separate parcels and I will cover the shipping for the 7" arm kit. So your net savings by purchasing both items amounts to $42. Send me a PM if you wish to buy or have any questions. Seller Tinnitus Andronicus Date 06/11/23 Price 300.00 USD Category Accessories  

View Classified Rega P6 / Exact Cartridge & EBLT Reference Drive Belt Rega P6 purchased new barely a year ago with factory-installed Exact cartridge and fitted with upgraded EBLT Reference drive belt. Includes Neo PSU. Comes with original box, manual and packing materials. Well cared for and in perfect cosmetic and operating condition. I haven't logged the playback hours but I'd conservatively estimate about 200-250 hours (my Rega dealer claims the stylus life for this cart is 1000 hours, YMMV). Plays and sounds wonderful, but my thrilling and costly fling with 'vinyl glorious vinyl' stops here, alas. Rega Planar 6 Exact Cartridge Rega Reference EBLT Drive Belt I'm asking $1200 for this beauty, payable by PayPal (or cash for local pickup). I'll throw in some extra stuff like stylus cleaner, tracking force gauge, AQ carbon fiber brush. Shipping cost will vary depending on your CONUS location, USPS Ground Rate or Priority Mail (your preference). For a shipping quote, PM me with your zip code. This will be packed in the original factory carton with styrofoam form-fitted inserts for protection. I'll cover the cost of insuring the package for the full value, so you're just responsible for the shipping cost. If you're willing to travel to San Francisco to pick it up, then you save money and we both rest assured against any possible damage in shipment. I'm wringing my hands a bit over parting with this turntable (and eventually letting go of my record collection), but vinyl turned out to be an overly fussy and expensive hobby. I will also be selling my Pro-Ject RCM and Furutech destat gun, soon to be listed and described in another post here, but let me know in a PM if you're interested in the P6. Seller Tinnitus Andronicus Date 06/11/23 Price 1,200.00 USD Category Analog Components  

I'm surprised Tim at Kitsune didn't mention the Holo Audio Red, a device I've looked at before, whereas he did suggest the Serene preamp during the course of our lengthy email conversation. I know that wired is better than wireless when it comes to getting music to the streamer, but my living situation will not allow me to run a cable to the router which is located in another room (I rent a room in a home belonging to someone else, and they give me free internet access).

You are certainly not the first to advise me to get a separate streaming device. Every time I've considered doing this, I've got confused about what exactly to buy and how to implement it. Will it stream files from the dedicated internal 4TB hard drive in my PC which holds all my music files, or do I need to stream from an external backup drive where the same files are stored? Will I still be able to use JRiver MC30 as my music software player on my PC, or do I have to switch to some other proprietary player, and will the UI be shown on my PC monitor? Is the streaming device connected to my PC or external drive with a cable or is it streaming by wifi network? So many questions, and I end up getting lost down the rabbit hole and saying "screw it, it sounds fine coming from my PC via USB and if I need to get something to measure noise I can't hear to prove it's there, why bother?" So this is a tangential issue that I'm still not clear about. And not every audiophile I've talked to shares the same opinion. The dealer where I bought most of my system (small local store) dismissed the notion that I need a separate streaming device, and Tim at Kitsune never said I should get something such as a separate streamer (though he did try to steer me in the direction of ditching my integrated amp for a separate pre/power amp setup). So I'm still holding off on shopping for a network streamer, and if I can't use JRiver MC to manage and play my local library, then I'm not going to pay for Roon or start using some different player. I've gotten used to JRiver and love the flexibility it offers in so many ways.

I've been planning to get this DAC for a long time now, and the day when I have the funds together to place the order is getting closer. I know I want the KTE edition because USB is how I'm going to be getting the stream from my Windows 10 PC to the DAC (streaming Qobuz or local library DSD/PCM playback with JRiver MC30), and the enhanced USB circuit that comes with the KTE model will serve me especially well (no need for getting a DDC or hardware interface to 'clean up' the digital stream from my computer). The question is: Do I want the optional preamp for an additional $600? I don't think I need it, since I'm going to connect the RCA outputs of the DAC to my integrated Elex-R and use that for volume management. Nevertheless, I'm still tempted to include the preamp. One concern I have is the rated 2.9V output of the RCA jacks. At present I am running two different DACs into my Elex-R and both of them have exactly 2.1V output (industry standard is 2V from what I've read). In terms of volume management with the Elex-R, this gives me a range from 7 o'clock (very quiet late night listening) to about 10 o'clock (LOUD but not uncomfortably so). The Elex-R has a line maximum input level of 10V so I'm not worried about overloading and clipping. But will the somewhat high output voltage from the Spring 3 cause me to sacrifice a practical range of volume control with my integrated amp? If the signal from the DAC is so hot that when using the volume knob on the integrated amp I'm going from quiet at 7 o'clock to LOUD at 8 o'clock then that's an issue. Tim at Kitsune assures me that it's highly unlikely to be a problem with my setup. He's probably right. But I'm thinking that if the output of the DAC were too hot going into my Elex-R, I could compensate by lowering the volume on the preamp module in the DAC. Or is this a no-no? Tim advised me against multiple volume attenuation in the signal chain. I'm definitely not using Windows to manage playback volume for digital music, whether streamed from Qobuz or local library playback, both Qobuz desktop player and MC30 have exclusive audio control when running so the Windows soundcard isn't messing with the stream, and I have volume slider disabled in MC30). I've read that digital volume control sacrifices dynamic range when going below -10dB. Is there any good reason I'd want to include the preamp when I place my order, assuming I am going to stick with my current setup? Why would anyone want a built-in preamp in the DAC, unless it's your only input source and you're routing it to a separate power amp or headphone amp. Even if you did have a separate power amp to connect the DAC directly to that, most of us will have multiple input sources (turntable, second DAC or CD player, auxiliary device) so that would require a separate preamp to handle more than one input source. I'll save myself $600 by not adding the preamp module, but I want to be sure that it might not be worth adding the preamp for some reason? Is this optional preamp really just for those who only stream digital files into a desktop headphone amp system or active speakers? Any other comments or considerations from those of you who own a Spring 3 DAC, please speak up. There's no way I can audition this DAC in person before buying and I want to be sure before place my order (it's not returnable). Thanks...