Buying advice
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Char Snipeur Posted messages 10112 Registration date Status Contributor Last intervention -
Char Snipeur Posted messages 10112 Registration date Status Contributor Last intervention -
Hello,
I have been retired for a few months and I want to enjoy the winter months listening to music.
I have a decent Philips compact stereo, but it doesn't play Flac files. I would like to listen to my music (classical) without converting my hundreds of Flac files to MP3.
So, I want to invest in a hi-fi system that can play Flac files that I would burn onto CDs.
I would like to purchase a Marantz system (with a radio tuner) and buy separate speakers.
I have a budget of about 1000 to 1500 Euros for the whole setup.
One small question: is it possible to burn Flac files onto a CD to play on my... future system??
What do you recommend??
Thank you and good evening to those who will read this tonight.
I have been retired for a few months and I want to enjoy the winter months listening to music.
I have a decent Philips compact stereo, but it doesn't play Flac files. I would like to listen to my music (classical) without converting my hundreds of Flac files to MP3.
So, I want to invest in a hi-fi system that can play Flac files that I would burn onto CDs.
I would like to purchase a Marantz system (with a radio tuner) and buy separate speakers.
I have a budget of about 1000 to 1500 Euros for the whole setup.
One small question: is it possible to burn Flac files onto a CD to play on my... future system??
What do you recommend??
Thank you and good evening to those who will read this tonight.
7 answers
Hi.
I had already replied to you about the popcorn. I'm not really familiar with this type of equipment.
It's possible that your equipment is out of order, but not because of the way you're using it.
Of course, you can burn your FLAC files onto CDs, but you can only fit a maximum of 3 albums on a CD; it's a hassle if you have a lot of music. Moreover, if you're going digital, you might as well skip CDs and do everything in digital format.
If I were you, I'd get a DAC and put my files on an external hard drive or a large USB stick (32GB, for example). It's more flexible than using a CD (no burning needed) and you don't need a mechanical player.
A good DAC is great, but without a good sound system, it's money wasted.
If you're satisfied with your Philips system, the easiest (for you) and least expensive option is to transcode your FLAC files to MP3. With a compression rate of 320 kbps, you'll have a more than decent quality, and on your type of system, you won't hear the difference.
To put the "mediocrity" of MP3 files into perspective: https://www.protegez-vous.ca/technologie/qualite-sonore-cd-contre-mp3
https://www.lapresse.ca/debats/
Have a good end to your Sunday.
--
True submission is when slaves worry about the price of cotton.
Char Snipeur
I had already replied to you about the popcorn. I'm not really familiar with this type of equipment.
It's possible that your equipment is out of order, but not because of the way you're using it.
Of course, you can burn your FLAC files onto CDs, but you can only fit a maximum of 3 albums on a CD; it's a hassle if you have a lot of music. Moreover, if you're going digital, you might as well skip CDs and do everything in digital format.
If I were you, I'd get a DAC and put my files on an external hard drive or a large USB stick (32GB, for example). It's more flexible than using a CD (no burning needed) and you don't need a mechanical player.
A good DAC is great, but without a good sound system, it's money wasted.
If you're satisfied with your Philips system, the easiest (for you) and least expensive option is to transcode your FLAC files to MP3. With a compression rate of 320 kbps, you'll have a more than decent quality, and on your type of system, you won't hear the difference.
To put the "mediocrity" of MP3 files into perspective: https://www.protegez-vous.ca/technologie/qualite-sonore-cd-contre-mp3
https://www.lapresse.ca/debats/
Have a good end to your Sunday.
--
True submission is when slaves worry about the price of cotton.
Char Snipeur
Hi.
I took a little more time to reread this thread and the previous one.
I must admit that burning FLACs seems crazy to me, as it's tedious; converting to MP3 is much easier to do, but let's move on.
1- The popcorn solution + Phillips system worked well and suited you, but one of the devices broke down.
2- You have a budget of up to €1500 for a system.
If it's the Phillips system that broke, keep the Popcorn and buy a quality amplifier plus speakers. However, a hi-fi system should be chosen by ear, if you care about audio quality (which seems to be the case). I really advise you to go to a store with an auditorium to choose what suits you best. The ideal is even to bring your popcorn (as it has its own sound signature) to properly match the whole setup.
--
True submission is when slaves worry about the price of cotton.
Char Sniper
I took a little more time to reread this thread and the previous one.
I must admit that burning FLACs seems crazy to me, as it's tedious; converting to MP3 is much easier to do, but let's move on.
1- The popcorn solution + Phillips system worked well and suited you, but one of the devices broke down.
2- You have a budget of up to €1500 for a system.
If it's the Phillips system that broke, keep the Popcorn and buy a quality amplifier plus speakers. However, a hi-fi system should be chosen by ear, if you care about audio quality (which seems to be the case). I really advise you to go to a store with an auditorium to choose what suits you best. The ideal is even to bring your popcorn (as it has its own sound signature) to properly match the whole setup.
--
True submission is when slaves worry about the price of cotton.
Char Sniper
Good evening,
Thank you for this advice.
After reflection, I think I will proceed this way:
1. I will subscribe to Qobuz (classic hifi) streaming and I will no longer fuss with my
FLAC files that I have in store. I saw that they offer the possibility to legally download hundreds of albums in Studio Masters quality (24 bits - FLAC)
2. Here is how I see things, can you tell me if this seems coherent to you??
- buy a tiny hard drive (500 gigs) to store my purchased files.
- buy a good USB stick to transfer what I want to listen to
- buy a good hifi system (that reads FLAC) and good speakers.
- connect my USB stick to my system and simply play my files.
Is a DAC recommended with this setup??
There you go, if you have any other advice in this new configuration I’m open to it.
Thanks again........
Thank you for this advice.
After reflection, I think I will proceed this way:
1. I will subscribe to Qobuz (classic hifi) streaming and I will no longer fuss with my
FLAC files that I have in store. I saw that they offer the possibility to legally download hundreds of albums in Studio Masters quality (24 bits - FLAC)
2. Here is how I see things, can you tell me if this seems coherent to you??
- buy a tiny hard drive (500 gigs) to store my purchased files.
- buy a good USB stick to transfer what I want to listen to
- buy a good hifi system (that reads FLAC) and good speakers.
- connect my USB stick to my system and simply play my files.
Is a DAC recommended with this setup??
There you go, if you have any other advice in this new configuration I’m open to it.
Thanks again........
Hi.
I'm fairly new to audiophilia, but I've made quite a bit of progress through experience.
First, to see where you stand with your own hearing and equipment:
https://www.audiocheck.net/blindtests_index.php
As for me, I can’t tell the difference between 16 bit and 8 bit sound. 16 bit is necessary, especially for classical music, for the dynamics. But the dynamic test already shows that 60 dB of amplitude is a lot! All these tests put the HiFi chain numbers into perspective. Mainly, 90dB of signal-to-noise ratio is already good.
Without wanting to be unpleasant about your Philips setup, given its price, the quality must not be great; when talking about 24bit files, we enter the crème de la crème of audiophilia and having good speakers is far more important than upsampled files.
I have a mini JVC system; the sound is acceptable, nothing to complain about when listened to as is. However, listening to it right after a HiFi system makes it sound terrible.
For quality, a good DAC is essential. However, some (or most) don’t read files directly. Typically, your DAC would sit between the source and the analog input of the amp. That's something to consider.
Another personal experience: when I bought my system this summer, the seller insisted I get the next range up for the CD player. I told him I didn't see the point since the digital sound was good. So he had me compare different players with the same amp + speaker system. I ended up choosing the higher range... Similarly, he had me listen to a €400 amp and an €800 one on the same speaker. The sound was much better on the €400 one, not because it was better, but because it matched the speaker better.
Anyway, I’m telling my story, but I feel like you’re clinging to your High Definition FLAC files.
What you’re planning to do seems okay, but I don’t see the point in having a USB stick plus a hard drive. From the player’s perspective, it’s the same thing.
If you’re in Paris, I can recommend a store.
--
True subjugation is when the slaves worry about the price of cotton.
Char Snipeur
I'm fairly new to audiophilia, but I've made quite a bit of progress through experience.
First, to see where you stand with your own hearing and equipment:
https://www.audiocheck.net/blindtests_index.php
As for me, I can’t tell the difference between 16 bit and 8 bit sound. 16 bit is necessary, especially for classical music, for the dynamics. But the dynamic test already shows that 60 dB of amplitude is a lot! All these tests put the HiFi chain numbers into perspective. Mainly, 90dB of signal-to-noise ratio is already good.
Without wanting to be unpleasant about your Philips setup, given its price, the quality must not be great; when talking about 24bit files, we enter the crème de la crème of audiophilia and having good speakers is far more important than upsampled files.
I have a mini JVC system; the sound is acceptable, nothing to complain about when listened to as is. However, listening to it right after a HiFi system makes it sound terrible.
For quality, a good DAC is essential. However, some (or most) don’t read files directly. Typically, your DAC would sit between the source and the analog input of the amp. That's something to consider.
Another personal experience: when I bought my system this summer, the seller insisted I get the next range up for the CD player. I told him I didn't see the point since the digital sound was good. So he had me compare different players with the same amp + speaker system. I ended up choosing the higher range... Similarly, he had me listen to a €400 amp and an €800 one on the same speaker. The sound was much better on the €400 one, not because it was better, but because it matched the speaker better.
Anyway, I’m telling my story, but I feel like you’re clinging to your High Definition FLAC files.
What you’re planning to do seems okay, but I don’t see the point in having a USB stick plus a hard drive. From the player’s perspective, it’s the same thing.
If you’re in Paris, I can recommend a store.
--
True subjugation is when the slaves worry about the price of cotton.
Char Snipeur
Hello,
Thank you for your answers.
I am not in Paris, I live in Wavre (Walibi) Belgium.
Here’s what I’m going to do after the clarifications from your last response:
1. Use my PopCorn as a media player connected to an external hard drive to store my music.
2. Buy this:https://www.ldlc.com/fr-be/fiche/PB00125346.html as an amplifier and DAC
3. Buy this as speakers:https://www.son-video.com/article/enceintes-compactes/elipson/planet-l-mercury-ice-la-paire
I assume my connection will become this:
External HDD > PopCorn > DAC > Amplifier > Speakers.
I think I am going to blow my budget but at my age, knowing that you only live once, I will try to enjoy it a little bit.
What do you think of my setup?? Is it logical?? About the equipment I plan to buy??
I won’t bother you for too long because I think I'm pushing it a bit!
Thank you
Thank you for your answers.
I am not in Paris, I live in Wavre (Walibi) Belgium.
Here’s what I’m going to do after the clarifications from your last response:
1. Use my PopCorn as a media player connected to an external hard drive to store my music.
2. Buy this:https://www.ldlc.com/fr-be/fiche/PB00125346.html as an amplifier and DAC
3. Buy this as speakers:https://www.son-video.com/article/enceintes-compactes/elipson/planet-l-mercury-ice-la-paire
I assume my connection will become this:
External HDD > PopCorn > DAC > Amplifier > Speakers.
I think I am going to blow my budget but at my age, knowing that you only live once, I will try to enjoy it a little bit.
What do you think of my setup?? Is it logical?? About the equipment I plan to buy??
I won’t bother you for too long because I think I'm pushing it a bit!
Thank you
1- Good. That's what I would do in your case (personally, I prefer CD and portable PC)
2- The DAC uses a BURR Brown which is a good brand. NAD is a good brand.
3- I've always been wary of those "design" speakers; I'm doubtful that for this price you can get as good as a classic speaker. But I might be wrong. In your link, the press kit is mediocre. In the same price range, I recommend http://www.hifissimo.com/enceinte-bibliotheque-jean-marie-reynaud-bliss-merisier-teinte-27175-1.html, I have the Euterpe (same driver, but in a column). But as I've told you before, a system needs to be listened to.
Edit: https://www.son-video.com/article/enceintes-compactes/jean-marie-reynaud/bliss-gris-anthracite-1 The price is for one... But generally, it's said that you should spend a bit more on speakers than on electronics.
4- Last point, remember to buy high-quality audiophile cables to connect everything. Example: http://www.hifissimo.com/cable-enceinte-oehlbach-1062-25-mm2--2308-1.html
What you've put together is technically coherent and of fairly uniform quality. I have reservations about your speakers, but the rest seems very correct to me. And I tell you again, some people ordering overpriced equipment are disappointed with their purchase because the pairing is not right. Nevertheless, the difference with your Philips should be considerable.
No problem, talking about a passion is always a pleasure when the other person is listening.
2- The DAC uses a BURR Brown which is a good brand. NAD is a good brand.
3- I've always been wary of those "design" speakers; I'm doubtful that for this price you can get as good as a classic speaker. But I might be wrong. In your link, the press kit is mediocre. In the same price range, I recommend http://www.hifissimo.com/enceinte-bibliotheque-jean-marie-reynaud-bliss-merisier-teinte-27175-1.html, I have the Euterpe (same driver, but in a column). But as I've told you before, a system needs to be listened to.
Edit: https://www.son-video.com/article/enceintes-compactes/jean-marie-reynaud/bliss-gris-anthracite-1 The price is for one... But generally, it's said that you should spend a bit more on speakers than on electronics.
4- Last point, remember to buy high-quality audiophile cables to connect everything. Example: http://www.hifissimo.com/cable-enceinte-oehlbach-1062-25-mm2--2308-1.html
What you've put together is technically coherent and of fairly uniform quality. I have reservations about your speakers, but the rest seems very correct to me. And I tell you again, some people ordering overpriced equipment are disappointed with their purchase because the pairing is not right. Nevertheless, the difference with your Philips should be considerable.
No problem, talking about a passion is always a pleasure when the other person is listening.
Hello,
Here I am again.......... One thing after another since your last message: my wife's PC has died a natural death, so I have to replace it; otherwise, there will be trouble at home.
So, part of the budget goes towards new equipment for my dear wife.
After some thought, we've decided that I'm going to give her my laptop, and I will buy a new PC (a traditional tower).
Naturally, I'm not giving up and still want to listen to my music, but I'm postponing my purchase of a Hi-Fi system.
I would still like to subscribe to Qobuz for high-quality music streaming and listen to it in the best possible conditions in my office.
(I spend more than 6 hours a day there, so I'll have the opportunity to listen.)
The same question arises: what equipment should I buy?
The store I frequent in Belgium makes custom PCs according to needs:
I suppose a good sound card is essential, as well as the speakers.
What do you think of this project??
and of these speakers: http://www.tdh.be/product.aspx?catID=3&famID=24&id=240103000000000037;
Are there other options to listen to music from the PC in high quality?
Other equipment? etc......
Thanks again....
and have a good weekend.
Here I am again.......... One thing after another since your last message: my wife's PC has died a natural death, so I have to replace it; otherwise, there will be trouble at home.
So, part of the budget goes towards new equipment for my dear wife.
After some thought, we've decided that I'm going to give her my laptop, and I will buy a new PC (a traditional tower).
Naturally, I'm not giving up and still want to listen to my music, but I'm postponing my purchase of a Hi-Fi system.
I would still like to subscribe to Qobuz for high-quality music streaming and listen to it in the best possible conditions in my office.
(I spend more than 6 hours a day there, so I'll have the opportunity to listen.)
The same question arises: what equipment should I buy?
The store I frequent in Belgium makes custom PCs according to needs:
I suppose a good sound card is essential, as well as the speakers.
What do you think of this project??
and of these speakers: http://www.tdh.be/product.aspx?catID=3&famID=24&id=240103000000000037;
Are there other options to listen to music from the PC in high quality?
Other equipment? etc......
Thanks again....
and have a good weekend.
Hi.
Your link doesn't work.
For an audiophile quality sound card, you should budget between €300 to €400 (a sound card is a DAC with a PC interface). I didn't go that route because high-end HiFi equipment lasts for decades (my parents have had the same system since 1978). But computer gear becomes obsolete quickly. For example, people who bought MIDI equipment currently find it difficult to find such an interface.
When choosing a sound card, you need to pay attention to match the port (PCI or PCI Express) according to the motherboard and the processor. Then, it’s tougher than in classic HiFi; I browsed forums and found a lot of expensive cards but of poor quality.
For me, it doesn't change the problem, if you want quality sound, you have to pay the price, and the equipment will be exactly the same.
Also, there's used equipment; you should be able to find a case for around €100 (so, the budget is not greatly affected). Moreover, this applies to speakers and amplifiers; used gear saves a lot of money. But it requires more time in research, and it’s better to have at least some DIY skills.
A potentially less expensive solution would be headphones: a good pair of headphones with possibly a dedicated amplifier; it seems to be better than a system. Personally, I don't like it; I prefer speakers (maybe I'm not good with headphones either).
It's up to you to decide.
--
True submission is when slaves worry about the price of cotton.
Char Snipeur
Your link doesn't work.
For an audiophile quality sound card, you should budget between €300 to €400 (a sound card is a DAC with a PC interface). I didn't go that route because high-end HiFi equipment lasts for decades (my parents have had the same system since 1978). But computer gear becomes obsolete quickly. For example, people who bought MIDI equipment currently find it difficult to find such an interface.
When choosing a sound card, you need to pay attention to match the port (PCI or PCI Express) according to the motherboard and the processor. Then, it’s tougher than in classic HiFi; I browsed forums and found a lot of expensive cards but of poor quality.
For me, it doesn't change the problem, if you want quality sound, you have to pay the price, and the equipment will be exactly the same.
Also, there's used equipment; you should be able to find a case for around €100 (so, the budget is not greatly affected). Moreover, this applies to speakers and amplifiers; used gear saves a lot of money. But it requires more time in research, and it’s better to have at least some DIY skills.
A potentially less expensive solution would be headphones: a good pair of headphones with possibly a dedicated amplifier; it seems to be better than a system. Personally, I don't like it; I prefer speakers (maybe I'm not good with headphones either).
It's up to you to decide.
--
True submission is when slaves worry about the price of cotton.
Char Snipeur
I would like to improve that, but I have a lot to learn.
I want to tell you that I currently have a Micro-Chain with DVD
PHILIPS MCD 909 that works very well but does not read Flac files.
So to be able to read these files, I had to use my Pop Corn multimedia player that I connected to my chain with the red and white wires ??
I had tried the optical connection and the coaxial connection but that does not work (no sound).
So, I read my Flac files that I copy onto a USB key connected to the Pop Corn itself
connected to the Ext output of my Philips Micro Chain.
Everything was working very well until Friday when I heard a buzzing sound while listening to my
music. Since then, it seems to me that the sound is totally bad.
Is it possible that this way of proceeding is the cause of the problem and that my equipment is broken???
I have read your message regarding a DAC and it really interests me, but I don't understand much:
My PC with my music files is upstairs and my chain is downstairs:
I would therefore like:
1. To burn my Flac files onto CD ??
2. To be able to play these CDs on my chain downstairs (if it’s not burnt out with the operations explained above ??
3. The purchase of a good DAC is not a problem for me.
4. Do you think my current equipment (Philips chain) could have burnt out due to my manipulations??
Thank you very much for the help.....Have a good Sunday if you still read me today!