Topic: Using MJ connected to hi-fi. (Read 5106 times)

ultra · « **on:** March 16, 2002, 08:04:59 am »

Hi ,
I have connected my PC to my HI-FI amp to get a better sound. I was wondering if a better sound card would make any difference to the overall sound quality of the ripped CD's and MP3's i play through it (the hi-fi.)
Also does anyone know if it is possible to 'Normalize' playing music so i don't have to continually adjust the volume.
Thanks in advance ULTRA.

Harry The Hipster · « **Reply #1 on:** March 16, 2002, 08:21:20 am »

You can select files> Next Page

roperties>tools>analyze replay gain. Takes a little while - let it run voernight.

HTH

Xstatic · « **Reply #2 on:** March 16, 2002, 08:30:44 am »

Unfortunately especially mp3 files reveal their lack of good audio quality when played back by a hi-fi equipment.
Consider encoding to a higher bitrate, or if audio quality is a high priority encode into mpc instead.

This gives you a significant better sound, at approx the same filesize.
APE is ofcourse the very best format, since it is completely lossless, the filesize is much much bigger though.

the soundcard of course has a big part of it also.
Whether or not you will experience better quality with a better one than your current depends on what your current card is.

For my part, I experienced a noticable improvement when dumping my soundblaster live and put in a terratec card instead.

A digital out from the card to a digital in to the reciever also helps to the sound I think. As far as I know, this way you use your receiver's d/a converter instead of the sound cards converter. In many cases a good hi-fi amplifier has a superior d/a converter than a standard sound card has.

Charlemagne 8 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 16, 2002, 08:44:14 am »

ultra,
HTH took care of the "normalization" part of your question. I will add that you can use the DSP/Intelli-volume feature of MediaJukebox along with ARG. Here's something for the other part.

If your sound card isn't making extra noises, you are perobably OK in that area. There are some soundcards more preferable to audiophiles but if you don't have the equipment, you won't hear the difference. There are USB devices that can bypass your soundcard for output to the amplifier. I have a Stereo-Link ( http://www.stereolink.com ) that I am happy with. I paid around $150 for it but there may be cheaper ones out there that do the same job. It's basically a "USB speaker" with RCA outputs instead of a speaker.
If you have optical inputs on your amplifier and know what THD and RMS is and how it affects your sound, you may qualify as a audiophile. Be prepared to open your wallet in that case. But a true audiophile wouldn't care about that as long as he could get "perfect" sound.
When you get ready to record your tapes and records into your computer, look at "Report on Noise Reduction ..." You may have to search for it if there's been no activity for a couple of days. http://www.musicex.com/cgi-bin/interact/NeoBoard.pl?Action=ShowPost&Board=inter&Post=8673&BoardIdle=2&SortingBy=0&BoardOrder=Descend&Page=0&UserSession=charlemagne8.101630432355758
CVIII

Charlemagne 8 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 16, 2002, 08:51:37 am »

Xstatic,
Can you give me a step-by-step on how to encode to MPC through MJ? I'm running out of disk space and I could never get the hang of using an external encoder.
CVIII

Xstatic · « **Reply #5 on:** March 16, 2002, 09:05:36 am »

Charlemagne,

Here is a paste of something I wrote to MHorton re. the same subject:

MPC Input plugin
Get the cool beta input mpc plugin, especially designed for MJ v.8 here: (Trelane, the guy who is writing it, is
the coolest, most kind and efficient guy)

http://www.naivesoftware.com

Encoder
Get the latest and fastest mpc encoder here:

http://www.uni-jena.de/~pfk/mpp/#encoder-binaries

Choose 0.90s.

Now you got what you need.
In MJ, go to Options, Encoding, choose External encoder, choose the position of the unzipped o.90s encoder.
Then in the second line, below "Exe path", type: --xtreme %IN %OUT
That setting will make the encoder encode in the xtreme-setting. Basically there are three settings:
Standard- type: "--verbose %IN %OUT"
Xtreme-type:as above
Insane-type: "--insane %IN %OUT"

In the line "Extension" overwrite the existing "mp|PLS|" with "mpc"

Then in MJ, go to Settings, choose Pluginmanager, choose Add plugin, and select the mpc plugin that you downloaded from naivesoftware's page.
When you have installed this input plugin, you should see it in the list in plugin manager under Input plugins.
Select then this mpc plugin and choose "configure".
Usually the default settings here are as they should be - but at least make sure that under Replaygain settings, that the Clipprotect is off, and that equalising is checked for Musepack and not Winamp.

Now you are set to go, both in encoding and playing mpc files.

In order to check the ABX program, that you can use to perform proper blind tests with, start here:

http://www.pcabx.com/training/index.htm

enjoy

Jesper.

Xstatic · « **Reply #6 on:** March 16, 2002, 09:12:37 am »

small correction:

The present mpc plugin is not "configurable", so forget about that for now.
It works perfectly, and on top it tags in APE which the tagging experts tell me is much better and reliable than id3 tags.

Michael (Trelane) is working to complete the plugin with a configuration menu and expanded tagging functionalities.

I saw him posting here a few hours ago, which puzzles me, as he should be working on the plugin and not spending useless time here at interact..

Charlemagne 8 · « **Reply #7 on:** March 16, 2002, 09:30:54 am »

Xjesper,
Thanks. I've got the downloads and I'll attempt as per your instructions.
As soon as I figure out what the PCABX stuff is for, I'll attempt that. I read the intro description and browsed though some of the other stuff and it looks techno-esoterically interesting but I still don't know "Why?"
CVIII

Xstatic · « **Reply #8 on:** March 16, 2002, 09:47:42 am »

I can follow you about the esoteric part..however I used it quite a lot when making the decision to rerip everything to mpc instead of mp3 and ogg. It wouldnt make sens for me to spend that many hours and days and weeks if I couldnt hear the difference...

I was convinced I could tell the formats from each other when I knew what what format I was playing, but I still had that
doubt in the back of my head, and that doubt will be eliminated using abx. It is a really easy way to perform a correct
blind listening drill - and to test your ears.

sekim · « **Reply #9 on:** March 16, 2002, 01:17:21 pm »

With RGA do you save after all files are done?

Charlemagne 8 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 16, 2002, 05:34:31 pm »

MachineHead,
>> With RGA do you save after all files are done? <<

I don't know if you have to. I always have.

CVIII

zevele1 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 17, 2002, 06:21:59 am »

Weird question
can you from INSIDE the computer connect to you stereo?Or the sound card "is the ampli"?
Why?The main problem is that you get "2 amplis" when you plug the soundcard output to your stereo.One from the computer,one from the ampli.Like when you plug a walkman or discman on a stereo.And this does not help to get a good sound

Easyrider · « **Reply #12 on:** March 17, 2002, 07:18:11 am »

Here is a device from Motorala; Wireless transceiver using HomeRF.
If this link does not work you can read about it at PC Magazine.

http://eletters1.ziffdavis.com/cgi-bin10/flo?y=ePDh0DTEel0EvS0fp20Ah

New to this, Has anybody have any input on this type of hook up

Harry|PLS|The|PLS|Hipster · « **Reply #13 on:** March 17, 2002, 08:20:39 am »

Easyrider:

Motorola seems rather pricey. Been using the Sonicbox/iRhythym receiver for several years. Base unit attaches to computer (USB port), 900 mhz receiver attaches to the audio in on your stereo. Remote allows you to scroll through internet radio stations and selected playlists of computer-based music files. Not format-sensitive, since all its doing is streaming the audio from the computer to the stereo, wirelessly. Non-interactive however - no ability to remotely modify pre-selected playlists.

Audio quality is adequate - some degradation from what I experience from the computer. Support and user forum is very good. Occasional retuning is required. Does the job at an affordable price.

http://www.sonicbox.com/support/irhythm_ug.shtml

HTH

zevele1 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 17, 2002, 08:56:20 am »

This 2 products for one with computer away from the stereo.Not my case.I can use all from my chair.What i am looking for is the most neutral sound.If such a thing possible to get "the sound" from the computer BEFORE any amplification

Charlemagne 8 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 17, 2002, 11:29:12 am »

Z10,
I believe than anything that utilizes the USB ports bypasses the soundcard and any extra amplification. You need SOME amplification from your components or you'll get no signal to process.
C8

Xstatic · « **Reply #16 on:** March 18, 2002, 01:32:42 am »

Just wanted to comment, that the more effort you put into getting the best sound tech-wise, cabling, creating usb-solutions etc - the more
obvious will it be that the source is not close to the original.

Even I can tolerate a mp3 lame encoded file with an average of approc. 190-230 kbps with a standard set of pc-speakers, but it simply
gets untolerable playing that from a good hi-fi equipment...

So the basics - namely the quality of the actual format or file, is really essential. When that is OK, then I think it makes sense
to create "semi-audiophile" solutions in getting the signal from the pc to the hi-fi deck.

SeanC · « **Reply #17 on:** March 18, 2002, 05:07:25 am »

I am using the Turtle Beach Audiotron to play MP3s through my Hi-Fi. I must say, although it isn't as complicated as some hardware MP3 solutions, I am *very* pleased with it.

It has an optical output, so my receiver does the digital-to-analog conversion. In addition, the Audiotron has a built-in web server, and comes with a remote.

One of the things I like best about it is the forum (coincidence?) - the other users are very helpful and Turtle Beach strongly encourages third-party support for the product.

It is working very well for me. Now, if there was a plug-in to control it from MJ, it would be perfect!

http://www.audiotron.net/

smig · « **Reply #18 on:** March 19, 2002, 08:00:36 pm »

Sean,
I assume you don't(Can't) use MJ to play your music. How is the "jukebox" functionality on
the Turtle Beach Audiotron. MJ is one of the best in that arena.

steve

TedP · « **Reply #19 on:** March 19, 2002, 09:42:24 pm »

I am very happy with my setup. I use an old laptop to run MJ (it's networked to the main computer that stores the music) next to my stereo. I have an JVC RX8010V which has a USB input. Just run a USB cable from the computer into the stereo, and you get to use the DAC on the receiver and bypass the soundcard.

-Ted

zevele1 · « **Reply #20 on:** March 19, 2002, 09:52:04 pm »

What the JVC RX80...is? An ampli part of your stereo system?

WashState · « **Reply #21 on:** March 19, 2002, 10:56:12 pm »

Is anyone aware of a high-speed wireless product that could connect a computer to a stereo or amplified speakers? I have seen Turtle Beach's SonicLink, but that is 900Mhz and seems unreliable.

Bob L. · « **Reply #22 on:** March 20, 2002, 07:03:46 am »

The JVC product is a receiver that has a USB connection on the front.

Scronch · « **Reply #23 on:** March 20, 2002, 08:15:01 am »

Some of the noise is from the dirty electronic environment inside your PC. No sound card will fix that. Look into http://www.stereo-link.com . Click on Product Review (on left), and Measurements (on left). Read the explanation of the measurements, and see what you think. This is not wireless, though. Personally, I would never go wireless for this type of application.

Scronch

zevele1 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 20, 2002, 08:31:36 am »

Thank you Scronch!
It was that i tryed to say and ask since few posts.Not expensive as well
Just sent them an email to know if i can get it here-Through a shop,not by mail

MediaJukebox is not listed on this site.IT HAS TO BE.Someone who buy they system HAS to use MediaJukebox

Charlemagne 8 · « **Reply #25 on:** March 20, 2002, 03:28:47 pm »

Zevele10,
I have a Stereo-link and am very happy with it. but as far as I know, the only way to get it is through their web site. They are very reliable and as responsive as JRiver to your problems. All you should need to do is connect the USB cable and turn your computer and the Stereo-Link box on. No installation software is needed. I had to reinstall my OS but that was my problem, not theirs. It has functioned error-free for many months now.
CVIII

MarkS · « **Reply #26 on:** March 20, 2002, 04:08:41 pm »

My Yamaha RP-U200 CAVIT kicks ***. A little more $ than stereo-link, though, which I also tried. Sound is superb.

Scronch · « **Reply #27 on:** March 20, 2002, 05:11:19 pm »

Ultra, I recommend you search this forum for "stereo link" and read all the posts that come up. I will re-post something I posted last year:

---------
RE=POST
---------

I asked stereo-link about the digital output, and about what in their mind makes the stereo-link better than the Yamaha Cavit? Their reply follows. I find it very interesting.
=================================================================================

What about better customer support!

There are two issues here - the benefits of a digital output, and then the Yamaha product.

Most multi-channel receivers and amplifiers today have some form of digital input - its primary purpose is to get a multichannel Dolby or DTS digital stream into the receiver in order to do the decoding. That does not imply that a digital input is inherently better for 2 channel music. All it means is that you will use the product's internal Digital to Analog converters (DACs) to convert the digital stream to analog before it is amplified. If these converters are known to be of better quality than those in your CD, DVD etc, then it makes sense. If not, the analog outputs of those devices may actually be of better quality (better noise, distortion, etc).

On the stereo-link 1200, our goal was to produce the best quality DAC possible at an affordable price, and to optimize it for the special application of connecting a "noisy" computer to a good quality audio system. We used our experience in professional and high-end systems to do this, and we think we've done a pretty good job of making a product that really sounds good. As part of our website update, we will be putting up comparison measurements in the next day or so - and they will show this in much greater detail than you're likely to get from any other manufacturer.

As for specific comparisons to the Yamaha product, we generally try to avoid making negative comments on specific products. We can say that the products are designed with a different philosophy - they are trying to put as many features into a box as possible, we are trying to make the best sounding and easiest to use product of its kind. For example, they specify their distortion as 0.01% (-80 dB), which is over 3 times greater than ours (-90 dB = 0.003%). You also have to be very careful when interpreting their specs, as they use IHF A weighting measurements, which always make the number look better.

Hope this helps.

stereo-link support team

stereo-link
95 Fulkerson Street
Cambridge, MA 02141
http://www.stereo-link.com

konamike · « **Reply #28 on:** March 20, 2002, 08:46:35 pm »

Scronch--

The stereo link sounds interesting (and reasonably priced). Their site mentions a 5 meter USB cable optional accessory (at $36US, ouch!) and a 10-ft stereo RCA cable and their having tested lengths up to 80 feet without signal loss. At those RCA cable lengths, I would think my greater concern would be interference and noise. Ideally, wouldn't you want any distance between PC and SL unit to be spanned by the USB/digital cable connection rather than the RCA/analog connection? What if your PC is farther away than 5 meters? I didn't see any information on the SL site about this and merely wondered if you knew or had any experience with these concerns.

Thanks in advance.

mike

Scronch · « **Reply #29 on:** March 20, 2002, 09:09:27 pm »

Hey KonaMike -

I think the USB cabling limits (independent of stereo-link) are pretty short. Somebody else can address that. As long as you use shielded audio cable, I don't see a problem. I have forwarded your questions on to stereo-link, and I will post their answer here. Here is FAQ #6 from the stereo-link website:

Each product comes with a 10 ft (3 meters) USB cable and 10 ft (3 meters) of shielded coaxial audio cable with gold plated connectors. The stereo-link is designed to drive much longer lengths of audio cable (80|PLS| feet), so you can extend it as necessary - even into the next room, as long as you use good quality shielded cable. Visit our accessories page for the latest list of options. You can connect several individual lengths of cable together to get the length you need, using good quality phono jack couplers. For reference, 12 foot and 50 foot lengths of audio cable are commonly available at many electronic stores and, of course, on our accessories page.

You can also extend the USB cable by using a longer cable, up to 5 meters. For greater distances, you may choose a USB Active Extension from our Accessories page or a USB HUB between each section of USB cable in order to maintain reliability. Since the stereo-link does not draw any power from the USB, you can use the less expensive hubs for this purpose.

I will be buying a stereo-link shortly. Matt and CVIII have had one for a while.

Scronch

Charlemagne 8 · « **Reply #30 on:** March 21, 2002, 03:06:31 pm »

Stereo-Link is small, light and simple. RCA outputs and USB inputs. There is also a 1/8" mini stereo jack in the front (with volume control) that I use for my dinky little computer speakers. The RCA cables are BEEFY and just have that superb quality feel. Both the RCA cables and the USB cables (supplied) have a little boxy-thingamabob (technical term ... you're not expected to understand) in a loop of said cable, I suppose it's for noise reduction.
I am happy, happy, happy with my Stereo-Link and would recommend it highly.

Just in case anyone wanted to know.

CVIII

Roger the Shrubber · « **Reply #31 on:** March 21, 2002, 09:39:13 pm »

Washstate

For wireless, as a possiblility check out:

http://www.marmitek.com/

I haven't tried it myself but the concept of getting the flexibility of a wireless system is extremely appealing to me at the moment.

Harry The Hipster · « **Reply #32 on:** March 21, 2002, 11:03:06 pm »

Family photo: Me, trying to install cables for Stereolink:

HTH

zevele1 · « **Reply #33 on:** March 23, 2002, 04:30:21 am »

I cannot buy it here in Israel.Problem cause if something is wrong,i will have to send it back.A friend had this problem with a fantastic and very expensive turnable.......Allmost 3 months that i let him a Rotel turnable..........And he his still waiting for his

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Author Topic: Using MJ connected to hi-fi. (Read 5106 times)

ultra

Harry The Hipster

sekim

zevele1

Easyrider

Harry|PLS|The|PLS|Hipster

zevele1

Xstatic

smig

TedP

zevele1

WashState

Bob L.

Scronch

zevele1

MarkS

Scronch

konamike

Scronch

Roger the Shrubber

Harry The Hipster

zevele1