General Forum

Re: Best wireless setup for optimum sound?

Beology — Mon, 28 May 2007 18:11:31 GMT

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the feedback and advice!!!

Re: Best wireless setup for optimum sound?

soundproof — Mon, 28 May 2007 10:57:19 GMT

@Beology

If you're thinking of buying BL5s and using a Mac as a source, then here's what I'd suggest:

1) Your harddisk can store your CDs in the original format (just buy a large HD and connect it to your Mac. There are also computer independent servers that you can control without needing to have a Mac connected, but let's go with the Mac for now). You can also use the HD in your Mac, but if you're building a large library of uncompressed files, then you'll eventually want an independent server.

ADDING: Sometimes I'll play a CD from the Mac, but that tends to be noisy, so the Mac has to be in another room than the one I'm listening in. That's no problem with the Airport Express, though. I control the Mac through the WiFi.

2) The Mac will send the digital signal, uncompressed, to your Airport Express (AE). You may be aware of this, but the AE can deliver both an analog signal to the minijack connection and a TOSLINK optical digital out through the same minijack. (Requires a TOSLINK minijack connector).

3) Get a TOSLINK to S/PDIF converter. (There are various available, from cheap ones to pro-grade. Get a reliable one within your budget).
Connect your AE to the converter through the TOSLINK optical cable.
Sample converters: http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/audio_toslink_adapters.html#co2

4) Connect the S/PDIF OUT from the converter to the S/PDIF IN on one BL5 - daisy chain to the other speaker.

You're set.
You've now created an uninterrupted digital chain delivering what's on your source to the Digital-to-Analog converters of the BL5s. You can play a CD in your Mac, or go from the lossless or uncompressed file on your harddisk, having control through iTunes/Frontrow, to all your audio sources.

If you want to colour the sound just use the Equalizer in iTunes, or get a digital processor (software) for precise adjustments and effects. (Pick a cathedral, any cathedral, for that guitar concert, for instance).

Re: Best wireless setup for optimum sound?

pedrompinto — Mon, 28 May 2007 08:02:46 GMT

Besides the way you transport the audio data the problem is in the origin; .mp3 format or similar always cut off data that is neened for giving you the best of the recorded album.

So, the best way is to use an original cd of course or give it a go and test some formats.

Please, do see, the following link:

http://www.cdburner.ca/digital-audio-formats-article/digital-audio-comparison.htm

HTH.

Re: Best wireless setup for optimum sound?

Beology — Mon, 28 May 2007 07:49:12 GMT

Hi TG. Even lossless ie. AIFF still sounds a little poorer than the CD if I go through the wireless router. I thought I maybe imagining it. But nope. I blinded my wife and tried testing her. She chose the CD as the definite (slightly) better.

Justin

Re: Best wireless setup for optimum sound?

Beology — Mon, 28 May 2007 07:44:33 GMT

Thanks Coolskin for your opinion. The difference I'm hearing isn't huge (it is subtle but both my wife and I can hear it) . I guess the better the speaker the bigger the perceived sound difference. The reason I ask is that I am planning on getting Lab5s so if there is clearly a better option I'd like to know.

Thanks

Re: Best wireless setup for optimum sound?

tgibbs — Mon, 28 May 2007 07:43:22 GMT

Hello,

As far i'm aware its nothing to do with what wireless streamer you are using but to do with the fact that when you import a cd you lose 80-90% of the data, the higher compression rates only preserve (boost) the quality of what has been imported.

Re: Best wireless setup for optimum sound?

Coolskin — Mon, 28 May 2007 07:22:13 GMT

Beology:
Ive posted this on the Mac forum but with no feedback... perhaps someone on here knows?
Justin

I'm not an expert on sound, and my hearing is not that good either.

I don't seem to hear the difference between:

- BS3200 ( + BV7 + BL4000 )

- BS3200 + airport express + mac ( + BV7 + BL4000 )

- BS3200 + beoport + mac ( + BV7 + BL4000 )

sorry

PS: I do have seen your post on the mac forum.

But I thought someone else could give you better feedback on the sound subject.

Best wireless setup for optimum sound?

Beology — Mon, 28 May 2007 07:10:13 GMT

Ive posted this on the Mac forum but with no feedback... perhaps someone on here knows?

I am sure this would have been discussed before on the old forum but i can't find the info I am looking for on the new site. I have a BS9000 hooked up to lab8000s with airport express to my BS9000. I was happy with the sound until I compared the sound quality with the original CD in the 9000. Doesn't seem to make a difference if I import at 320kbps or use uncompressed AIFFs. There is always a bit missing compared to the CD in the machine.

I assume others have found the same.

How does the B&O wirless setup compare with airport express? Is it better as far as preserving the sound quality?

Id appreciate any feedback

Thanks

Justin