SurroundByUs.com

Now, some people don't want to go through the effort, and the conversation sort of ends right there. I think those people are missing out on a hell of a lot.

Don't count me in that number. No music; No life!

I may not know too much (actually nothing) about any of this, but my ears are quite demanding. Also, I work long hours and leave sleep for those with the time to do so. Quickie question as to how to get started (and here goes 'nother), are you talking about SPEC standards as: http://www.spam I always knew that MP3 (do not have or use iPod) was crappola, but this article a bit brought me up to date: http://www.stereophile.com/features/308mp3cd/ Even the old LP's (now revived) were in compressed format, so dynamic range expanders were used way back when.

I subscribe to several audiophile mags, but in no way see any reason to remain purist, since every amp known colors the sound to the individual listener's taste. Surround sound, as you know, is the bastard child in the purist realms, but then again it should be the ears that decide what sounds good.

Here's my computer system (I know a whole lots more 'bout computers than any of this):

1) AMD 6-Core, 8 GB DDR-3 + AMD 4-Core, 8 GB DDR-2 (Hence the nickname )
2) Audiophile add-on sound card - HT Omega Claro Series
3) New but not expensive Klipsch floor-standing + Klipsch subwoofer + 2 Sony bookshelf speakers (I want much, much more but that involves room design and more money than I have now)

So what am I looking at? Software I would assume? And which?
I listen to everything from the Stones and Petty to both Modern and Classical jazz - mostly piano and sax. (Kenny G needs to go drown himself. Sorry Guys.)

Anytime my questions become too terribly UberStupid, just ignore me. Till then I shall do my best to learn from those of you in the know.

Thanks,

IG

Start here:

OK, I downloaded the software and the SPEC 4.3.3 but have not installed it. Being overly cautious I guess. Per the install notes:

1) I have downloaded, though not installed, the ReaPlugs VST FX Suite installed from: http://www.cockos.com/reaper/reaplugs/reaplugs20-install.exe

2) Same for The PeakCompressor VST from: [b]http://www.sinusweb.de/peak272mono.zip

3) You need: Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 SP1 Redistributable Package installed - That's a de facto with Win 7 64 bit but I did confirm it.

4) Here's where I am confused (like this is the only place I am confused): "This assumes you have Plogue 0.9705 or newer (32 bit standalone, even if you have a 64 bit OS) http://www.plogue.com/bidule/latest


5) And that Plogue is configured to see the above VSTs Have no clue what that means but will read the manual that I downloaded and printed so as not to annoy the Powers That Be.

Which of the following should I download and install? Once again, I am Da Geek so computers be my thing. Got 6-core, 8 GB, 10 TB + Win 7 Ultimate 64 bit (more money than brains - and to be honest not so much money either)


1) Windows 32bits:
Standalone (version 0.9705)
VST 2.4 (version 0.9705)

2) Windows 64bits:
Standalone (version 0.9705)
VST 2.4 (version 0.9705)

1) Plogue bidule Windows 32bits: Standalone (version 0.9705)


2) When you install the VSTs, you either point the installer to the VSTPlugins folder under \Plogue\Bidule, or put the dll files in there manually. The reason the instructions are a little vague on that point is if you have a lot of audio programs you might have some other location for VSTs, in which case you would go into Plogue's preferences and change the VST location that Plogue uses to the common one. If you are new to VSTs stick to the default folder under \Plogue\Bidule.

3) Do not confuse VSTs with the "Plugins" that come with SPEC. They are both dll files, but go in different directories. VSTs go in "VSTPlugins" and the SPEC Plugins go in "plugins", which you have to create as that folder is not there by default (if you are doing a manual install vs. using the supplied installer).

Very detailed video's on all this available here:

Zeeround,

You have done much for me and I shall forever be grateful. I have downloaded everything you suggested and printed the requisite manual, am currently hanging more speakers (big 'uns), am studying all there is at the http://www.spam site, and have but one more question - for now at least. Here is the PDF for my audiophile card; it is not well known but received the best reviews (yes, I read and re-read everything before I purchase anything of consequence): http://www.htomega.com/download/claro.pdf.

Here is my first question. While there are a number of FLAC players for the computer (music sources will be 1) downloaded and played from Hard Drive, 2) burned to CD or 3) Pandora Subscription Radio), which one is the absolute best for someone who is certifiably insane about music sound and quality?

Here is my second question: With internal CD/DVD players being as crappy as they are, would I not be better served to cut out the CD/DVD player middleman and play directly from the HD? I know these questions are beyond infantile, so I beg your patience. It's just that before now I never delved into music from the computer (where I have more liquid control of playlists etc.), always having relied on the traditional CD/amp/speaker external setup. Did crack a few walls with that setup though.

Take your time. It is not as if I do not have my plate full with writing macros for my business, setting up websites, getting ready to e-market my educational program, etc. Whenever you care to respond would be just fine with me.

Thanks for all,

The

Foobar2000 with dts component.

Yes, you can play music from your hd. Look under general methods, on this site, for a guide on playing dts music from iTunes. I use iTunes on Mac mini to play my dts music in the car.

Or you might like foobar. Up to you.

On windows the iTunes solution will only work via a digital connection to your ht. Foobar can decode the dts and send out your.spam card.

How you deal with bass management in that case is another tpic.

Two reasons for my question are that I am hearing:

1) Internal CD Rom Players make unreliable music playbacks
2) Alternatively, playing directly from the Hard Drive can result in skips (read all that on the Media Monkey site)

A "Damned if you Do, Damned if you Don't" Catch 22, eh?

A) Should I stay with internal music source, i.e. Hard Drive or CD Player?
B) Should I burn a gazillion CD's from my hard drive FLAC files and invest in a relatively high quality external CD Player? And then feed that into the HT?

See, I warned you the questions would be Newbie-esque. Your thoughts and suggestions, though, would be much appreciated.