Sometimes events in life cause us to write. Take the disappearance of our music library in our iPad. We had rightly assumed it had to do with the lack of an Apple , and the range of our Cisco router (a hardware only answer) or the configuration of the Apple Remote (a software configuration situation).
So, after discovering that Safari on the iPad would only stream video + audio vs. audio only (as an option), we were forced to return to iTunes on the Apple Mac mini. Since reviewing it, we've configured the Apple Mac Mini Server as a primary (along with the Dell U3014) workstation for this publication - we've also hoped to solely use it as a CD (16-bit, 44.1 kHz) music server, post feasibility.
As it turns out, an iTunes update had removed all music from the iTunes Library. Not the music, per-se, but the viability thereof.
Garou, Notre-Dame de Paris, Danse Mon Esmerelda upon fixing the situation, demonstrated an amazing amount of noise.
We could hear the music, however. It's almost like on a low-resolution device like:
Martin Logan Electromotion ESL Loudspeakers (in frequency)
Dave Brubeck, Time Out, Take Five.
VTL Signature 6.5II Preamplifier
VTL ST-85 Performance Stereo Amplifier
Calynx FEMTO DAC (24-bit)
Various Audiophile Cables
The sound is improved with the windows open, and the air blowing. It's (the street noise as a background), the audio equivalent of dither (the software technique) in improving resolution. With the windows (and room), closed, such a playback system will let you hear the music (notes) being played but not the music (sound of audio).
Speaking of which,
Jean-Michelle Jarre, Oxygene 7-13, 7 removed the noise, sounded all-right, and improved the situation.
Should you wish to get into audio, the Apple TV allows for digital streaming. The rate is 16-bit, 48 kHz, the DAT professional frequency. For the life of us, we could never understand why this rate was established as while there is/was a marginal treble extension, 1.95 kHz (~2 kHz), the math required to format convert threw the whole value proposition into a total question of use and audibility.
Now 24-bit vs. 16-bit as a mastering and recording media resolution (24 bit, 48 kHz) is another matter. The increase resolution allows one to add tracks without any distortion (or need for compression) - 256 tracks for full-volume, 512 tracks, for average half-volume - there are 256 times more values in a 24 bit number vs. a 16-bit choice.
Most tracks (songs) get away with 8-32 channels in a recording or mastering situation, though the Beatles got away with 4 (Sargent Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band).
Though Jarre aficionados would disagree (he makes a wonderful Aerosystem One by Lalique, €12,000.00 EUR, Loudspeaker), and we could not recommend any of the following components of having any musical playback qualities, the following system plays Jarre rather well:
System:
Apple TV
Sony TA-E200ESD Digital Processing Preamplifer
Sony TA-N55ES Amplifier
PSB Stratus Gold Loudspeakers
Sony SP Interconnects (Digital and Analogue), and Unknown Speaker of Garden-Hose Proportions and Golden-Age Vintage.
With a format like the 24-bit, 192 kHz that Calynx FEMTO uses, you'll be able to play DJ, and frequency shift our music.
Songs:
Garou, Notre-Dame de Paris, Danse Mon Esmerelda.
Jean-Michelle Jarre, Oxygene 7-13, Oxygene 7-13.
Dave Brubeck, Time Out, Take Five.
We'll do a complete review when the mood strikes us.
It's surprising that no-one has bothered to write professional 1-bit recording software. We may get on it. We still have a book on music left by F. Richard Moore when we did not start work for Channelpoint. It's disappointing, like Sean Connery in Zardoz. When he met his god, and found him lacking.
In our estimation, the Apple TV is a fine substitute for an audiophile streaming boombox system.
JP 2016/07/16
www.hifiart.ca
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