[waldojim]

I still buy music on CD's though more often on LP these days. It seems like I am in a quickly growing minority these days in that I don't like MP3, AAC, or similar compressed audio.

I also use CD's and DVD's (blanks) quite regularly. Namely for various stuff I want to use on one machine or another. I find that moving files from one machine to the next is much less hassle when using CD. SD cards are painfully slow, and wireless networks even more so...

[LiveBrianD]

If you were given a 320kbps mp3 and a FLAC file, would you be able to tell the difference, quality-wise, between the two? Granted, I can tell between a 320kbps mp3 and a 128kbps one, but I'm not sure if I could between the formats in the first example.

For moving files, why not use ethernet? I get about 50-70MB/sec that way, and that's far more than CD and DVDs can dream of. AND you won't have wasted a blank disc. I don't use wireless for anything more than internet browsing, using the network printer, and doing a quick file transfer between my machines though. (However, that stupid Logitech Squeezebox my dad has is dragging the network down to 802.11g speeds...)

[smax013]

waldojim, on 28 January 2012 - 03:52 PM, said:

I still buy music on CD's though more often on LP these days. It seems like I am in a quickly growing minority these days in that I don't like MP3, AAC, or similar compressed audio.

I also use CD's and DVD's (blanks) quite regularly. Namely for various stuff I want to use on one machine or another. I find that moving files from one machine to the next is much less hassle when using CD. SD cards are painfully slow, and wireless networks even more so...

I also tend to still buy most of my music by CD. I like being able to choose what quality that I want for my MP3 files (i.e. when I rip the disc)...and with a CD, I get full, uncompressed music to start with. I do buy digital songs for some individual songs (i.e. if I just want one or maybe two songs of an album). For those, I tend to do it through iTunes.

I can then burn MP3 files to a data disc and use that in my car as it can play MP3 discs. With this option, I can get like 130 or so songs per disc (I tend to rip most stuff at 160)...so with a 6 disc changer, that is along the lines of 800 songs...that is an awful lot of music.

For transferring files between computers, I tend to use my local network. For my two desktops, this is generally faster than burning discs and even faster than using flash drives as you tend to have to do the "copy" process twice...and since both desktops use Gigabit ethernet, it is are rather fast transfer rate. I still tend to use my network to transfer to my Air as well. Even though the wireless is slower, it is generally much less hassle to track down my external optical drive...and also usually easier than tracking down one of my flash drives. I will on occasion use a flash drive to transfer files. In the end, I hardly EVER use optical discs for data transfers...about the only time is when I need to get a file that is realistically too big for email or some other online transfer, but that is rather rare.

[coastie65]

I generally rip at 192 and they are fine. I get my stuff from Rhapsody usually although did buy one track from iTunes as that was an exclusive.

[LincolnSpector]

smax013, on 28 January 2012 - 12:59 AM, said:

The tape deck "converter" gadgets where WAY better than the FM Modulator/converter things. But, then you likely have a better chance of getting hit by lightening than getting a tape deck on a more recent car! <grin>

The recent cars generally have miniPlug jacks built in, you so you don't need either the tape deck or the FM converter.

Lincoln

[waldojim]

LiveBrianD, on 28 January 2012 - 04:58 PM, said:

If you were given a 320kbps mp3 and a FLAC file, would you be able to tell the difference, quality-wise, between the two? Granted, I can tell between a 320kbps mp3 and a 128kbps one, but I'm not sure if I could between the formats in the first example.

Not only can I, I can also help you spot the differences yourself - at least, in person I can.
I have stopped quite a few people dead in their tracks when they gave me grief over what people can really hear. The issue is not what you can really hear, it is how much missing audio can you tolerate? There are a few songs in particular that have entire instruments that are VERY subtle in the background. When played on ANY of the common digital formats, that instrument is completely GONE. When played from the original LP, you can hear it clear as a bell. Yes, it is very low, and very much in the background, but still noticeable on the original.

Every quality degradation has a perceptible impact on audio quality. This is completely independent of what the unfamiliar, brainwashed masses believe.

Quote

For moving files, why not use ethernet? I get about 50-70MB/sec that way, and that's far more than CD and DVDs can dream of. AND you won't have wasted a blank disc. I don't use wireless for anything more than internet browsing, using the network printer, and doing a quick file transfer between my machines though. (However, that stupid Logitech Squeezebox my dad has is dragging the network down to 802.11g speeds...)

I do use ethernet. MOST ethernet switches (included most of what I own) are still only 100Mb/sec switches. That means 8MB/sec. In other words... slow.

[LiveBrianD]

The thing is, a lot of the music I listen to (pop music) doesn't really have those hidden instruments, as far as I can tell. For instance, http://www.youtube.c...kGsYgO8&ob=av2e - as far as I can tell, there's guitar, drums, vocal, and bass guitar. That kind of music doesn't really seem to have instruments that are just barely there in the background (can you give me an example of a song where an instrument can't be heard on cheaper speakers?) Also, keep in mind that this is new enough that it was never on LP in the first place (probably released as a single mp3 first, then cd).

This post has been edited by LiveBrianD: 30 January 2012 - 09:30 PM

[coastie65]

LiveBrianD, on 30 January 2012 - 09:29 PM, said:

The thing is, a lot of the music I listen to (pop music) doesn't really have those hidden instruments, as far as I can tell. For instance, http://www.youtube.c...kGsYgO8&ob=av2e - as far as I can tell, there's guitar, drums, vocal, and bass guitar. That kind of music doesn't really seem to have instruments that are just barely there in the background (can you give me an example of a song where an instrument can't be heard on cheaper speakers?) Also, keep in mind that this is new enough that it was never on LP in the first place (probably released as a single mp3 first, then cd).

You missed a lot as there are definite keyboards ( maybe a synthesizer, but I think keyboards ) in there as well ( I have been a muscian in the past as well ).

[SnyperTodd]

waldojim, on 30 January 2012 - 09:03 PM, said:

I do use ethernet. MOST ethernet switches (included most of what I own) are still only 100Mb/sec switches. That means 8MB/sec. In other words... slow.

So buy a gigabit switch!
BTW, you're either converting backwards or you're talking actual maximum vs. theoretical maximum, because 100Mbps=12.5MB/s.


Even on plain old Cat5 cable I get a solid 60-70MB/s, with Cat5E I get close to 100MB/s. I don't know how I managed before I bought mine!

[LiveBrianD]

Realistically, I've gotten 10MB/sec via 100mbps ethernet. For gigabit, 80MB/sec.

[smax013]

SnyperTodd, on 31 January 2012 - 03:45 PM, said:

waldojim, on 30 January 2012 - 09:03 PM, said:

I do use ethernet. MOST ethernet switches (included most of what I own) are still only 100Mb/sec switches. That means 8MB/sec. In other words... slow.

So buy a gigabit switch!
BTW, you're either converting backwards or you're talking actual maximum vs. theoretical maximum, because 100Mbps=12.5MB/s.


Even on plain old Cat5 cable I get a solid 60-70MB/s, with Cat5E I get close to 100MB/s. I don't know how I managed before I bought mine!

I agree. I have had Gigabit switches for years now...they are not exactly hard to get ahold of.

My first was actually built into my router...an Apple Time Machine. Apple has standardized on Gigabit ports for the computers for ages and for almost as long on their routers. I soon ran out of enough ports on the router between my various computers with Gigabit and my NAS that has a Gigabit port, so I bought new "supplementary" switches that supported Gigabit (my older "supplementary" switches did not). I use a Netgear GS108 that is more than adequate for my home use...and it is not all that expensive.

[smax013]

LincolnSpector, on 30 January 2012 - 08:47 AM, said:

smax013, on 28 January 2012 - 12:59 AM, said:

The tape deck "converter" gadgets where WAY better than the FM Modulator/converter things. But, then you likely have a better chance of getting hit by lightening than getting a tape deck on a more recent car! <grin>

The recent cars generally have miniPlug jacks built in, you so you don't need either the tape deck or the FM converter.

Lincoln

Yes, that is true, but I was taking about that "dead zone" of time where cars no longer came with tape decks but before miniplugs (or more advanced iPod dock or USB ports) were so prevalent. That is why I specifically said "more recent".

My previous car was past the time of tape decks being commonly available, but long before audio in ports were available. So, my only option was a FM modulator...and it did not work well with that car's radio. That same FM modulator works pretty well with my current car. Must be differences in the radio and/or antenna system.

[LiveBrianD]

smax013, on 31 January 2012 - 07:28 PM, said:

SnyperTodd, on 31 January 2012 - 03:45 PM, said:

waldojim, on 30 January 2012 - 09:03 PM, said:

I do use ethernet. MOST ethernet switches (included most of what I own) are still only 100Mb/sec switches. That means 8MB/sec. In other words... slow.

So buy a gigabit switch!
BTW, you're either converting backwards or you're talking actual maximum vs. theoretical maximum, because 100Mbps=12.5MB/s.


Even on plain old Cat5 cable I get a solid 60-70MB/s, with Cat5E I get close to 100MB/s. I don't know how I managed before I bought mine!

I agree. I have had Gigabit switches for years now...they are not exactly hard to get ahold of.

My first was actually built into my router...an Apple Time Machine. Apple has standardized on Gigabit ports for the computers for ages and for almost as long on their routers. I soon ran out of enough ports on the router between my various computers with Gigabit and my NAS that has a Gigabit port, so I bought new "supplementary" switches that supported Gigabit (my older "supplementary" switches did not). I use a Netgear GS108 that is more than adequate for my home use...and it is not all that expensive.

I've been using gigabit for a while. Even my Pentium 4 machine from 2003 had gigabit networking integrated. I use cat5e and cat6 ethernet cables in the house.

[waldojim]

LiveBrianD, on 30 January 2012 - 09:29 PM, said:

The thing is, a lot of the music I listen to (pop music) doesn't really have those hidden instruments, as far as I can tell. For instance, http://www.youtube.c...kGsYgO8&ob=av2e - as far as I can tell, there's guitar, drums, vocal, and bass guitar. That kind of music doesn't really seem to have instruments that are just barely there in the background (can you give me an example of a song where an instrument can't be heard on cheaper speakers?) Also, keep in mind that this is new enough that it was never on LP in the first place (probably released as a single mp3 first, then cd).

And to some of us, that isn't music. That is canned crap that the industry wants suckers to pay for over and over again. Now, this may seem like an elitist attitude - and it is. However, I have never been able to tolerate that pop crap of the week. Take me to a live venue, with a local band rockin out to their own beats, and I am happy as a clam. Bring on some of the classic artists that actually wrote MUSIC and I am with you. Shoot, even some of the newer artists that ARE artists, and I can enjoy it. But most of the current pop singers could never honestly lay claim to artist.

The first song to surprise me - and this is WHY I even cared BTW - with an instrument I had NEVER heard before attaining decent speakers - Joe Walsh, Life's Been Good. Get the original LP version. And trust me on this, there is a LOT more going on in that song that I would have ever thought. On cheap speakers, you have to listen carefully to hear what is hidden by the guitar and drums. But on decent speakers, those instruments sing.

As for NEW not being on LP, that is purely a singer knowing it isn't worth it. New albums are being released on LP all the time. Some better than others. Some down-right garbage. Metallica: Death Magnetic comes to mind... how they could ever think to release that garbage is beyond me.

[waldojim]

SnyperTodd, on 31 January 2012 - 03:45 PM, said:

So buy a gigabit switch!
BTW, you're either converting backwards or you're talking actual maximum vs. theoretical maximum, because 100Mbps=12.5MB/s.


Even on plain old Cat5 cable I get a solid 60-70MB/s, with Cat5E I get close to 100MB/s. I don't know how I managed before I bought mine!

On 100Mbps, I have never seen more than 8MB/sec sustained transfer speeds. I do have a gigabit switch, but for the longest time, I was NOT in a position to use it as needed - meaning apartment, and the computers were often in seperate rooms - running their own 100Mb switch. Haven't bothered getting more than one gigabit switch yet.

And now it doesn't really matter. I just moved into my new house today. There is wired ethernet in every room. I can use my gigabit switch for MY crap, and then the 100Mb router for everyone else!

[LiveBrianD]

waldojim, on 31 January 2012 - 09:53 PM, said:

And to some of us, that isn't music. That is canned crap that the industry wants suckers to pay for over and over again. Now, this may seem like an elitist attitude - and it is. However, I have never been able to tolerate that pop crap of the week. Take me to a live venue, with a local band rockin out to their own beats, and I am happy as a clam. Bring on some of the classic artists that actually wrote MUSIC and I am with you. Shoot, even some of the newer artists that ARE artists, and I can enjoy it. But most of the current pop singers could never honestly lay claim to artist.

The first song to surprise me - and this is WHY I even cared BTW - with an instrument I had NEVER heard before attaining decent speakers - Joe Walsh, Life's Been Good. Get the original LP version. And trust me on this, there is a LOT more going on in that song that I would have ever thought. On cheap speakers, you have to listen carefully to hear what is hidden by the guitar and drums. But on decent speakers, those instruments sing.

As for NEW not being on LP, that is purely a singer knowing it isn't worth it. New albums are being released on LP all the time. Some better than others. Some down-right garbage. Metallica: Death Magnetic comes to mind... how they could ever think to release that garbage is beyond me.

Well, my tastes are clearly different than yours. Personally, I find that it sounds good enough without high-end speakers. On the other hand, I care about things like having a monitor with decent color and viewing angles (man, and this acer even has a bit of color shifting.... ughh... the bottom of the screen has a slight red tint but the top doesn't, when I look at a comfortable angle... plus they can't even make the color decent OOTB, and the viewing angles completely suck...).

[mjd420nova]

Give up CD's?? Not in my agenda. I still use CD-Rs for music. All of my vehicles have adequate players/radio units that can play MP3s but I hate the way they sound. The original CD's you buy in the store are in .WAV format and as close to the original content as you can find. I still have an extensive collection of 45's and LPs that I listen to and would never consider ripping them into MP3 format simply to get more onto a disk. So much is lost in the conversion and even investigate newer formats in the hope one will come along that doesn't destroy the original content. Eighty minutes is about as long as I can listen to a single artist or genre, so a regular CD is fine for me. If I have the need, I will burn a mixed genre disk for certain instances such as a wedding/reception or birthday celebrations. I use .Wav format as any player can use them, not so for any other formats. For back ups I use DVD+R disks that could be read in any DVD reader.