Reference Recordings HRX Files

[Vincent]

Hello, I am also new to the forum. I have a Benchmark DAC 1 USB and a Slim Devices Transporter. THe USB output of the Benchmark is limited to 24/96. I want to play the Ref Hrx files. I know that they must be played from a computer hard drive. I have a Dell Laptop. I also understand that REF REc recommends the Lynx interface card. Can that be added to the Dell or do I have to purchase a dedicated pc to use?

 

Many thanks to any knowledgeable person.

 

Vince

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hey Vincent - What you need is something like this http://www.magma.com/products/pciexpress/expressbox1

 

 

What ports do you have on your laptop? If you have an open ExpressCard slot then you are all set with this option.

 

[Vincent]

Many thanks, I'll look into that option which seems to be ideal. I don't know a lot about ports but I'll find out what is available on the Dell

 

Thanks

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

If you give me the exact model number I can figure it out for you and possibly find another solution if you don't have an ExpressCard slot.

 

[Vincent]

Hi I checked and the Dell has a PC card adapter slot. Will that do it, with the proper Lynx card( Lynx Studio PCI 16e)??

 

Thanks

 

Vince

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Then you'll need this http://www.magma.com/products/pci/1PCI/index.html and the original AES 16 PCI card not the AES 16e PCI Express card. They are both great cards.

 

[Vincent]

Will the non express card provide full hi res capability with the 176khz Ref Rec DVD-r files?

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Yes, in fact the non-express version is what the guys were using at CES.

 

[Vincent]

I'll definitely check this out. You have been very helpful. Many thanks.

 

Vince

 

[jxo]

Do I understand this right? In order to connect a Lynx AES16 soundcard to a laptop, you need to spend around $1000 just for the adapter hardware? In addition to the cost of the Lynx card itself, this seems a bit irrational (together, the Lynx card and the adpater hardware are 2x the cost of the DAC1; this just to make for a digital connection with enuf bandwidth).

 

If Benchmark could come out with a firewire port on their DAC1, I assume you could avoid the cost of the Lynx and the adapters. How long will this take?

 

Are there any laptop soundcards that can get 24/176.4 to the DAC1?

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hey Jim - I am sure there are plenty of laptop cards out there that will output 24/176.4 but the quality of them may not be near the quality of the Lynx cards. Sure this Lynx card with the adapter is going to be more expensive than the DAC1, but you'll spend a lot more to get this quality in a traditional transport/DAC system. I guess it is all relative though.

 

[Vincent]

I have decided it is cheaper to purchase a new inexpensive pc and the Lynx card and dedicate it to music.

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

That will work great for you I'm sure. I can't wait to hear what you think of the sound and setup etc...

 

[musicalsound]

Don't forget that there is a professional version of Minerva where the only different is the faceplate and of course the price is cheaper.

http://www.weiss.ch/dac2/dac2.htm