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My good friend and fellow audiophile Gerald k and I have made a compilation of music files which we feel are perfect for testing new equipment. We wanted to use music that we not only enjoy listening to but which also has the abillity to reveal flaws in the signal chain. I listen mostly on Headphones (Sennheiser/ Audeze/ Audio Technica) while Gerald listen only on speakers (Tad, Kharma/Linn/Naim). We have spend many an evening and several bottles of Cotes de Rhone wines arguing and eventually agreeing on this list of audio equipment test music. This is what we came up with, please feel free to comment or post alternatives, if possible with a link as to where to purchase the music that you feel is ideal for this purpose. We also looked for reviews that we felt agreed with what we hear in the recordings. Sound stage and definition 1. Carmen Gomes inc; '' I'm on fire'' from Thousand Shades of Blue Sound Liaison Music Shop Placement is perfect on this young audiophile classic as well as the near perfect natural recording of the voice, but the real test for audio equipment when listening to this recording is it's ability to separate the kickdrum from the upright bass. The two instruments are playing the same pattern. On less than optimum equipment it might be difficult to separate the two, but with good setup you clearly hear the upright at 10.00 and the kick dead center with a nice decay that one generally do not hear on commercial recordings. There are lots of speakers and headphones with ''extended lows'' but low with definition is a whole different ballgame. Hifi; 2 Alban berg Quartet; Bartok String Quartet no.1 in a minor 1th movement. (LP,EMI) in the beginning of this movement the 4 instruments all play mainly in the same middle and upper register. Despite all that mid and high information the music should not sound harsh. This recording has the same perfect sound stage as the Carmen Gomes recording. We believe that this kind of sound stage with such a sense of depth and realistic placement is only attainable when you are recording the musicians in one room at the same time. Amazone Intelligible representation 3. Frank Sinatra; ''What's New'' from Only the Lonely. Frank is maybe a bit too prominent represented but one should still be able to notice all the different lines played by the various instruments in this incredible Nelson Riddle arrangement. 4. Me'Shell Ndegéocello; ''Levictus:Faggot'' from Peace beyond Passion. Here we have the opposite, the voice is a bit too soft in this optimum funk piece yet you should still be able to hear every word. easily optainable http://www.amazon.com Depth and Space When talking about depth and space we had to include a couple of Reference Recordings tracks. This label has allways done justice to it's name and consistently produced recordings of very high quality. 5. The Concord Chamber Music Society;''Danza del Soul'' from Brubeck and Gandolfi works. 6. Doug Macleod '' the Night of the Devils Road'' from There's a Time here you have two completely different pieces of music, one by The Concord Chamber Music Society and one by blues legend Doug Macleod accompanied only by guitar and kick drum. But the depth and the space of these two recordings is simply outstanding. Enjoy the music.com; Audiophilia; Reference Recordings Complete Audiophile Classical Music Orchestra and Jazz HDCD Catalog 7. Andre Heuvelman; ''Oblivion'' from After Silence 8. Joni Mitchell; ''Comes Love'' from Both Sides Now Andre Heuvelman's rendition of Astor Piazzolla's master piece have a great sense of depth. Every instrument sounds rich and full with a gorgeus natural decay. On lesser equipment the sound of each instrument can become a bit of a blur while on good equipment the sound of each instrument should be clearly defined with a clear sense of the room this recording have been recorded in. Same goes for Joni's wonderfull standards collection, it is a big hall you are listening to. Sound Stage on the Sound Liaison recordings; Sound Liaison Music Shop Both Sides Now won a Separation 9. Miles Davis; ''Stella by Starlight'' from the Complete 1964 Concert 10. John Scofield; ''Just Don't Wan't to be Lonely'' from Uberjam Deux we use these recordings to check for spill between left and right channel. The Miles recording was done on a 3 track tape machine and therefore there is this very wide sound stage and separation between the instruments; piano complete left, horns and bass dead center, drums completely right. drummer Tony Williams sometimes does not play at all and on those moments all one should hear on the right channel of the piano is a faint echo. All Music; John Scofiel's cover of the old Main Ingredient hit has a complete left right separation. The organ is audible on the left channel only and the rhythm guitar is on the right. The separation is so extreme that if you were to disconnect the right channel you would not hear any rhythm guitar at all, just like on the early Beatles stereo LP's. Jazztimes; Imaging 11. Trevor Pinnock; Mahler symphony no. 4 this delicate chamber orchestra arrangement of the great Mahler Symphony is a real beauty. the all music review said; Linn Records - Mahler: Symphonie No. 4 12. Iona Brown and the Norwegian Chamber Orchestra;''the Spring'' from Grieg two Elegiac Melodies. the Grammaphone review puts it well; http://http://www.naimlabel.com/recording-grieg--tippett--beethoven.aspx Batik; '' The Bird'' from the Old Man and the Sea just about perfect imaging, left to right evenly laid out for your eyes and ears to see, piano, bass, drums, guitar and again a one room recording. Unbelieveable why sofew companies do this when it can yield so very satisfactory results. http://http://www.soundliaison.com/ Audio Stream; John Scofield;'' Never Turn Back'' from Piety Street the drum intro has a small imperfection, there is a soft ringing sound on the left channel probably coused by a sympathic resonance in the drum set or in the room. The moment the organ enters it kind of cover up the problem, although if you really listen for it you can hear it through out the track. Wonderful old fashioned sound stage. All Music;

View Classified Focal Arche headphones Amp Used Focal Arche headphones Amp. Comes with the Stand and Outer shipping box. everything works and it is in a good condition. Payment Via PayPal or WiseTransfer - Fees included in the price Shipping - Via DHL or FEDEX express also included in the price Direct contact via WhatsApp +972-54-9333389 Seller Jacob Date 07/05/22 Price 1,300.00 USD Category Digital to Analog Converters  

View Classified FOCAL ARCHE headphones Amp Used Focal Arche headphones Amp. Comes with the Stand and Outer shipping box. everything works and it is in a good condition. Payment Via PayPal or WiseTransfer - Fees included in the price Shipping - Via DHL or FEDEX express also included in the price Direct contact via WhatsApp +972-54-9333389 Seller Jacob Date 07/05/22 Price 1,300.00 USD Category Headphones  

If I use good quality equipment, like a good dac, a good amp and speakers (with good measurements) and a good acoustic treatment, do I really need a power conditioner or power regenerator? will I get sonic benefits? Don't good devices already have great filtering for noise or pollution that degrades the sound? Basically I don't know if I plug everything straight into the socket or use some ''filter''. I think this question is valid and I think that many have it too, since spending money testing each product is not at all viable for me. I've been researching recently about power conditioner, power filter and etc, I always think about not very expensive solutions to improve the quality of my setup or at least have stable power without much noise. When reading in other forums and reading reviews, it seems encouraging, but it is very relative and depends on the setup of each one. I see that the question is not as simple as saying whether ''need'' (or not) from the moment you identify ''a problem'' as noise, hum or audible ground loop in the sound, often the noise may not be very noticeable and we think everything is ok (with degraded sound quality), until we test a product like that. Everything gets more confusing when we see that it's not enough just to buy a suitable power conditioner and ok, certain products alter the sound and can compress soundstage, bass or harm the treble, because the power is cut a little, the solution for this they say it's the ones' 'power regenerators'', but which are too expensive.

View Classified Nord One UP NC500MB Mono Block Amps I purchased these Nord amps (mono block pair) back in October 2019. Very nice Class D amps for the money (retail: around $2,000/pair) that will drive most speakers. These are in very good shape cosmetically (9/10) and used to drive Klipsch La Scala speakers (so easy load). The reason for selling is that I recently upgraded to a Rogue Audio DragoN amp which uses the same Hypex NCore NC500 Modules as these mono blocks. Specification: Nord One UP NC500MB Mono Block Black Pair Hypex NCore NC500 Module Hypex SMPS1200A700 Power Supply Op Amp Choice: Sonic Imagery 994 12V Trigger Option: No Speaker Hook Up Wire: Standard Wire High Current Output Capable of driving 2ohm for the Most Demanding of Speakers Output: 550W 2ohm, 700W 4ohm, 400W 8ohm Price includes the pair of mono block amps, original box & packing material, PayPal fee and shipping costs to CONUS (lower 48 states). Power cords are NOT included. Seller ericuco Date 10/22/21 Price 1,000.00 USD Category Amplifiers  

Hey, (sory for the poor english hope u understand) I am a gamer and i also l listen a lot to youtube.. I realy want to spend money on a good headphone and i found out the hd600 is a realy good headphone, but just if u give him a good amp or dac. I dont know much on this topic. Do i realy need dac for games and youtube? Can u recommend for a good amp / dac. i can't spend more than 300$ for this. And also the black friday is soon and probabaly will be a sale for these right?

Selling a Mjölnir-Audio KGSSHV Carbon, built in Iceland by Birgir Gudjonsson (aka spritzer). Bought new in 2017. You can read more about the virtues of the Mjölnir KGSSHV Carbon build in this review by Bob Katz... The amp is in excellent working condition. New = $4770 (including shipping from Iceland). Asking $SOLD. Reason for sale: Upgraded recently to Carbon CC Will ship free within CONUS. Buyer pays PP or does Family and Friends

Apologies if this has been answered elsewhere, but my question is fairly simple. Here is my setup: - iMac 27" 5K 2015 with mostly lossless music (ALAC) on iTunes/Audirvana; - Marantz HD-DAC1 DAC; - Denon DRA-F109 amp/receiver (connected to B&W stereo speakers and Planar turntable). I am about to purchase new (most probably open back) headphones, probably the Beyerdynamic DT-1990, or the closed back B&W P9. I could not find the exact answer on Google, so here it is: WHERE should I plug my wired headphones, particularly if they are of high impedance? To the DAC directly, or to the Denon amp? So far I have used them directly with the DAC, but realize that this may not be very convenient, as the amp is the end device for all other outputs... Tks!

This is the absolute best value all in one integrated amplifier on the market today! New retail for $3500 asking $2395 + Paypal. I'll ship for free.Perfectly maintained Simaudio Moon ACE, all in one unit.Featuring the MiND (MOON intelligent Network Device) module which provides convenience and a full graphic interface, allowing you to effortlessly access your digital music library with power and flexibility; Add TIDAL and an unlimited world of music awaits you. The DAC is also Roon Ready and easily plug into your Roon ecosystem. The ACE is both intuitive and easy to use. Featuring all new advanced setup software, this is the most configurable and customizable MOON component ever offered. Bridging digital and analog audio at a price-to-performance ratio that is impossible to beat, the ACE includes a high resolution DAC with DSD decoding up to DSD256 and 32-bit/384kHz PCM. At the other end of the audio spectrum, a moving magnet phono preamplifier rounds out this complete package.The finest sounding and most complete “all-in-one” available, the ACE can do virtually anything expected of a high-performance audio component of this nature. Accentuated by the world renowned MOON sonic signature - visceral tight bass, transparent midrange, precise natural highs - along with lifelike sound, plus countless features, the ACE will be the “heart and soul” of all your musical indulgences. Top rated, reviewers choice award after award given for this unit: WhatHiFi, Soundstage, Stereophile, Digital Audio Review, all give this unit top rankings and so will you! Significant Design Features • 3 line-level inputs including a front-mounted 1/8” mini-jack for personal media players. • Headphone output on 1/4” jack located on the front panel. • Seamless integration with our MiND app. • 8 digital inputs include USB (hi-res audio), SPDIF (2), Optical (2), Qualcomm® aptXTM audio for Bluetooth®, WiFi and Ethernet. • OLED type screen which provides more detailed information. • Simple MiND setup via on-board software menu. • Moving magnet phono preamplifier input. • Analog inputs are configurable to “pass-through” mode, which bypasses the gain stage to accommodate components like a home-theater processor, whose own volume control is used. Specifications Output Power at 8Ω 50 Watts per channel Input Sensitivity 370mV - 3.0V RMS Input Impedance 22,100Ω Gain 37dB Signal-to-noise Ratio 100dB @ full power Frequency response (full range) 10Hz - 80kHz +0/-3dB Crosstalk -100dB THD (20Hz - 20kHz @ 1 watt / 50 watts) 0.02% / 0.02% Intermodulation distortion 0.005% PCM Bit-depth range / sampling rates 16 - 32 bits / 44.1 - 384kHz DSD sample rates DSD64, DSD128 & DSD256 Thanks for looking and feel free to reach out with any questions and Serious Offers. Price is Firm.

AURALiC Polaris Wireless Streaming Amplifier ($3799) “POLARIS defines the AURALiC brand: innovative technology, great sound, superb user experience, and excellent value. It is a wireless streamer, a music server, a DAC, a pre-amplifier and a stereo power amplifier – the ultimate solution for music lovers seeking high quality streaming from a single, compact audio component” The POLARIS offers seventeen inputs channels comprising streaming, digital and analog sources. The internal DAC, incorporating AURALiC Flexible Filters and Femto Master Clock, supports Quad-Rate DSDand PCM up to 32Bit/384K. The powerful internal stereo amplifier module can deliver 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 180 watts per channel into 4 ohms continuous power with exceptionally low distortion- sufficient for the most demanding loudspeakers. The internal DAC, incorporating AURALiC Flexible Filters and Femto Master Clock, supports Quad-Rate DSD and PCM up to 32Bit/384K. The powerful internal stereo amplifier module can deliver 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms, 180 watts per channel into 4 ohms continues power with exceptionally low distortion- sufficient for the most demanding loudspeakers. POLARIS utilizes AURALiC’s award-winning Lightning Streaming Platform. Launched in 2014, Lightning Streaming is industry’s first streaming solution that supports Quad-Rate DSD, PCM up to 32Bit/384K through Wi-Fi network. Lightning Streaming offers several innovative and unique features such as Gapless Playback, On-Device Playlist, Memory Cache and Bit-Perfect Multi-Room functions. This on-going platform is maintained, and continually developed by AURALiC’s in-house software R&D team to ensure customers are regularly updated with new features through the product’s automatic software update system. The products streaming function is operated by AURALiC’s Lightning DS control App which is at the heart of all the companies streaming products and available on iOS platforms, with Mac and Windows versions in development. It is also compatible with other third-party OpenHome or UPnP control software for playback and also works as a RoonReady endpoint to use with Roon software, bringing you an alternative way in which to discover and listen to music. AURALiC is introducing another innovative technology: Hybrid Volume Control for POLARIS. The Hybrid Volume Control uses both analog and digital volume control together for optimum audio performance and the best possible sound quality. The analog attenuators reduce the signal level in 12dB steps whilst the DAC's internal digital volume control handles small amounts of volume change within each step. By using this technology, the DAC chip always operates in the best performance range, bringing much lower distortion, better dynamic range and high sound quality at low volume levels. POLARIS is equipped with two pairs of multi-function RCA connectors - these two stereo pairs of analog channels can be configured as a phono stage input, a line stage input or pre-amplifier output through the product settings menu. Digital inputs include AES/EBU, Coaxial, Toslink and a USB connection to a computer working as a standalone USB DAC. When purchasing POLARIS, you can specify a 1TB SSD for internal music storage as an option at extra cost, turning POLARIS into a fully functioning Music Server. To purchase, arrange for a home trial or for more info click here

No, not Nelson Pass (!) But I thought this was an interesting article... https://benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/application_notes/power-amplifiers-the-importance-of-the-first-watt

I hope this is the right section to ask this. If not please move to correct section. OK my current setup is my desktop PC-->JDS O2/ODAC-->Fiio A1-->Andrew Jones Pioneers I want to replace the A1 with something a little more powerful (25-50w ch.). Currently the A1 is about 14w ch. It sounds great and no issues with it whatsoever. (BTW, apparently Fiio reused the model name A1 for a small headphone amp. The A1 I am talking about is a discontinued speaker amp) Decided to pick up a Dayton Audio DTA-120 on sale ($78) and try it out. Sounded awesome, seemed a little clearer and great separation. Problem is I sometimes listen at low volumes at my desk and I am experiencing channel imbalance. Driving me nuts. So looking for an amp with a similar foot print to these 2, and has RCA inputs and speaker terminals. I just want an amp, no integrated DAC. $200 or less. Thanks.

Here's what I currently have: A pair of wireless Audioengine A5+ powered speakers with an Airport Express that I stream my iTunes library to from my MacBook Pro via Airfoil, which also lets me play to my old Yamaha stereo system with two wired speakers through our Sony TV/Apple TV at the same time - giving me four speakers in our main living space. We also have a Denon turntable hooked up to the stereo. It, and the TV/BlueRay/Apple TV play through the stereo to the two wired speakers only. Here's what I want: The stereo is old and I'd like to replace it with a new amp and a decent pair of speakers - something as good as the A5+s. I want to be able to play everything through all four speakers - iTunes/Spotify and anything else on my Mac, as well as the turntable and TV/Apple TV. What do I buy? A new amp (suggestions for amps under $600) with a bluetooth adapter (suggestions?) to send to the A5+s, and a new set of passive speakers (maybe the Audioengine P4s?). Or do I even need an amp? Can I buy another set of A5+s and is there some kind of hub that will take all the inputs and then output to the wireless speakers, which have built-in amps? Does such a thing exist? I'm also considering setting up an older MacBook Pro as a music server, and it could be physically or wirelessly attached to any/all of the above. Also, should I add in a DAC for better sound? Thanks for your help.

I've been looking around for about 2 months and I've come up with some good suggestions to what I could get, but I'm not completely sure yet ofc. Idk if it affects anything but i mostly game when using headphones I've been looking at the AT2020 for the microphone (XLR version), and maybe the Scarlett 2i2 with it. Then I've looked at many headphones and can't come up with anything, i know i like some bass (but that is also the only I've ever heard from headphones other than cheap earplugs) PS. I dont have a specific budget, and if you have any other suggestions please let me know.

I am selling my Stax SRM-007ta. It will ship with its original box and with original accessories as pictured. Zero cosmetic or audio issues. Absolutely mint condition! I am asking $SOLD with free shipping in the U.S. and I’ll cover SOLD of international shipping fees. I’ll cover the PayPal fees as well.

I have a pair of Audio Technica ATH-AD700X with an impedence of 38 ohms. I currently have them plugged in to my PC with a SoundblasterX G5 soundcard. Lowgain on the soundcard is rated 32-150Ohm and high gain is 150-600Ohm. Of course I generally run on low, but if I hear a song I really like I occasionally wanna turn it on high to listen to max volume. Is there *really* any long term issues I can run into by doing this? (Completely new to higher quality audio) I'd appreciate any input. Thanks.

Hello I am a complete newbie to the HiFi world. I am planning on getting a pair of T50RP MkIII and Mod them if I didn't like how they sounded as stock. I have watched and read a lot of reviews and most people say they are extremely hard to drive and need a good amp/dac to sound good. and then read some people being able to drive it with Fiio E10k. I know the differences between amps and dacs but am not quite sure what do I need to power these sufficiently on a PC and maybe on long flights played though a phone and if there is an option for such need. My budget is £50-£100 I have looked at some of the Fiio products and they seem reasonably priced for the hardware but not sure if I need an AMP/DAC combo or just an AMP.

I want a pair of open back headphones to supplement my ATH-M40x's for mixing electronic music. I wanted a second pair with a really wide soundstage and a different sound from the M40s and, after some research, landed on either the K701s or the HE-400is. Whichever pair I get, I'd also like to buy a cheap headphone amp and landed on the E1, but I'm open for suggestions on a different cheap amp. Which pair do you guys think is better?

I am considering the purchase of a DAP that can function as a DAC/AMP as well. In other words, I would like to use this as a portable source to drive my Etymotics ER4XR iems *AND* as a DAC/AMP source to connect to my NAD C370 amplifier (connected to my B&W 602 S3 speakers). So far I have found this one, the TEAC HA-P90SD. Its price tag is around 470$. Ideally, my budget would be 400-500$, more towards 400$ than to 500$. So what other DAPs that are DAC/AMP at the same time are regarded as the best in terms of sound quality here in 2018?

I am planning to again start using my B&W DM603 S3s (old, I know, but I have always enjoyed them). My Rotel finally bit the dust after many years of service. I am starting to do my own research, but thought I would see if anyone has a suggestion for a capable, but good-value-for-money amp to use with these speakers. I really don't know anything about amps/receivers. Here are the specs from an old Stereophile review B&W DM603 S3 loudspeaker | Stereophile.com: Description: "2½"-way vented-box loudspeaker. Drive-units: 1" (25mm) aluminum-dome tweeter, 6.5" (165mm) woven-Kevlar cone bass/midrange, 6.5" (165mm) aluminum-cone woofer. Crossover frequencies: 150Hz, 4kHz. Frequency response: 44Hz–22kHz, ±3dB on reference axis. Frequency range: –6dB at 34Hz and 42kHz. Dispersion within 2dB of response on reference axis: over 40° arc horizontal, over 10° arc vertical. Sensitivity: 90dB/2.83V/m. Impedance: 8 ohms nominal, 3 ohms minimum. Power handling: 25–150W into 8 ohms on unclipped program. Harmonic distortion: second and third harmonics, <1%, 55Hz–20kHz (90dB SPL, 1m). Maximum recommended cable impedance: 0.1 ohm. Thanks!

I've not seen much written about this DAC/AMP here or on Head-Fi, but I wanted a portable to stack with my DAP and to run balanced output to my 64 Audio A6, that would also serve me well as a USB DAC for PC. I took a leap of faith on this unit, bought from Moon Audio, and thus far pleasantly surprised by it's quality. The unboxing and ergonomics are nothing special, rather plain and uncluttered in appearance: That said, implemented thus far as a USB DAC from PC (still waiting for proper interconnect to stack w/my DAP using the KEB-03 Toslink input) I am impressed with it's sound signature. Using the 2.5 mm TRRS, AK-type plug on my IEM's, the balanced output achieves wonderful, wide soundstage, although depth and height are less impressive. Layering, instrument placement and separation are also strong points. I do feel it lacks some of the detail retrieval of my iDSD Micro., and whereas the Micro. brought out the lower frequencies in my A6, KEB-03 synergy with these IEM's provides a more neutral frequency response overall. The iDSD / A6 combo. has visceral, impactful bass but bleeds sometimes into mids. With KEB-O3 I hear a bit cleaner, grain-free and more forward mids (vocals sound terrific) and greater top end sparkle. The Micro. doesn't have balanced out put, so this may account for the soundstage / separation difference in part, but the overall signatures sound different beyond that as described. Both have Sabre DAC's, which I sometimes find a little sterile, but as implemented in the KEB-O3 signature is overall more balanced across the frequencies, quite musical, and less "digital" sounding than I sometimes perceive with the iFi Micro. I'm not very well-acquainted with "tube" sound but from the auditioning I did last month at CanJam SoCal. of the Woo Audio and other products, the KEB-O3 sounds more "tube-like" to me than the Micro. and suits most of my material well. I listen to a lot of classical piano, and the sound is nicely balanced, engaging across the frequencies but never shrill or strident. For classic rock or acoustic jazz featuring standup string bass, I do miss the low end "punch" the Micro. coaxes out of my A6 that the the KEB-03 can't quite replicate. Overall, I'd conclude that the KEB-03 offers great value for a moderate price, and strengths are the balanced output producing wonderful soundstage and instrument separation. Weaknesses are that it falls short in detail retrieval and bass impact, and I would add that it is not a powerhouse (balanced output is 131mW/channel @22 ohm load) and may be best suited for IEM's or low impedance / high-sensitivity cans. Lastly, a question: The manual (here) indicates it can decode native dsd via USB but I can only get it to do DoP in Foobar. I have foo_dsd-ASIO installed, works fine with iDSD Micro. The manual appears to be translated from Japanese so I may be misreading it (it could be indicating that native DSD is implemented for Android USB OTG), or perhaps I have Foobar configured incorrectly. Any help would be appreciated.

Hi, I'm a Linux nerd, new to CA and just getting my Audiophile feet wet. I have a project in mind and could use some pointers, I have many questions. I've gone thru the FAQ. What I'd like to know is, do people have strong opinions on the following? I'm looking for an ideal setup. Options for a PC platform in a DIY solution: Raspberry Pi B+ (w/Raspbian OS) and the I2S-based HiFiBerry DAC+ (RCA version) Intel NUC and *some Linux audio OS and **some DAC BeagleBone Black and **some DAC I like the RPi version b/c the RPi is: ubiquitous cheap reliable familiar to me (i have several) *Linux Audio-ish OSs AudioPhile Linux Daphile (x86_32/64 only) VortexBox (Fedora-based) any experience w/these OSs? Here, I would lean towards VortexBox only b/c I'm used to RH products. ** I'm at a loss as to which DAC to use Or do I go for a COTS/turnkey solution? For all-in-one solutions: VortexBox Appliance Totaldac d1-server (yeah, right...cha-ching!) SOtM sMS-100 The DIY is more attractive to me b/c I foresee much customization in the future. E.g., being able to autorip CDs when you insert them would be nice. Uploading media from hand-held devices would also be good. I imagine lots of 3rd party plug-ins would come into play, too. However, if there is a COTS product out there that fits the bill, then I'd be interested in looking at it. Also, for the audio power amplifier...any suggestions? Anything wrong with the Pyle PTA1000 1000W Professional Power Amplifier? Also, should I care a *lot* about S/PDIF vs AES/EBU? Another question: if I'm using a DAC, will I not be taking proper advantage of it if most of my music files are lossy (low bit rate MP3s)? One other thing to mention, this setup would not require cloud/internet radio connectivity. Again, I want decent SQ, nothing insane.