I say NO to SSD for music playback.

[manisandher]

Just came across this: http://www.auraliti.com/

Auraliti have some interesting graphs showing that SSDs have higher inherent noise than HDDs!

Both seem to benefit from the SOtM SATA filter.

Mani.

[Calibrator]

Just came across this: http://www.auraliti.com/

Auraliti have some interesting graphs showing that SSDs have higher inherent noise than HDDs!

Both seem to benefit from the SOtM SATA filter.

Mani.

I didn't come to that conclusion judging by the low-res graphs depicted, and their statement that ....

"System cost can be reduced because now a spinning hard drive (HDD) can achieve similar 
low electronic noise performance to that of a Solid State Drive (SSD)."

... would suggest to the contrary.

Without clearly seeing the scale used in each of the graphs, one can't compare between them reliably. If they had shown the noise floor of an UNfiltered HDD and an UNfiltered SSD together, then that would have more meaning. As it stands now, I just view those graphs as mere marketing.

Regs,

Russ

[PeterSt]

I didn't look at the graphs today again, but I recall them from before.

I'll have to agree with Russ here. To me it came (comes) like telling the convenient story. Still some conclusions can be made from it (but never mind for now please).

But I have a question for Russ :
You output directly from the Juli@, right ?

The question of Why will remain in vain, but depending on the answer I will proceed with a PM to Russ ...

[Calibrator]

But I have a question for Russ :
You output directly from the Juli@, right ?

I don't use the Juli@ as a DAC per se, but rather the mechanism to provide the SPDIF output. As per my signature, I take a 75ohm coax direct feed straight from the coupling transformer on the Juli@ card, and then straight into an SPDIF input of the Integra processor, which does the DAC duties. See attached piccie.

Have you got some other idea to improve on that perhaps ?

Cheers,

Russ

[PeterSt]

No furteher comments Russ. I would have when you used the Jui@ herself. But, I misjudged your sig, because of that extra space between where the Juli@ ends and where the line with the Integra starts.

Ok, let me add this :
As we know I ever back thought the SSD wasn't a good thing right from when I had it in there. Just because of the changed behaviour of "sound". Of course you will recall the larger topic about it all. Now, the more inherent not-the-best things are in this system, the more an SSD will mask that (filter). So for now we could stick to : SPDIF isn't the very best for digital transport, and when using i2s you will be hearing a lot more of what's really going on.
This is only one small part of the chain of course. So many more exist.

It is *also* clear that when the SSD makes it better (for you, for anyone) this is the way to go. But never, never make the mistake to have such a thing in, while proceeding on something else. For a clearer example : better interlinks. Better, because they will filter. Now replace your amp with a better amp - and let those cables in ? no. All has to be redone from the start.

It is crazy complex sometimes and 100% sure I make the mistakes too. Just saying ...

Peter

[Calibrator]

No furteher comments Russ. I would have when you used the Jui@ herself.

That is something I have been meaning to try but never got around to do. It's more a convenience issue. I would have to unplug a pair of RCA leads going to the amp everytime I wanted to use the music server and switch back to another set coming from the Integra when I wanted to use the HTPC. I have a gut feeling the DAC in the Integra is better than what is onboard the Juli@, but I suppose until I try it I will be left wondering. I had thought of looking for a RCA switcher, but I try and avoid needless devices in the chain.

SPDIF isn't the very best for digital transport,

agreed

and when using i2s you will be hearing a lot more of what's really going on.

I would expect so from what I have read about the interface.

I'm not dismissing your thoughts about HDD vs SSD completely. All I'm saying is that in my current environment, I can't discern any meaningful difference in sound quality.

With a USB NOS1 in my system the difference may well be more obvious.

Regs,

Russ

[PeterSt]

I have a gut feeling the DAC in the Integra is better than what is onboard the Juli@, but I suppose until I try it I will be left wondering.

Nah, the Juli@'s analogue output isn't worth much ...

[Bigear]

Would 2 low rpm disks (5400, so low noise) in a raid 0 configuration be an interesting alternative? They are faster then a single Veloraptor (and have higher capacity for lower price).

[praphan]

How does HDD (OS and XX) speed technically affect the sound quality ?

Thanks

[praphan]

Thanks for this Juan. I think this is a 2.5" drive right? Also, it's quite expensive for a drive first released in 2009. For this reason, I've ordered a Dell Hitachi HUS156030VLS600 300GB drive from Amazon, and saved £40 in the process!

Thanks again.

Mani.

Mani Hi,

SAS controller board is quite expensive. Which one you are using?

Apart from runinng OS and XX faster, is there any audible impact on SQ?

Thanks,
Praphan

[manisandher]

Hi Praphan,

I haven't actually had a chance to try this yet. But I will do later this week. I don't even know if my mobo has an SAS port (I doubt it considering it's a mini-ATX board). Worse case, I'll order something like this: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adaptec-3405-SATA-Express-128MB/dp/B000NX1P7G/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1318249914&sr=8-9.

Yeah, maybe my thinking on the financials is a bit flawed!

Mani.

[praphan]

Hi Mani,

Please do not get me wrong!  I have no intention to question your investment in search for sound excellence. In fact I admire your guts to try and test so I can follow.

Instead of Raid card, I found some thread recommending this :

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Startech-com-50cm-Serial-Attached-Cable/dp/B000WBMU1E/ref=sr_1_3?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1318265187&sr=1-3

May be you should try this before going for the SAS controller card.

Cheers!
Praphan

[praphan]

Hi Mani,

I am sorry to give you a wrong information.

You can run a SATA drive with an SAS controller, but you can't use a SAS drive with a SATA controller.

The SAS backplane connector was designed to accept either a SAS drive or a SATA drive, while making provisions for a dual-ported SAS drive. SAS connectors add a notch to the SATA connector to ensure that SAS drives can only be plugged into SAS systems. This is required because SATA host controllers do not understand SCSI protocols and will not recognize a SAS drive. Notching the SAS drive connector prevents a SAS drive from being plugged into a SATA host controller, which would result in a non-functioning drive.

Regards,
Praphan

[manisandher]

Hi Praphan, yes I was totally aware of this. Actually, I've decided to return the SAS drive and stick with SATA. Some SAS controllers are a lot more expensive than others, and it's hard for me to understand exactly what you get for your money. Also, I'm not sure SAS drives would lead to better SQ. Certainly, I wouldn't be able to use my SOtM SATA filter.

But the big difference in SQ between my SSD(s) and HDD(s) does make me curious to try as many different types of drives as possible. But I really don't have the time right now, so this will just have to wait.

Mani.