FREE internet radio at higher bit rates

Three more stations right here: http://www.linn.co.uk/radio#linn-radio

Michael

Kinda makes you wonder what use we have for a Tuner now? Loaded with commercials and a compressed signal to boot..

No such thing as "free" internet out here in the sticks. It's amazing how fast my 5gig per month limit goes away if I start listening to radio or pulling down video. I'm tickling the limit right now and it's a short month!

(mutter mutter)

PS ... I'm on ATT wireless. They've been advertizing that new rollover data option thing to "show their appreciation", but apparently that doesn't apply to wireless internet. I gave them a call and mentioned that I'm currently feeling a bit under-appreciated ...

(grumble)

* Don't forget ARCHIVE.ORG for some real nice downloads. Not streaming, but still an interesting selection of music in high resolution mp3 or FLAC.

Radio Paradise has a 192k Ogg Vorbis stream. This should be superior to a 192k MP3 stream, but I'm not sure whether it'll match a 320k MP3 stream. Links to the streaming options are available at:
http://www.radioparadise.com/rp_2.php#name=Listen

I womder if something like drop box or some other cloud-thingy could be utilized so a group of friends on a bulletin forum could "lend" their digital files to others...

That's where Digital Rights Management rears it's ugly head.

I know Amazon has a specific license embedded in every MP3 you purchase from them, and it'll only play on your cloud. Your log in is also assigned to a specific computer. Not sure how you'd attach any portable devices as I never tried it.

Re-encoding the file doesn't strip the tag, but it looks like you can manually delete it using a tag editor ...

There also, my paltry 5gig monthly wouldn't last long if I actually used their cloud for anything other than download the purchased files to my server.

Drat! Everything is harder than it looks! How nice it would be in this digital, connected ge if there were a digital conmected version of "here, borrow this tpe of mine and see what you think."

i've got 300+cds ripped to a hard drive for wifi broadcast through my squeezebox to my (still fantastic tubes for hifi) stereo.

I'm just guessing none of you is going to order music of the renaissance on the Dorian label, unless you have a chance to hear it first...

Though I do understand that hering it free can and does short circuit the purche part of the theory.

Tube Nube wrote:Drat! Everything is harder than it looks! How nice it would be in this digital, connected ge if there were a digital conmected version of "here, borrow this tpe of mine and see what you think."

It's called Youtube. But you'll have to settle for less than audiophile quality.

I reject You Tube as a bald faced lie! It should be YouMicrochip! There's none of our beloved tubes in it!

Ha.  Less than audiophile quality and no tubes (on their end)!

What is the preferred method to connect the PC to your system? Straight out of the onboard audio, a high end audio card, or a USB DAC?

Consider a simple USB DAC. Such as the HiFimeDIY unit based on the ESS 9023:

http://hifimediy.com/DACs/ready-made-dacs/U2-DAC

They have other models, but this one is preferable because it will accept 88.2kHz input over USB (in addition to 44.1, 48, 96kHz). Many other similar models from HiFimeDIY and elsewhere won't accept 88.2kHz due to USB receiver chip limitations.

Big fan of the Maverick TubeMagic D1+ here ... I got two of em.

I have the OPA627 op amps upgrade installed, and use a 1952 WE 2C51 or Tesla 6CC42, both of which play well with the tube set in the ST120.



The USB out uses the Tenor chipset, which to me is outstanding. Very smooth and refined. Tops out at 96/24, but I prefer that to the SPDIF optical or coaxial out which can do 192/24, but sounds a bit sterile to me.

Only issue with USB is that there can be a LOT of competition for computer resources. I had some mildly annoying dropouts and ticking on the latest HTPC build. Come to find out, it was my wireless keyboard and mouse. Solution was to install a USB expansion board that creates it's own channel and is hooked directly to the power supply instead of running through the standard bus. Zero noise and improved sound all around. Best $20 upgrade I've made.

The D2 works well too I'm told, but doesn't have the analog throughput of the D1+. I plug my turntable into that via an external stage so I can get some of that sweet toobie goodness on vinyl too.

The Tenor chipset is one that can't handle 88.2kHz, IIRC. But that may not be a problem if you'd don't rip SACDs or purchase/download SACD-sourced content from HDTracks.com.

Got some good answers here. I'll research the modi2, ODAC, and the Tube Magic. I guessing price wise I'll end up with the modi or ODAC. The only thing keeping me away from the Hifimediy is the lack of RCA outs.

Can someone say... if thay make a box that well give me a digital output from my laptop..  so I can go in the Rca digital input on my krell D/A?......the linn radio is best sound yet
Thanks




thanks for the site Bob.......................

A USB DAC is good for low cost entry level however they all have limitations that you will soon discover on your own especially if you like to crank it up, I have a Schiit Gungnir DAC with USB2 port at $800.00 great value IMHO
Let us know what you end up with and review.