Your Cart is Empty
The Mac Mini as a High-Resolution Audio Server
Dr. AIX (Mark Waldrep from AIX Records) recently published an excellent application note titled "My First Server" -a simple step-by-step guide for setting up a High-Resolution Audio (HRA) server. Dr. AIX chose a Mac Mini, a Benchmark DAC2 HGC, and the highly-acclaimed Amarra playback software.
The system components are:
- Mac Mini
- Video Monitor
- Benchmark DAC2
- Amarra Playback Software
- Headphones (or Speakers and an Amplifier)
The result is a true High-Resolution Audio system that can deliver the finest studio-quality playback available. The Benchmark DAC1 and DAC2 converters have become standard fixtures in many of the world's top recording studios and mastering rooms. They have become the converters of choice for critical listening in these professional environments.
"My First Server" describes the server that Mastering and Recording Engineer Mark Waldrep uses in his own living room. With his simple guide, you can enjoy mastering-quality High-Resolution Audio playback.
Also in Audio Application Notes
Making Sound with Plasma - Hill Plasmatronics Tweeter
At the 2023 AXPONA show in Chicago, I had the opportunity to see and hear the Hill Plasmatronics tweeter. I also had the great pleasure of meeting Dr. Alan Hill, the physicist who invented this unique device.
The plasma driver has no moving parts and no diaphragm. Sound is emitted directly from the thermal expansion and contraction of an electrically sustained plasma. The plasma is generated within a stream of helium gas. In the demonstration, there was a large helium tank on the floor with a sufficient supply for several hours of listening.
While a tank of helium, tubing, high voltage power supplies, and the smell of smoke may not be appropriate for every living room, this was absolutely the best thing I experienced at the show!
- John Siau
ChatGPT Reviews the AHB2 and Includes Listening Impressions!
What happens when you ask ChatGPT to write a review?
I asked ChatGPT to review the Benchmark AHB2, and I was shocked at the results!
It turns out that ChatGPT wrote a review by gleaning information from the many publicly available reviews of the AHB2. I recognized phases and sequences of words that had appeared in prior reviews, and yet the text was new, original, and well written. The ChatGPT review seemed to summarize the collective impressions of the reviewers without directly quoting any particular reviewer.
It should be possible to ask ChatGPT to write a review on any well-known product and the result will be an AI-generated review that reflects the collective opinions of many human reviewers.
These AI-generated reviews may be more useful than traditional search results!
If I am not mistaken, ChatGPT seems to have golden ears!
Here is my dialog with ChatGPT:
John Siau:
Write a review of the Benchmark AHB2 complete with listening impressions.
ChatGPT:
Title: Unleashing Sonic Purity: A Review of the Benchmark AHB2 Amplifier
Introduction: The Benchmark AHB2 amplifier has gained a reputation for its exceptional audio performance and unwavering dedication to sonic purity. In this review, we delve into the heart of this powerhouse amplifier, exploring its features, design, and most importantly, the listening impressions it evokes...
ChatGPT and John Siau Discuss Star-Quad Cables
Today, Benchmark's John Siau and OpenAI's ChatGPT had a conversation about star-quad cables. It turns out that ChatGPT got quite a few things wrong, but learned quickly when these errors were pointed out by John Siau.
ChatGPT is quick to recognize mistakes, and quick to provide detailed corrections. In each of the first few corrections, additional errors were made. As each of these were pointed out, ChatGPT began to provide accurate information.
Here is my conversation with ChatGPT:
John Siau:
How do star-quad cables reject interference?
ChatGPT:
Star-quad cables are designed to provide improved rejection of ...