The rise of the machine

Mention the words ‘computer’ and ‘audio’ in the same word, and you’ll raise the shackles of any self-respecting, traditional audiophile. After all, machines with screens, keyboards and hard drives belong in offices, not in sound rooms.

Those sentiments may be as understandable as a predilection for tube amps, vinyl records and full-range, single-driver loudspeakers. But while there’s nothing wrong with tradition and sticking with the tried and trusted, one can’t be myopic of technology and its advances, either.

The truth is that the world of computer audio has come a long way, bolstered not only by improved processing power and better sonic software, but mostly by the availability of vast storage at relatively low cost.

We no longer talk of storage in megabytes, or even gigabytes. Terabytes have become commonplace, while the arrival of solid-state drives promising even faster access and, potentially, greater reliability.

Storage is important, because the conversion of music files from their original format (typically 16-bit/44,1 kHz as per the CD Red Book standard) to bit-perfect digital files requires a lot of space: around 450 Mb for 50-minute CD.

But efficient, reliable storage is only one aspect of the burgeoning world of audiophile-grade computer audio. The way discs are ripped, the codecs preferred, the playback software required, and finally the conversion back to analogue wave forms are all the subject of intense scrutiny, ongoing debate and continuous development.

Also becoming increasingly prevalent is the availability of high-definition music files, in 24-bit/96 kHz or even 24-bit/192 kHz formats. Besides the legal complexities of copyright across international borders, the challenge here is finding enough bandwidth to make downloads of these massive files feasible.

Those who believe that computer audio is for techno-geeks only should remember that, as this field continues to develop, the software required will become increasingly intuitive. Already, using iTunes doesn’t exactly require rocket science, and there are other, even better music library and playback platforms.

Besides, once centralised, music on a server can be accessed via Ethernet, Wi-Fi or USB, and distributed seamlessly to multiple rooms, listening zones, or systems. And depending on format, transmission type and ancillary equipment, the quality can be astoundingly good.

It’s clear that computer audio is here to stay, and is becoming better all the time. Ignoring its potential is just plain silly, while embracing it can open the door to a whole new vista of musical enjoyment.

Deon Schoeman

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