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Vacuum tubes for your computer are an audiophile's dream
Most people have MP3s on their computer, compressed audio files that don't sound as good as records or CDs, but don't take up much space. But audiophiles, if they use their computer for music, are more likely to have uncompressed files such as FLACs that don't leave any audio quality out. For them, there's the Neuhaus T-2 Amplifier.
This $800 amp takes the music playing from your computer, converts the sound to analog and then amplifies it using vacuum tubes, making the sound warmer and richer. Think of it as a way to make your music sound like it's being played from a record player when it's really being played from your laptop. Just don't waste its power on MP3s.
Neuhaus Labs via Uncrate
By Old Man Dotes at 4:16 PM ON 07/27/09
My ears are sufficiently degraded that the only difference I can hear between 320 kbps MP3s and vinyl is the lack of pops and clicks on the vinyl.
Spending $800 on an audio amplifier for me would be like buying a Macbook Pro for a ferret; it might be fun to play with, but I'd never get as much out of it as the builders intended.
By norritt at 4:50 PM ON 07/27/09
I agree, I can't think of a reason to have such an expensive amp for my PC unless I was reproducing live music with a proper PA system.
Guess I'm no audiophile though...
Looks pretty awesome. :)
By kubiaka at 6:07 PM ON 07/27/09
Does it go to 11?
By FattSlice at 12:07 AM ON 07/28/09
Too bad records are ancient technology that sound like garbage.
By Ligyron at 8:38 AM ON 07/28/09
I agree, those old vinyls were a crap source. Bad S/N ratio, distortion and no dynamic range. Other than the fact that there were some major historic stuff some of which can't be found on CD/DVD, I can't understand their continued popularity even second hand and in bad condition oftentimes. What gives, am I missing something?
By Ligyron at 8:39 AM ON 07/28/09
I agree, those old vinyls were a crap source. Bad S/N ratio, distortion and no dynamic range. Other than the fact that there were some major historic stuff some of which can't be found on CD/DVD, I can't understand their continued popularity even second hand and in bad condition oftentimes. What gives, am I missing something?
By flacguy at 8:44 PM ON 07/28/09
Yes you are. Actually, what is crap is what people usually use to play the vinyls with. "Bad S/N ratio, distortion and no dynamic range" - there is no such thing with any halfway decent turntable/arm/needle/preamplifier set. No pop and crackle, just a warmer (more "alive" or "organic") sound when compared to most CD players, is what vinyl still has to offer.
By Psycho at 4:21 PM ON 07/29/09
"Bad S/N ratio, distortion and no dynamic range" You talking about MP3's and your earbuds? Do a little research before you make sweeping generalizations
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Psycho:
"Bad S/N ratio, distortion and no dynamic range" You talking about MP3's and your earbuds? Do a little research be...More »