Item Audio: Making Computers Make Music

Beginner's guide to computer audio	Build your own audio PC	Netbook and Mac modifications
If you're thinking about retiring your CD player but don't know the difference between a streamer and a server, we can help. We've assisted hundreds of customers join the new era of high-resolution downloads and unbundled media - from ultra low budget to ultra high-end. Our free guides explain everything you need to know. Read more >	Our original computer audio 'recipes' (often copied, never bettered) have been freely available to DIY computer builders since 2009. Now in its third generation for 2012, the new 'T1' is the highest-spec, most transparent entry-level computer available. Anyone with a basic IT knowledge can build it for just £299. Read more >	Simple, low-cost netbooks make great audio computers. Our free guides explain in detail how to make them better. We also offer the world's most advanced Mac Mini modification, given 5-Globes in the May 2012 edition of HiFi World. Read More >

The most versatile audiophile-grade computer server/streamers . . .

A bewildering number of proprietary digital transports has emerged onto the market in the last five years. Some, like the Squeezebox, were cheap and cheerful. Others are staggeringly expensive, but what do they all actually do? This simple comparison chart explains . . .
As you'l notice, some do many useful things, but the only one that does everything is the humble mult-purpose 'desktop' computer.

Although proprietary Linn, Naim and Aurender 'servers' lock you into a closed system and are typically costly, they have one major advantage over the common PC: they are built from the ground-up to be electrically clean and use audio-grade components throughout. By c ontrast, the average computer is a major source of high-frequency noise that makes it very poorly suited to attachment to an audio system.

Our pre-built T-Series transports and P-Series Players combine the limitless versatility of a regular computer with much of the know-how that goes into high-end proprietary transports. Unlike almost any other transport, they are optimised specifically for use with USB DACs and feature linear power supplies and galvanic isolation options, even on the entry-level T1 at £425.

T-Series Transports from £425

Optimised for USB DACs, the T1 and T2 are state-of-the-art audio computers unlike anything else on the market: compare the specification with other streamer/servers.

– Silent operation
– Tablet remote control|
– Up to 12Tb on-board storage
– Linear power supply
– SATA power filter
– USB 3.0 for audio
– Plays and file and format, gaplessly
– Compatible with iPlayer, Spotify, Sonos, etc
– SPDIF, Firewire and AES/EBU output
– Large options list

P-Series Multimedia Players from £599

Building on the foundation of the T-Series transports, the P-Series Players have high quality on-board DACs for those seeking a one-box solution.

– Silent operation
– Tablet remote control|
– Up to 12Tb on-board storage
– Linear power supply
– SATA power filter
– USB 3.0 for audio
– Plays and file and format, gaplessly
– Compatible with iPlayer, Spotify, Sonos, etc
– SPDIF, Firewire and AES/EBU output
– 24/192 D-A conversion
– Large options list

Home auditions now available
Call 01782 621225 for details . . .

Making PCs Make Music

The CD player is history: for ambience, iPods rock; for audiophiles, computers rule.

We're evangelical about the potential of the ubiquitous Windows, Mac or even Linux box as a worthy source for high-end systems. We're also on a mission to make being chained to a Mac as musically rewarding as possible.

We audition hundreds of products a year, sifting synergistic components from snake-oil, and only sell products we believe to be the best at the price.

We believe that digital done right is a world apart from the harsh, jittery, unnatural sound that a generation of MP3-fatigued music lovers have grown up with.

We're convinced that on a budget there's nothing to touch Tripath amplification: super efficient, eco-friendly, and hi-fi in the best sense.

We know that even USB and power cables matter, but we promise never to flog you something more expensive than you need and encourage all manner of informed DIY experimentation.

Whether you're looking for music while you work, music for pleasure; wired or wireless – whatever your poison, or length of your purse-strings, we'll have something to make your PC sing.

Joel Partch | Item Audio

Item Audio is a trading
brand of Item 2 Ltd
(registered in England & Wales with company number 05163122).
Registered Address:
Canada House, Cyonfrydd, Welshpool, Powys SY21 9EG.
NB: This address is not
to be used for returns
VAT registered in the UK
(# 784137216).
Tel: 01782 621225
Fax: 01782 621130