USB dacs

IMHO, the asynchronous mode makes a HUGE difference....

I have heard the reult of an outboard USB to SPDIF async converter, and I would go to the extent that you havent got to "Hi-Fi" without async...

@amp nut,
I think I need to make my question clearer.

Question no:1

Laptop VS dedicated PC while using a assync usb dac ?


Question no: 2

Pristine HD track sttting on a PC/Laptop and played via a assync dac.

VS

Same track sitting on cd and played via a cd player

Assumption: The DAC in both cases are of the same calibre.

Q1: dedicated is your answer as you can get your computer to work only those services which are necessary.
While it can be argued either way, USB controllers work on a time share basis wrt processor time and if you do anything else on the PC which is processor intensive you impact the sound. frankly the cost of a dedicated PC/Laptop need not be very high...even a second hand Pentium desktop can be stripped down to do this work

Q2: pristine HD on PC will be far better due to its inherent high sampling and hence higher resolution. (as long as the PC is of a decent configuration)

square_wave schrieb:

Question no: 2 Pristine HD track sttting on a PC/Laptop and played via a assync dac. VS Same track sitting on cd and played via a cd player Assumption: The DAC in both cases are of the same calibre.

I have done this several times.
I used Meridian 808i.2 as a CD Player & the same machine as a DAC via its digital input & I did not hear a 'diff'

Then I also compared an EMM 2 box machine with a CD in it against a Computer through a dCS Scarlatti & the dCS was 'better'
I also compared a Bow Tech ZZ Eight DAC against these 2 set ups & it was not even close.

The name of the game is not what is used, but how it is used...
Just my 2 bits...

bhagwan69 schrieb:

square_wave schrieb: Question no: 2 Pristine HD track sttting on a PC/Laptop and played via a assync dac. VS Same track sitting on cd and played via a cd player Assumption: The DAC in both cases are of the same calibre. I have done this several times. I used Meridian 808i.2 as a CD Player & the same machine as a DAC via its digital input & I did not hear a 'diff' Then I also compared an EMM 2 box machine with a CD in it against a Computer through a dCS Scarlatti & the dCS was 'better' I also compared a Bow Tech ZZ Eight DAC against these 2 set ups & it was not even close. The name of the game is not what is used, but how it is used... Just my 2 bits...

Thank you for the inputs.
1-If one is going the PC way, what kind of a PC would you recommend?
2-What are the pertinent points you would take into account in the implementation if one is using an assync usb dac and a PC as a source.

I do not know much;
This machine was made by sbfx [forum member] for me.
He is a 1/2 techie.
You guys in Bangalore know much much more.
But, msb too could advise.

I just say, use a good case - original & an excellent 400 + Watts power supply cossair kind & a good top end mother board + 4GB of RAM at least.

No Fans - natural aspiration. No additional cooling. No Over clocking. No Antivirus. No Software, only windows & foobar.

Hi,

I've posted my PC specs on this thread:
http://www.hifi-foru...um_id=59&thread=1606

I sold my CD Player and am now 100% PC playback.
PC to M2Tech EVO USB/SPDIF Converter to PD MPD-5 DAC.
Better than CD IMO

Hi MSB..how are your experiments with USB dacs coming up ? what are you partnering with your Evo ?

Arj schrieb:

Hi MSB..how are your experiments with USB dacs coming up ? what are you partnering with your Evo ?

PD is his DAC.

You can look it up - it is a top end DAC - amongst the top 5 in the world right now......

PC to M2Tech EVO USB/SPDIF Converter to PD MPD-5 DAC

This is PD :-

http://www.playbackdesigns.com/

http://www.playbackdesigns.com/computer.html [just to read]

hmmm..they are based out of Portland...will call and see if they welcome drop ins for an audition.