Clock synchronization issue?

You are probably experiencing either the effects of jitter or some format handling strangeness with the Sooloos. Its not a synchronization or compatibility issue. Jitter, ripping software and playback software can all have a dramatic impact on the SQ. Picking the optimum of these is critical in computer audio systems. Jitter is the most difficult thing to keep low at low frequencies. Clocks that accomplish this are very expensive.

Most all-in-one systems that I have had in my system were dissappointing either in the ripper or the playback software or both. All had higher jitter than I am used-to.

This is why I recommend a late 2009 Mac Mini with Amarra or Pure Music and XLD ripper. These all have proven track records with multiple awards.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

"Any suggestions for getting the best sound possible out of the Sooloos? I love the interface!"

If the problem is jitter, which is likely IMO, then the solution is to reclock it with a resampling reclocker like this:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=106328.0

You will not get bit-perfect, but it will probably sound better anyway.

If the problem is the playback software, there is not much you can do.

I would recommend using dbpoweramp with Accurate Rip enabled to rip CDs.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Contrary to what a lot of consumers believe, there is no "synergy" between digital components. Components are either well-designed or not. Cables are either well-designed or not.

Once you have a good digital source, all DACs will sound better with it. If it is a REALLY GOOD digital source, then most DACs will sound virtually identical. The input circuit on a particular DAC may have issues however, that holds it back. Resampling circuits are one of the things that usually breaks the SQ. Another thing that sets one DAC apart from another is the internal power systems. These are usually smaller effects compared to the digital source, unless you are taking about really cheap DACs.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Lloyd - To my knowledge, there is nothing off the shelf that will interface to Zanden I2S, however a S/PDIF reclocker like the Synchro-Mesh will reclock the Sooloos or other servers nicely.

S/PDIF done well is only slightly worse than I2S. My own I2S is only slightly better than my S/PDIF. In most systems with preamps, you would probably not hear a difference between S/PDIF and I2S.

It is however critically important that you use a GOOD 1.5m S/PDIF cable, such as the Ridge Street Audio Poiema. Differences in digital cables in the $50-$300 range are minimal IME. You must spend at least $500 to get a significant boost in performance.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Lloyd - I am not familiar with the Valhalla cable. Never heard anyone rave about it.

I2S output on the Synchro-Mesh may happen in the future (it will not be a mod), but it still may not be compatible with Zanden. Is it the Zanden I2S the same as Perpetual and Northstar using RJ-45 connector?

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Lloyd - if the Zanden uses the "D" connector, it is likely not compatible with either the Perpetual/Northstar/Empirical/Stello I2S or the HDMI PSAudio/W4S/Empirical I2S.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Lloyd - that is RJ-45, same as my products. It might work with the Off-Ramp 4 or Off-Ramp 5. It might also require a swizzle cable to put the signals on the right wires.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Lloyd - yes, computer audio only. Better than any CD transport.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio