2. pc-audio
  3. 1320006647

difference beetwen pc audio and hi-end?

If somebody could write about difference between pc audio sound and for example dcs scarlatti,accuphase or emm labs. If for example dcs has 10 level (the best?) so when somebody who knows this (dcs) sound set pc audio (for example:realtek configuration audio HD)what number give this pc sound?, 3? 4?
I know that this very difficult. But if someone can set pc audio to compare a little with hi-end myabe write here . And if someone (like me) never heard dcs what can he hear the difference. If this difference will large,very large or very very large.Sory for my English. I come from Poland (Ancient Audio).
Thank You
p.s
In many tests in Poland dcs is the best. Is this really truth? It must be very very good system, but for example there are even more expensive systems.
awidyne

Showing 5 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
There is no reason why a competently designed computer audio system (generally Mac, not PC) will not beat the highest end CD player or transport. Competently designed is the key. It is important to pick the right manufacturer. Most of the high-end systems at RMAF now use computer audio, and virtually all of the rooms that get best of show from TAS use computer audio.

It does require that you make some correct decisions along the way however, such as using the right playback software and ripper and a good master clock in the computer interface. As in all digital playback systems, the master clock is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING, period.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
I recently had my Mac Mini die, so while it was in the shop, I used a PC. Not even in the same ballpark IMO. My customer feedbacks reinforce this. Mac Mini with Amarra 2.3.x is amazing. This version of Amarra is a game changer IMO.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Timlub - I dont have personal experience, but I have been told that Mac Mini 2011 sounds better than 2010, and Lion sounds better than Snow leopard OS.

Steve N.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
A CD player is nothing at all like a computer. The only similarities is they are both digital electronics and require power supplies.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"If this is not the case why is the computer and software sooo important?"

Unfortunately, these USB interfaces are not as perfect as they should be. They are sometimes affected by common-mode noise, particularly when the system uses several different AC circuits, creating ground loops. I know this because of some experiments I did using common-mode filters on USB cables.

It is best to plug the computer and DAC into the same AC circuit, but this is no guarantee that it wil fix the problem entirely.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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