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Firewire immune to jitter?

I wonder if a firewire connected DAC is as problematic at rejecting jitter as a USB is and if there are reclockers available for firewire.

I currently have a MacBook pro running Audirvana+ feeding a Weiss DAC202 to it’s firewire input with satisfying sonic results. I really like the DAC202. Firewire cable is an Audiquest carbon.
But, would I be best to use the USB out of the Mac using a USB to S/PDIF converter into the rca input of the Weiss. I use to have one of those (a Wavelength I think) feeding an ARC DAC7 that could not process HR files through its USB input. I have since sold the DAC7 and gotten the Weiss.

I was also considering replacing the Mac with an Aurender N100h (Or similar) but many people are telling me that I must be prepared to spend mega bucks to better my current digital set up. 
Cost of an Aurender N100h or N100c
Cost of a new DAC (USB capable) but not necessary if using a N100c 
Cost of a reclocker (Synchromesh or similar)
Cost of USB, S/PDIF/BNC cables

I barely have enough money for an Aurender let alone all the peripherals mentioned above.

Note, I am not into MQA and DSD and will never be. If I want better sound than 16/44 or 24/96 I just put a vinyl on my $30k analog front end. 

Any thoughts much appreciated. And if the best solution is to leave everything as is then that’s cool too.



smoffatt

Showing 3 responses by smoffatt

smoffatt OP
205 posts
 
Shadorne, I do not think there is something wrong with my Weiss. To your point it is an incredible DAC and would not want to part with it as I would likely go sideways (or worst) with something else. I was only throwing a few ideas around to lower jitters from the source and Steve proposes a few solutions although expensive in some cases.

I have yet to see comparative measurements/graphs about jitter rejection (USB vs Firewire) showing which is the worst of 2 evils.

Steve, forgive my ignorance but how do you connect a Toslink optical cable on a Mac when there is only a USB and Firewire port.
Does the quality/Cost of this Toslink cable going into the mesh paramount. No BNC input port on the Weiss. RCA yes. 

My Mac is a mid-2009 but would like to replace it with a mid-2012 which is the last model year that you can mod memory cards and drive. Beyond 2012 everything is soldered onto the boards. You can’t even replace the battery I don’t think. Anyway, I digress. 

Thanks for your detailed informative response....as typical of you.
Sly
smoffatt OP
205 posts
 
Interesting read. Thanks shadorne.
In light of that, I may just replace my firewire cable for a better one. A Diamond or similar. Will look at the used market first.
smoffatt OP
205 posts
 
Thanks Steve. Advice well taken.
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