Is computer audio a bust?


In recent months, I have had several audio acquaintances return to CDPs claiming improved SQ versus their highly optimized computer transports (SS drives, external power supplies, etc, etc).

I wanted to poll people on their experiences with computer "transports." What variables have had the most impact on sonics? If you bailed on computers, why?

I personally have always believed that the transport, whether its a plastic disc spinner or computer, is as or more important than the dac itself and thus considerable thought and energy is required.

agear

Showing 5 responses by pkoegz

Kr4 same set up as you at least with fan-less, closet, USB and hard wired. The rest of you for the most part most have found it very difficult to go from incandescent bulb to CFLs to LEDs. "So confusing which to chose? Each works differently. It depends on the implementation". Hog wash. I am a 58yr old. Not in any type of hight tech or tech at all industry. 1.5yrs of college. No issues. Minor hiccups. But I have a brain. I am able to think and process thought and ask questions. Stop crying about change and embrace it you will be the better for it. Nothing wrong with the old ways darth vaders, but the technologies can exist together. My turntable has no issues. Live long and prosper.
I probably should not enter into these conversation because like the man said "you don't spit into the wind". Having said that I love my server and it sounds fantastic. "You don't pull on supermans cape". Now cables I have tried some and owned some very expensive highly reviewed cables(speaker, inter connectors and USB). But I only bought when the price was so good I knew could sell with out loosing money. I am yet to hear any significant difference or any at all for that matter. "You don't mess around with Jim". Du du du du du du du..... http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130830065058/cardfight/images/7/7a/Smiley-face-1600x1200-wallpaper-775678.jpg
Cerrot,
By your analogy when the record player was invented they were getting bad sound so someone created ............ I am aware that you know all there is to know about USB and sound and everything audio. I am just a dumb follower of USB. Being delusional and just excepting that this is the best there is because I know no better. Thank you I now see the way and will follow your advice and trash my system and do exactly what you say obi one kenobi. Whew thank the audio gods that I woke up from that nightmare. My system still in tack and sounding great!
Jesusa0,
What USB dac did you use for your comparison? The only Yamamoto dac you list is a YDA 1. As far as I can tell this is not a USB dac. Also it is from 2008 or so. There is a new dac from Yamamoto, a YTA 2 dac. This is a USB dac. It is a brand new model according to their web site. You state and I quote, "2.- USB to SPDIF converter. To my ears better resolution than connecting USB straight to DAC". So I ask what USB dac have you used to determine this opinion?
Tag, I am with you. While I follow this thread with amusement, it's value, not so much. I am a lover of all that is vinyl(records). Digital always turned me off. Enter the computer. Voila! Now I am in love with digital as well. Quality of sound. Convents. Ease of usage. You name it. Computer not just the future but the best digital was, is or will be.