PC Laptop to MSB Gold DAC Suggestions?


I have been ripping wav files for a year now with WMP. My laptop is connected to an M-Audio "Audiophile" USB, which, in turn, is connected to my Dyna SCA 35 (slightly modified)vintage tube amp. Though the sound is decent, it is not as good as playing a cd on a Pioneer PD-M403, not a high end player. Just purchased used an MSB Gold DAC, modified, with the separate power supply. (See: http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?dgtlconv&1234280142)I have not received the DAC yet.In setting this system up am planning to use the M-Audio SPDIF output to the MSB. Am wondering: 1. Do I need something to reduce jitter between the M-Audio and the MSB. Have looked at the Monarchy Digital Processor and the Genisis Digital Lens, which may be out of my price range. Will something to deal with jitter be necessary or will the dac handle it?
2. Interconnects. I have read that with analogue devices, turntable to amp, etc., a coat hanger works as well as the most expensive cables. In short, a lot of money is wasted on cables. Don't know it this is true. Thoughts? Then there's the digital stuff. How concerned should I be regarding the digital devices? (M-Audio to Jitter reducer and/or MSB?)3. Are there any issues using Windows Media Player as the program to serve up the music if I rip files using a program like Exact Audio Copy.

I'm sorta new with this stuff though I've been ripping music for years.What got me started down the road of wanting the best music system I can afford (moderate in the extreme)was the acquisition of the Dyna amp about a year ago.Didn't know I'd been doing the equivalent of McDonalds musically! Thanks in advance for your reply.
boleary3

Showing 1 response by boleary3

Very much appreciate your reply. Somewhere in the back of my mind I've wondered about the M-Audio translation of usb to spdif. I think I'll start a new thread just asking about that issue.

Will research the Meridian and the cables you're using.

Thanks