Pc to DAC Configuration

In my first attempt at computer audio, my setup was similar to what you are proposing, except that my USB cable length was 6 feet and my S/PDIF cable length was over 20 feet. This was not a great solution. The long S/PDIF cable resulted in lots of jitter, which was plainly audible.

Your proposed solution of a 12 foot USB + 12 foot S/PDIF would probably be a little better, but I suspect it will also result in audible amounts of jitter, unless your dac does a very good job with jitter reduction.

Bryon

How would you describe the sound of this plainly audible jitter?

In my system, the reduction of jitter resulted in three audible improvements: Increased perceived resolution, improved imaging focus, and the removal of high frequency harshness. So, to answer your question, the sound of jitter in my system was decreased perceived resolution, diminished imaging focus, and the presence of high frequency harshness.

If you are wondering how I know that these improvements were attributable to the reduction of jitter...they resulted from the addition of an Empirical Audio reclocker - its raison d'etre is the reduction of jitter.

Bryon

Tvad - I'm using the dac in the Meridian G68, so that I can make use of the G68's bass management and EQ.

However, since robust software for bass management and EQ are now available for Mac, I've been thinking of buying a new dac along with a Mac mini, and keeping the G68 for movies only. I recently borrowed a Wyred DAC 2 from a friend, and I was impressed.

Bryon