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Server to DAC connection

Robert Harley recently reviewed the top Aurender server, which offers several choices of connection to a DAC. He preferred USB via a Berkeley Alpha USB converter. By adding a cable and complicated piece of hardware, this seems to go against the 'simpler is better' philosophy. But, I wonder if there might be an overall gain with the Berkeley. I have the Aurender N10, and I'm currently using the SPDIF connection, as my DAC does not have a USB input. I'm thinking of trying the Berkeley Alpha USB. Has anyone else compared the Berkeley to AES or SPDIF? For those with a USB DAC, how does the Berkeley compare to a direct USB connection?
psag
psag OP
517 posts
 
lalitk,
I did briefly compare the M2-tech HiFace Evo to SPDIF, and I preferred the M2-tech. However in the process of fiddling with the M2-tech, I  damaged it. It is not a robustly made unit. My understanding is that the Berkeley is even better than the M2-tech.

KTK,
I don't think Harley explained the reason he preferred the Berkeley converter to AES or SPDIF. But, I suspect its related to the reduction of jitter and the re-clocking that occurs in the Berkeley.
psag OP
517 posts
 
Based on the above responses, one could surmise that direct SPDIF beats direct USB, but USB converter (Berkeley or M2-tech) beats them both.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,137 posts
 
You're making way too much of Harley's statement.  I just don't think you can generalize about what connection is better across different systems with different digital components.  The exact implementation of the interfaces can easily override any theoretical considerations.  If you setup allows multiple signal paths, then take the time to try each one and determine which one you prefer.
lalitk's avatar
lalitk
5,055 posts
 
psag,  

IMO, N10 does a great job of minimizing digital noise and jitter control.  If you do end up up trying Alpha USB, please post your finding here.

Here's to another tweak and relentless pursuit for audio nirvana 🍻
mitch2
3,687 posts
 
 I went with an Audiophelio usb to spdif converter, and this dramatically bettered the straight usb to usb connection in every musical sense.
Kennythekey, I am considering trying a converter (Off Ramp 5) with a server that has only a USB output.  I would be interested to hear specifically how the USB to SPDIF converter bettered the straight USB connection with your server.  Also, what server were you using at the time, and were you using the 5V power leg of the USB cable into your DAC?  I am wondering if the reason some who report better sound with SPDIF connections through converters are experiencing worse sound because of noisy 5V power going through the USB cable.
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