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Pc to DAC Configuration

Hello all,
Presently, my DAC is located next to my IMac Pc.From there I'm running 30'
inter connect cable to the preamp which is residing on the main audio rack.
My question is: Would it be sonically beneficial to move the DAC back to main rig , so I can use my high end audio cable and thus eliminate r f distortion
that's associated with such long runs?
My proposed configuration would be: IMac>12' USB>Bel Canto 24/96 USB Link>12'S/PDIF>DAC.
Will this configuration be better than my current set up?
Thanks all of you for your response.
Regards,
Rod
rodvujovicsr
4est
507 posts
 
It depends a lot on the analog section of the DAC ect. You may also consider using just a 24' long spdif cable.
bryoncunningham
890 posts
 
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
koegz
317 posts
 
I have my music server(computer) next to my rack with the dac(usb) and the rest of my electronics. I use a remote computer to operate the server wirelessly. It is fantastic! I am using windows 7 and jrivers. They are great together. I could not be happier with it. I am a vinyl guy, but, finally digital makes sence. I am still a vinyl guy with digital on the side.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
The USB interface on the BelCanto is Adaptive, not Async, so it is sensitive to jitter. I had a similar interface (CEntrance) in my older products. Need to use a good quality 1-1.5m cable.

If you used a newer async USB converter, then you could go with a cheap 16-foot USB cable and shorten your analog interconnect. This would be an improvement in jitter and minimize analog degradation and it would support 176.4 as well as 192.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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