One could also describe usb boards in dacs as band aids and/or add ons. No need for detour through usb boards when using either ethernet or I2S inputs.
Just Get A Better DAC?
I see that many of you are adding clocks, DDCs and whatever other boxes for better digital. To those of you who have done this, do you think it would have been a better investment to just buy a better dac? I realize that it may be financially easier to add pieces one at a time, but I was wondering what those who have done it think. Plus, less boxes and cables, which is a blessing, IMO. I guess this would also apply to those putting boxes in front of their streamers.
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Of the many DAC's we tested, The USB connection was always inferior sounding compared to the other inputs (i2s, AES, coax and optical). The i2s input seems to be slightly better on some DAC's. If you have a streamer that only outputs USB I would recommend a good DDC to convert the USB to ether i2s or one of the other outputs. A good DDC will strip, rebuild the clock and clean up the power from the noisy USB output. This makes quite a large improvement in sound quality. Jitter and noise is your enemy here when using USB. If your streamer outputs i2s, AES, optical or coax I would use one of them (Most likely no need for a DDC). If you want to output higher resolutions of 384 kHz / 2x – 4x DSD or higher you would need to use the i2s as the other outputs only support up to 192 kHz and 1x DSD.
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You might consider a DAC that is not designed around reclockers at all--use the money to upgrade to a DAC that already has a great master clocker. Years back, I had a high end (at that time) Denafrips then added a DDC reclocker and it was a sonic improvement--in that environment. I evolved away from that setup with a clearly more refined Lampizator (no need for reclocker) and now with SW1X. The price tag for the upper SW1X models may be prohibitive but they make some excellent models in their lower-tier DACS. These are designed specifically to not need any "enhancements" or signal shapers. If considering them, be sure to make sure you have a streamer that blends well with SPDIF connections. Here is their philosophy about reclocking: https://sw1xad.co.uk/technology_post/why-re-clocking-of-sw1x-dacs-is-a-bad-idea/ |
Hi, I am an importer for audio. I have personally had over 60 different dacs, stopped counting. From my experience the digital cable has a huge effect and also making sure the DAC and source like the same digital connection. Some DAC manufactures like i2s so hooking the DAC to a source that is USB focused can be a mistake. IMHO find a great DAC and hook it to a compatible source with a great cable. I am also a huge fan of Reiki products. Cheers, Robert Neill President Worldwide Wholesales
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Thanks for the advice which come from an expert..
Welcome on audiogon in the name of all here ...
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