Ripping hardware

@kraftwerkturbo 

I am using a Windows 10 laptop.  The owner of a high-end store told me that he uses a Mac, and I should, too.

Neither one, on its own, is a solid choice for directly feeding a DAC.  But by introducing a quality re-clocker between the laptop (or Mac) and the DAC, that changes everything for the better.

I have no personal experience with a Mac.  The high-end store's owner told me that it is better than a Windows PC, but still needs a re-clocker due to electrically generated noise (from the Mac) and jitter (from the Mac).  Less so than from a Windows laptop, is my understanding.

While researching a good re-clocker (digital-to-digital converter (DDC)), I came across a couple of candidates that were on my short list:

-- Singxer SU-6

-- Denafrips (I do not recall which model)

But I ended up purchasing the Berkeley Audio Design, model Alpha USB Series 2.

There is a reference model, too, that is twice the price of the Series 2.

If I had the means, I would have gone for the reference model.  But the Series 2 model is outstanding.

A significant cost went into my choice of digital cables.  If not for their high cost, I probably would have purchased the reference model.

I have no mass produced digital cables for comparison.  So maybe I spent more than necessary.  But it has been my experience that cables matter, including digital cables.  And the reviewers of these products also used quality digital cables.  That influenced my decision.

So what machine (examples of models, known best bang for buck) should go between terrible computer and DAC?

I gave a couple of examples, above.  I have never heard them.  But until I purchased my Berkeley DDC, I never heard it, either.  The Berkeley's review was accurate.  I can't speak for the others.  But the others got very good reviews.

As far as best bang for the buck, that is too subjective.  I suggest that you read the reviews, and try to determine which one's sound quality would be a good fit for you and your budget.  It is a difficult decision, without being able to hear each of them with your own ears.

I listed my Berkeley choice, and two other brands.  But there are several other brands that make DDCs.  I believe that the three that I considered are among the best.  But, again, based on reviews.  I have no way of listening to each of them, short of buying all of them (which is not doable for me).

Be sure to factor in the type of ports on the DDC.  Make sure there is the right one that is compatible with your DAC.  And then begin your cable-choice journey, and budget, accordingly.

Thank you @seymour-krelborn for all the valuable input.

I now have a much better understanding of the digital signal pass from transport, storage to DAC. Much appreciate the clear and concise information. 

@kraftwerkturbo 

Look for youtube videos on DDCs.  Seeing how people are using them might be helpful.

But like any audio related videos, you never know what you will hear from the host.  They might have good information, or they might not know what they are talking about, or they might have an agenda, or might be getting paid to praise what they have, etc.  But I think that watching a few DDC videos is worthwhile.

Maybe they will comment on which digital cables that are using, and their experiences trying out different digital cables?  Be careful from where you purchase cables.  There are oceans of counterfeit cables out there.  Buy only from an authorized dealer.  The used market might be a great choice, but you could get screwed.

There are not too many Berkeley DDC videos (Berkeley DAC videos are plenty, but not their DDCs).  But I believe that there are a fair number of DDC videos from other brands, like Singxer.