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Importance of computer for DAC shootout

I am using a perfectwave DAC + bridge + modwright 36.5 LS/PS preamp to stream flacs over my network. Very happy with the sound, but intrigued by the idea of getting better SQ for less $$$ I will soon be auditioning an Antelope Zodiac Gold + Volticus over USB, directly into my poweramp. Being able to take out the modwright alone would pay for the new DAC. My only concern is the Computer I will be using for this shootout. I have a Dell laptop and an Asus media PC, both with USB 1.0.

If I opt for the Zodiac I will go all out on computer source (may be mach2music), but I don't want to invest before knowing if I even want to go down the USB path.

In you estimation, is there any chance of the computer used in my shootout distorting the outcome? Would I be better off using my Marantz ud9004 S/PDIF source for the Zodiac, and then get a better computer if the Zodiac wins the contest?

Or are the difference between computer sources small and will I be able to conclude which is the better DAC using a mediocre PC as the source for the Zodiac. Any advise on how to set up the hardware for the shootout is welcome.
edorr
sgr's avatar
sgr
689 posts
 
4est,
What is your preference in file types? What were the differences you heard?
ultra_fi
24 posts
 
In my experience, I think the chances of you getting a meaningful result with either of these computers is about.....

0
None
Zilch
Nada.

Beg or borrow something...
edorr OP
714 posts
 
Depressing news guys - but good to know in advance and not screw up my shootout. I just made an offer on the Mac mini listed on A'gon. That should solve my problem for the shootout. If I end up keeping the Zodiac, I can either get this Mac upgraded to mach2music specs or sell it and get a 2011 mach2music model.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Mach2 is a good choice, however comparing USB DACs is dominated by the quality of the USB interface and master clock.

If you read the last 3 or4 DAC reviews by Steven Stone in TAS, you will see that once you provide the DAC with a really low jitter digital signal, they all start to sound very similar. The diference in a 1K DAC and a 6K DAC becomes quite small.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
edorr OP
714 posts
 
There are so many conflicting opinions and observations about what it takes to turn bits into a good analog signal I have no clue what advise to go by. You can spend over $3K on the latest mach2music with external powersupply and audiophile USB cable, while your DAC manufacturer will tell you your asynchronous USB DAC is pretty much immune to the source anyway. You can spend 10K on a tube preamp and your DAC manufacturer will tell you taking it out of the chain will improve SQ. So I only go by personal observations in my own system - I have no experience with USB DACs but in my experience DACs in general make a huge difference (transports not so much). Just want to give the Zodiac Gold a whirl, simply because it gets good press and it would pay for itself if I can take out my preamp. If it does not deliver the goods it is up for sale in A'gon. How far I need to go optimizing my digital source is still a shot in the dark for me, notwithstanding all the advise I have been getting. I'll probably get a mini mac to be safe and upgrade to mach2music if I decide to go the USB route.
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