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Is computer audio a bust?

In recent months, I have had several audio acquaintances return to CDPs claiming improved SQ versus their highly optimized computer transports (SS drives, external power supplies, etc, etc).

I wanted to poll people on their experiences with computer "transports." What variables have had the most impact on sonics? If you bailed on computers, why?

I personally have always believed that the transport, whether its a plastic disc spinner or computer, is as or more important than the dac itself and thus considerable thought and energy is required.

agear
agear OP
1,362 posts
 
My mind keeps floating back to what is the optimal digital interface for connecting your "computer" to a dac. As Clio suggested earlier in the thread, I am wondering whether Ethernet is inherently superior to other options such as USB. More technical heads out there than moi please chime in....
clio09
3,345 posts
 
What I like about Ethernet is there is no timing involved from the NAS to the streamer. Also, in my case since the streamer and renderer are one and the same, the clocking is done at only one point in the chain. In my opinion this is probably the simplest signal path.

Now to leverage my Lessloss DAC I just purchased an Auralic Aries. This set up will require a cable between it and the DAC with asynchronous clocking. Not necessarily a bad thing, just one more step in the chain. It will be interesting to see how this set up works out.

FWIW I also own an Audiophileo USB converter. It's in the closet right now, but it served me quite well before I put all my eggs in the Ethernet basket.
agear OP
1,362 posts
 
Clio, keep us posted on your findings. I like my Aries. I am still screwing around with things. I run a faux NAS via a Mac Mini using Minimserver and have wondered if dedicated, audiophile grade NAS would be better in terms of SQ.

My gut still tells me that a true flash drive transport such as the one being created by Lessloss will crush everything we are currently using....
clio09
3,345 posts
 
The NAS will be better than the Mini if you believe less is more. I have a Synology and run MinimServer on it. A 4 bay model with 4 1TB Western Digtal Red drives in Raid 1 configuration.

The flash drive by LessLoss won't be able to crush anything if they do not get it out to market. I understand pricing could reach stratospheric levels and therefore only be able affordable to a minority of audiophiles.

For the money the Aries is too good to be true. So I am eager to get in in my system. I really had eyes on the Sonore Rendu but the new version is nearly 3k and I do not believe it offers as many features as the Aries.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
You guys will find that usb is the poorest interface. Glad to see the experiment because the masses were given USB from the beginning and with blinders firmly installed, have never looked past it. The belly button interface - every computer has one. Must be the best way to get sound out of a computer-NOT. Look at what travels along a USB bus - all the pollution Why would I want my music coming put of a USB port? Some guys are at least investing in a USB PCI or PCIe card, which is a thousand times better than the standard usb port.
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