2. pc-audio
  3. 1340332136

where next to go?

Loosing track now of how long I've been dabbling with computer audio... something like 12-18 months of constant experimentation and tweaking. Many problems solved but one problem just doesn't seem to resolve; to wit, the human voice on many recordings sounds grainy/raspy, like an old black and white photograph shot with fast film at the compromise of fine detail. My LP's still best digital side by side where singing comes into play.

So my question; given that this is a digital only problem in a system where PC audio betters digital disc, has anyone else experienced/resolved this with upgrading their D-A chain? Trying to decide what should I target next.. the async USB converter or the DAC?

Current D-A chain
Vlink Async USB converter (96khz version)
PS Audio Dlink III

Using JRiver player with JPlay add on (JPlay actually works!!)
PC built from scratch as music server.
All uncompressed wav files for playback.
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drubin
3,265 posts
 
Have you been over to Computer Audiophile?
kcufnogoidua
12 posts
 
I tried for quite some time to get digital that rivals vinyl. I could never do it using PC audio playing software. I finally bought a Sonos system and now stream lossless (FLAC) encoded files from a PC. I run the Sonos direct into Audio Note monoblocks with a full horn system.
I have tried many DACS in the 1 to 2k price range, being fed by the Sonos, but in the end, the Sonos direct has the most natural and organic sound, that I ended up keeping it and selling the DACS. Its almost embarrassing that the Sonos beat out the rest of the DAC's, but it really is that good.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
David - the most important thing in ANY digital audio system is the master clock(s), whether it is Squeezebox, CD transport or USB interface, even more important than the DAC design. If you are ever to eliminate this grainy, raspy sound, you will need a better master clock. Just buying another DAC will probably not cut it. The DAC you have is probably fine if it is driven from a low-jitter source.

It is possible to get analog sound from digital:
http://www.stereophile.com/content/empirical-audio

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
edorr
714 posts
 
David, both your USB converter and DAC are not cream of the crop. You should either upgrade your USB converter (which will provide the all important clock to the DAC), or get a stellar asynchronous USB DAC.I would personally go the USB Dac route. Some of the top contenders are (bit there are many more):

Wyred4 sound DAC2
Ayre DB9
PS audio Perfectwave MKII (MKI need not apply for USB source)
Emprical Audio overdrive
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