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Reducing PC Jitter

Hi Everyone.

It is my understanding that (1) one of the issues w/ obtainig good music sound from a computer is jitter and (2) there is more jitter with a USB out than w/ optical or coax out.

In reading this and other Forums and articles in the zines (both hard copy and on-line), it appears to me that to address jitter, especially w/ USB out, one needs a high end USB DAC w/ internal jitter reduction (like starting with the $3000 Bel Canto DAC3 and moving up to the over $8000 range like Wavelenght and Empirical). Or, one could use a "cheap" DAC in the $200 to $500 range (w/o much jitter reduction)in conjunction with a USB to coax and/or optical converter which also has jitter reduction capabiltiy (like a Monarchy DIP ($250 to $300), the new Bel Canto USB Link ($495), an Empirical Off-Ramp 3 w/Superclock4 ($999 to $1425) or an Altmann JISCO ($500 if you can find one).

The most I can spend in 2009 on a solution for USB to analog preamp connection is $500. I see my choices as either:
> a $500 USB DAC, or
> a Monarchy DIP ( I have an inexpensive Behringer USB to optical converter to connect to a DIP) plus a $200 DAC.

Alternatively, I can limp along for a year and save up for either (1) the Off-Ramp3 plus a $500 DAC or (2)a $1500 USB DAC that has decent jitter reduction.

Any advice would be appreciated.
mmarvin19
aljordan
46 posts
 
There is another manner to reduce jitter on USB connections, and that is to use a computer that has an extremely good USB implementation. The Fit-PC Slim has no on-board switching power supplies and an extremely clean USB output. The PC is low powered and can be driven off a linear supply or a 12 volt SLA battery, giving the cleanest sound I've heard from a PC transport.

Being a low powered computer, it doesn't have a lot of horsepower for upsampling and such, but it does work great as a network player. I control it with the Squeezebox Duet remote.

Alan
apmaher
29 posts
 
Mike

How do you like the latest DIP version?
mmarvin19 OP
157 posts
 
Hi Apmaher.
I do not have the latest version. I have the DIP Classic. Audio Advisor, where I bought it, calls it the DIP Combo. I beleive the lastest version upsamples. You could check that on the Monarchy web site. My Classic is pre-set at 16/44.1, which is exactly what I want. I can order an internal jumper that will take it up to 24/96, but I don't want that.

I want to send 16/44.1 into my Musiland MD10 DAC which has selectable (not automatic) upsampling.

Anyways, the DIP Classic really added something to my system. I expected a reduction in treble shrillness due to jitter reduction by re-clocking. I was not expecting more clarity in the soundstage over the entire FR. E.G., on many hard rock and metal tracks the rythmn guitar now comes out nice and clear. Before it was getting drowned out by the bass guitar and bass drums. Also, more spatial seperation between bass guitar and bass drum.

I am using the DIP in my computer stereo system. My desk top's only S/PDIF output is an optical out of the 3.5 mini input on the soundcard. I have disabled my soundcard, so I have to use a USB out. The DIP has no USB input. So, I'm using a tiny $30 Behringer head phone amp (the UCA202)to convert USB to optical. Today I ordered from Cryo-Parts/Locus Design a true USB to S/PDIF converter: the Pop Pulse SPDIF II. Hopefully, this converter will provide even more SQ improvemnt, but I'm not holding my breath.

Mike
apmaher
29 posts
 
I have 3 different pc audio set ups. The oldest is a Digital Audio Labs CardDeluxe> Monarchy Audio DIP Classic (24/96 mod) > Benchmark DAC version 2. The DAL offers a isolated ground with excellent SRC. The hook up is Canare L5CFB coax and DA 206 AES/EBU cabling. The sound quality is excellent in this set up.

The next set up: DAL CardDeluxe > Apogee Big Ben > Apogee Rosetta 200. This set up is a major step up in pc audio performance.

My latest set up is just a simple WireWorld USB out to a Benchmark DAC1 pre...the later Benchmark is definitely improved over the other that I own. I wouldn't go as far to say it's in the same league as the Apogee combo, but it's very close out of the box.

Alan
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