Is computer audio a bust?

Remember when CD spinners were a bust? It was not that long ago. They have gotten a LOT better just over the last 5 years. Many of them are simply computer audio inside too. These tend to sound the best has deliver the lowest jitter.

Same thing will happen with USB, and it already has for some manufacturers. Most are lagging in the performance of their designs, just like what happened with CD players. They will eventually catch-up.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Get a sound card. ESI juli@ for $149. Spdif out. All you need, plus a coax cable into your dac.

Sorry. You need a desktop for a sound card. Just noticed you have a notebook.

I actually think you are all being a bit unfair. None of you have tried anything other than the USB. And you're knocking me. Unreal. I'm not asking anyone to trash anything and there can be no other analogy. I'm saying, rather than something "universal", why not try something specifically for audio?

"Is computer Audio a Bust?"

Is this a serious question?? If so, the one asking is grossly uninformed and/or naive. Computer audio, when properly executed, is well established as a superior source compared to anything but a mega $$ CDP. Well done vinyl is still the best, but requires far more investment and involvement. The convenience of computer audio is inarguable. Done well, it is fantastic.

I have owned 5 different DAC's over the last 10 years, and still own 3 of them, the best one still in use in my 2nd system. My main system is served by a Lumin A-1 music server with NAS, instead of choosing vinyl much of the time!

Rather than a bust, computer audio IS the way of the future!