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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
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,406 posts
 
There is no difference in information content between lossless compressed flac and uncompressed. If it sounds different there is some other reason for that. I moved from uncompressed lossless wav to compressed lossless flac with no problem.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Mapman, yes the difference is the latency of the computer unwrapping the Flacs. The sound is different than uncompressed Wav files. All of my newer files are stored in DSD and all are replayed in double DSD. I also have some music recorded in double DSD.

My best sounding digital is Essence of Music SACD done into DSD-big but beautiful.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,406 posts
 
Tbg,

agree the processing is different and may or may not be done well. Should not be a problem if done properly. Any modern computer with good software should be up to the task but that does not guarantee it is done correctly with best possible sound in mind.

FWIW software processing of uncompressed files can vary and be done well or not also so format alone assures nothing.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Mapman, so who or what does it right and why? All I know is that alway WAV files sound different and better than FLAC files.

I will soon have a dac with two computers. One will only do music and the other will do everything else. And there will be precision clocks for both and no opamps or switching power supplies.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,406 posts
 
The same way you know what other audio components might sound good, by doing homework, auditioning and comparing the options.

I play FLAc files via 2 different Squeezebox touch units that I played .WAV prior. I also play them via PLEX application on Amazon fire box using toslink out to DAC. I am very happy with the results with both.
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