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Best PC motherboards for USB Audio?

I need to build a new workstation (Intel 9th gen i7) and was listening to this podcast from Darko on " Why isn't digital audio simply a matter of ones and zeroes?" (https://soundcloud.com/johnhdarko/why-digital-audio-isnt-just-ones-and-zeroes) where the Director of R&D at Innuous mentions PC motherboards are important for USB audio in terms of the quality of connection they deliver to the DAC. So question: does anyone have evidence (hard or annecdotal) of which motherboards are worse/better than others on their USB implementation for the noise/jitter they deliver on the USB connection? 
wqgq_641
erik_squires
16,557 posts
 
Sorry, i did not mean to move the power supply out of the PC! :)

I meant to locate the PC power supply plug so it is on the "dirty" side of your power conditioner. The "dirty" side of the conditioner is where it connects to the wall. The "clean" side (or inside) are the power plugs on it you attach components to. If you attach a dirty component to the clean side, you risk polluting it.

Some nice power conditioners have multiple separate filter banks, which you could also take advantage of if possible.
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,381 posts
 
@wqgq_641,
If you have to stick to one computer for general use and audio use, then @erik_squires suggestions regarding power supply and isolation are on point. 

However, consider if you can instead sticking with the current pc for other use and invest in a dedicated network player running linux. Moving mechanical spinning discs to a NAS in another room is absolutely a benefit in sound quality, regardless of the USB/ethernet discussion. If your library is small external SSDs might be another option(although generally too expensive IMHO).

Have you read about projects utilizing Raspberry Pi with Volumio app? They sound startling good vs. most of the PC based setups I've heard and they are super affordable. With your building skills, could be a great fit! I have a friend who's built a few that I could hook you up with for any email questions etc., if you like that idea. DIYaudio has lots of coverage on them. Cheers,
Spencer
erik_squires
16,557 posts
 
I’m using a Raspberry Pi Logitech Media player based system, it sounds great. It's feeding my Mytek Brooklyn. I think including the 256 GB thumb drive I still paid less than $150. A bargain in these circles.

Maybe for christmas I’ll spend $50 and upgrade the wall wart to an iFi low noise model. It’s still switching, but at least the Pi side is clean.

https://amzn.to/2U5CSkR
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