2. digital
  3. 159217-149317

USB sucks

USB really isn‘t the right connection between DAC and Server: depending on cables used, you get very different sound quality if the server manages to recognise the DAC at all. Some time ago I replaced my highly tuned Mac Mini (by now-defunct Mach2mini, running Puremusic via USB) with an Innuos Zenith Mk3. For starters I couldn‘t get the DAC (Antelope Zodiac Gold) and server to recognise each other, transmission from the server under USB2.0 wasn‘t possible because the server is Linux based (mind, both alledgedly support the USB2.0 standard) and when I finally got them to talk to each other (by using Artisansilvercables (pure silver) the sound quality was ho-hum. While I understand the conceptual attraction to have the master clock near the converter under asynchronous USB, the connection‘s vagaries (need for exact 90 Ohms impedance, proneness to IFR interference, need to properly shield the 5v power line, short cable runs) makes one wonder, why one wouldn‘t do better to update I2S or S/PDIF or at the higher end use AES/EBU. After more than 20 years of digital playback, the wide variety of outcomes from minor changes seems unacceptable.

Since then and after a lot of playing around I have replaced the silver cables by Uptone USPCB rigid connectors, inserted an Intona Isolator 2.0 and Schiit EITR converting USB to S/PDIF. Connection to the DAC is via Acoustic Revive DSIX powered by a Kingrex LPS.

The amount of back and forth to make all this work is mindboggling, depending on choice of USB cables (with and without separate 5V connection, short, thick and God-knows what else) is hard to believe for something called a standard interface and the differences in sound quality make any review of USB products arbitrary verging on meaningless.

Obviously S/PDIF gives you no native PCM or DSD but, hey, most recordings still are redbook, anyway.
Conversely it is plug and play although quality of the cable still matters but finally it got me the sound quality I was looking for. It may not be the future but nor should USB, given all the shortcomings. Why is the industry promoting a standard that clearly isn‘t fit for purpose?

Finally, I invite the Bits-are-bits naysayers to go on a similar journey, it just might prove to be educational.
antigrunge2
bilaltata
14 posts
 
@djones51 

I have an anthem STR integrated as well. I have a USB going from my NUC running Roon rock (Standard USB cable that came with Anthem. I also have a Balanced analogue signal going to the STR thru my PS Audio DS DAC with Bridge 2. I have tried many a times but it is very difficult for me to hear differences if any between the two inputs. Don't see the point of keeping the DS DAC since I feel the Anthem DAC with the USB is doing a super job. Btw, I keep the analogue signal in the 'analogue direct' mode to keep the STR for messing with the signal. But yes, don't hear much difference at all between the two sources. 
Both sources are fed thru Roon playing files from Tidal. 
Speakers are Focal Sopra 3. 
djones51
4,947 posts
 
@bilaltata
That’s similar to my experience. I’ve tried an Aurender, Benchmark DAC and a few others, I’ve noticed very little if any difference from a simple NUC running ROCK in my office and a little raspberry pi4 as a bridge connected USB to the Anthem. I’ve never found this problem some seem to have with USB. I think it’s more a case that USB used to be prone to jitter and sync issues but in asynchronous mode and isolation that most good DACs employ it’s not really a problem anymore. It's a case where people have been told for years USB isn't a good protocol for audio and years ago it had some merit,not now.
toetapaudio
474 posts
 
Never had a problem with USB, set up Fidata/Sablon Elite USB/Bakoon dac.
antigrunge2 OP
1,440 posts
 
It would be helpful if all those protesting would actually post comparisons of USB  with other formats that there DACs/servers provide. 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
samzx12
1,220 posts
 
My Audience USB cable works great from my LUMIN U1 Mini to T+A DAC 8.  I doubt companies would be making or investing in audiophile USB cables if they suck lol. 
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