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Ready For Digital Source...Computer?

I have speakers and amplification all figured out, now I need a source. No vinyl and not concerned with CD's at this point.
Only steaming online. No Roon either, been there, done that. 

Honestly, (because I need a new computer anyway) I would really like to use a computer to play Spotify (hopefully CD-quality soon), Tidal, Qobuz, etc. but most say a computer is too "Noisy" to use for this purpose. Although, I have heard there are ways around this.

Rather than having to purchase a dedicated music server, does anyone know how to set up a computer as a high-quality music server? I can't really seem to find anything online.

Thanks






high-amp
high-amp OP
508 posts
 

A couple of final contenders:

https://aoshida-audio.com/products/gustard-dac-x26-pro?DIST=Q0U%3D

http://www.economik.com/rme/adi-2-dac-fs/?gclid=CjwKCAiAqIKNBhAIEiwAu_ZLDvn_iaM5hEi__tTdCMU9ACEUGX-1CHg31A9WvnEVGJaI2LvJBbiHiRoCNRQQAvD_BwE

Or the least expensive (yyzsantabarbara raves about):

https://apos.audio/products/topping-d90se-dac

 

auxinput
2,920 posts
 

First thing to realize is that RME is a big name in the pro audio industry (recording studios, etc.).  The price of RME components is significantly higher than other pro audio components.  So you are already paying more for the RME than you would for comparable items.

Second, the RME has additional features for audio analysis and DSP audio EQ.  So you are paying for that as well.  If you need a DAC that has DSP EQ, then it's definitely an option.

There is one youtube video where the guy says the Topping D90 sounds cleaner/better than the RME ADI-2 DAC.  At $764, it's significantly less than the RME. 

The Topping D90 may be a good option if your budget is really low at the $700-800 level, but realize that the D90 has an internal switching power supply.  No way to upgrade to linear power supply here.

 

ok, so let's talk about Gustard X22.  The Gustard X22 is like a "half-version" of the LKS 005.  Good power supplies, dual ESS chips in high current mode.  However, it uses bunches of op amps for both I/V and output stages.  Plus you have Nichicon Gold Tune for main power supply capacitors.  Is the sound good?  Yeah, but you are not going to have the greatest transparency or high frequency "air" in your music.  Even the Topping D90 is more transparent with more "air" than the gustard.   I would actually get the D90 over the Gustard at this point (my personal opinion). 

The Topping D90 is great if you really only at that $800 level, but you're kind of stuck there at that point.  There is no where to go, no way for improvements.

auxinput
2,920 posts
 

The Gustard X22 might be cleaner (less distortion) than the Topping D90.  The Topping might be better in other ways.

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high-amp OP
508 posts
 

auxinput - OK Dr. DAC, thank you for all the detailed and informative advice! With that, I have been in contact with Young at SHENZHENAUDIO. He says he will honor his Black Friday pricing on a L.K.S Audio MH-DA005 until I have finished the remodel on my house.

All the best to you and your family over the holiday season, thanks so much again!

 

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