for streaming why not computer/galvanic isolation/DAC clock?


Hello and thanks for your help. I have been trying to figure out how to best stream to my set up and looked at many alternatives, all the conflicting posts  etc etc. I just wonder why one cannot use a computer with a device for good  galvanic isolation, and rely on the clock within the DAC to eliminate issues of jitter. If one is worried about SQ only (not the features of the software) what is wrong with this simple set up?  I bought a mac mini with extra memory (had dropouts until I upped the memory) and use an Innuos device for galvanic isolation. The Innuos has no external power supply and is built to use the power from the input USB, so no power in at that point (suppose a different device with linear power supply might make an improvement). I run a 3 foot long USB to the Innuous to keep noise away from my stuff. All power cords and interconnects are shielded and show nothing when I use a sniffer, even the one for the computer (you can get one of those from a company focused on people worried about EMI and health). I have Roon on the mini, and use the mini as the Roon server. When I use WiFi rather than an ethernet connection there are no dropouts;  I assume that is better than bringing in noise from ethernte. Thanks for your help - a mac mini is not cheap, but costs far less than high end streamers. Do people pay for the file management etc, or is the SQ better with a dedicated streamer? (My setup: RME ADI2 or Qutest DAC, ARC LS25 II pre, McIntosh 462 power amp).

arhgef

Amazingly when I plug anything into the “high current” outlet on the Panamax I get all sorts of noise coming out of the components, revealed by the sniffer. Even if I put in a simple floor lamp with no bulb in the socket, the noise appears, with lamp turned off. Completely silent when I use only the low current outlets. The components that become noisy are plugged into those low current outlets. 

If antenna why only on the high current input? I think your explanation makes sense, but what do I know. . The main point of the post it’s to understand why a galvanicallu isolated computer into an independent clock can be improved upon (in terms of SQ). I guess I am clouding it with other questions. 
 

Yeah, this whole high-end streamer thing is a total sham to separate you from your money.  There’s clearly nothing to it.  Just keep rocking that Mac Mini cause it ain’t gonna get better than that.  For you.  Sad.

PS - USB cables can have a ground loop that isn’t audible as hum. Sometimes it’s just significantly higher jitter. In my case though I’ve definitely had the audible kind when using a very long USB cable from a remote PC.

Normally I use a Pi as my streamer with an iFi power adapter to eliminate noise being fed into my AC.

 

If you are using a laptop, you can test this somewhat by unplugging the power adapter from the wall while listening.  No difference means you don't have a problem.