2. pc-audio
  3. 1385145497

What is the missing element?

My pc audio setup currently is as follows

PC (Lossless audio through Jriver) > V-link (first model) > Rega Dac > Jolida JD1501 > KEF LS50s

The Rega was probably the first component I bought that completely transformed the sound of my system. The difference it made was simply huge.

I then added the v-link to support higher resolution audio through the s/pdif connection. Again, the sound noticeably improved. The soundstage was bigger, and the music just sounded fuller. Without the v-link the music sounds quite a bit smaller through the usb input.

The Kefs were the next big leap forward for my system. I simply cant believe how big a sound these tiny little speakers put out.

Now, originally most of my listening was through the setup listed above. However, the addition of a thorens TD-160 has gotten me into vinyl in a big way and now I really don't like the sound of digital. By comparison it sounds like congested chaos, has a rough texture (especially noticeable in voices)and overall is just very brash sounding. I simply can not stand it at loud volumes. Nothing like the polite orderly smoothness I hear on vinyl which constantly has me turning up the volume.

I had all but completely switched to listening to music on my turntable while the rega was relegated to streaming pandora or youtube as background music and always at low volumes. Then, some time spent with a naim cd player reminded me just how good a digital source can sound. So my question is how can I bridge the gap? I have been reading a lot about jitter and I am wondering if that is holding the rega back. I've read that the v-link measures at right around 400ps while other digital transports like the audiophilleo measure well below 100ps. Would replacing the v-link with an audiophilleo or another s/pdif converter give me the sound I am looking for? Is the problem with the nature of computer audio itself and I should just be looking for a good CD player? I am slowly driving myself crazy over this.
128x128megido
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Megido,
Would you consider trying Cerrot's modest cost suggestion of the 150.00 sound card before spending more on a USB converter?
megido's avatar
megido OP
29 posts
 
I'm certainly open to it if it will give better performance. I can't seem to find any jitter measurements on it though and see several reviews of it's s/pdif output being bested by usb converters such as the audiophilleo.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
There is no usb on the planet that has lower jitter than an spdif output-it is impossible. Remember, USB transmits data in packets, not streams, which is why it is so poor. Music should be transmitted in data streams, not packets. The whole USB to spdif converter thing is a sham. They cost anywhere from $200 to $2,000 and none of them do it as good as not doing it at all.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Cerrot,
Why the popularity of USB if the less expensive sound card-SPDIF is better sounding per your assertion? I find this interesting.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,576 posts
 
Steve (Audioengr) knows his stuff and is expert on this subject....expert. Hard to find folks who are truly expert, but Steve is one. Read the links he gave. Follow his advice and experience computer based audio that transcends.

I have followed his advice and can confirm he knows what he is talking about. The last piece of advice from Steve that I listened to was using the Amarra EQ tool to assure a flat room response curve. My room response is now flat from 25htz to 25,000 htz! This has been the single best improvement I have heard in my system in over 25 years of this passion.
My room is treated, but it was not until I actually measured my room response and used the Amarra EQ tool to fix it, that I was really able to hear my great gear as intended. Absolutely astounding.

My $12,000 speakers sound like $50,000 plus speakers!

Read what he says in those links and on his site if you want the best sounding source possible.......period. I know as I have tried all manner of front ends for the past 25 - 30 years and Steve is into something.
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