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spdif/USB converter vs DAC upgrade

Right now I am not really using any computer based audio source. I do have my old laptop connected to my integrated amp using the headphones output. My laptop does not have a SP/dif output. This setup is only used during parties when people want to play you-tube/spotify stuff. However I am thinking about buying a NAS and use DBpoweramp to rip my CD collection. But then to get a half decent sound I need to use the USB output of the laptop. That means that I have more or less 2 options.
1) I buy a USB to SP/diff converter like Stello U3/SOTM dx-USB etc and maybe buy something like the ifi usb power. Then connect it to my Wadia 12.
2) Buy a new DAC something like the Schiit Gungnir/Metrum Octave mkII with a USB input.

Both options have their pros and cons. In the far future I might need to upgrade my DAC anyway for high ress audio. But for ripped CDs 16/44.1 is good enough. I am looking for something that is at least as good as my CEC TL51x Wadia 12 combo.

But maybe a cheaper solution like a Schitt Bitforst or the M2tech USB evo will be good enough. It would be great if the future streaming would sound a lot better when compared with my CEC transport. But I am not willing to spend lots of money to gain a slight improvement.
mordante
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"Why not just get a I2S output card for a PC and then use a DAC with I2S input."

Because the jitter from ALL PCI cards is terrible. It's the master clock that you must optimize. This is analogous to the Cartridge in a vinyl system. This is the key part to get a good result.

Its not just that the Off-Ramp has I2S output. Its the low-jitter clocks. That is why it beats PCI cards.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
If you are using PCs, I think Steve's OffRamp converters are the way to go.

If you are using Macs and want to use Audirvana Plus, I'd recommend a USB-SPDIF that supports Direct/Integer modes such as the Wavelength Wavelink HS.

Like Steve says, USB-SPDIF devices vary in implementations and sound quality.

If your software doesn't support Direct/Integer modes, Steve's OffRamp is a much better sounding solution (tho at a higher price).

That said, I read elsewhere that Steve's next OffRamp would include a Direct/Integer mode compatible interface as well.
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Doggie, I'm using Mac and Pure Music. Is that Direct/Integer?
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
Pure Music supports Integer mode in Snow Leopard. Apple changed the core audio API in Lion and Mountain Lion which broke Integer mode for Pure Music (and Audirvana Plus). But Audirvana's creator found another way to enable Direct/Integer mode with Lion and Mountain Lion which IMHO sounds better.

Pure Music claims this method of accessing Integer mode is not recommended. I gather the direct I/O access on A+ may conflict with other OS I/O commands but on my dedicated for music Mac Mini, it has not been an issue. I also use it with an MBP Retina (which is not dedicated) but I make sure I don't run other apps when A+ is running and that has worked fine as well.
vicdamone
850 posts
 
Damn, this is the first I've heard of this detail of compatibility. Makes me take a step back and wonder just how much more fidelity is lurking in my systems or if some of my choices are fundamentally correct.
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