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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
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.
mesch
3,509 posts
 
Wow, like this thread. I am currently using a mac mini with pure music. Looking to upgrade my USB/SPDIF converter and DAC. Currently using a hi face with PS audio DL III. Was leaning towards audiophellio2, not sure about DAC. This compatibility has me rethinking.
doggiehowser
672 posts
 
Audiophileo supports Direct Mode with Audirvana and Lion/Mountain Lion.

If you are running Pure Music on Snow Leopard. No issue. Integer works on Audiophileo on that system too.
vicdamone
850 posts
 
So, to be clear. I'm running Pure Music with a Mac Mini (10.7.5 Lion?) which has the changed core audio API?

Any suggestions with this system?

Comcast modem > ethernet cable > Mac Mini 10.7.5 Pure music (Samsung Blu-ray Disc) > MeiCord ethernet cable > Apple Time Machine wireless > Logitech Squeezebox Touch with Channel Island Linear P/S> Straight Wire Data-Link RCA cable > Metrum Acoustics Octave NOS DAC,

I was considering simply adding The Empirical SM reclocker between the Squeezebox and the DAC since my main media source is vinyl.

But now I'm not sure if an iPad controlled dedicated Mini > USB/SPDIF converter > BNC equipped DAC would be a substantial improvement as well as aid in future flexibility.
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