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Is computer audio a bust?

In recent months, I have had several audio acquaintances return to CDPs claiming improved SQ versus their highly optimized computer transports (SS drives, external power supplies, etc, etc).

I wanted to poll people on their experiences with computer "transports." What variables have had the most impact on sonics? If you bailed on computers, why?

I personally have always believed that the transport, whether its a plastic disc spinner or computer, is as or more important than the dac itself and thus considerable thought and energy is required.

agear
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Being an audio dinosaur, I am happily feeding redbooks from the SPDIF coax of my Esoteric X-01 into a Rowland Aeris DAC/pre, which upsamples the signal to 192K.

Eventually, if the techno-dust settles, I might become persuaded to migrate to a dedicated music server, such as the Bryston BDP-2, or hypothetical follow-on device that supports data rates higher than 192K... and a large internal solid-state storage option.

"eventually" means that I am not experiencing any kind of obsessive compulsion to do so in the short term.

G.
clio09
3,355 posts
 
Andrew, it was what was subtracted by adding Ethernet that made the difference in my opinion.

No more reliance on Mac Mini and all the tweaks/upgrades.
No more reliance on JRiver or other music software packages to play music.
No more reliance on USB converters or USB in general (which I never really embraced).
No more computer next to my system.

In exchange I have a NAS now loaded with about 500GB of music. I run MinimServer on the NAS. The NAS is connected to my router (which I have always had). I run a 35 ft. Ethernet cable to my Resolution Audio Cantata. Music streamed from NAS to Cantata using iPad and PlugPlayer control point.

I am still interested in trying the Lampizator transport with my Lessloss DAC for comparative purposes because I am told the wifi is superior to wired Ethernet. Not sure I buy that statement completely though as Resolution Audio states the opposite with their Cantata.
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,680 posts
 
Agear asked: What servers platforms are you using and what is your source materials for multi-channel tunes?
1. Files are stored on a NAS in remote room.
2. Network is hard-wired.
3. Fanless, PC-based servers runs JRiver MC on SSD.
4. USB-connected DACs
5. Multichannel analog preamp/control

Can play PCM/FLAC/DSF/DFF/ISO/DXD. Files are rips and downloads.
joecasey
484 posts
 
Eventually, if the techno-dust settles, I might become persuaded to migrate to a dedicated music server, such as the Bryston BDP-2, or hypothetical follow-on device that supports data rates higher than 192K... and a large internal solid-state storage option.
Bryston BDP-2 buffers data in memory (I believe at least 1 track) before play so SQ should not be dependent on data storage device.

Wired ethernet network has had the most impact on sonics ...
Try replacing your generic with AQ ethernet cable.

I am still interested in trying the Lampizator transport with my Lessloss DAC for comparative purposes because I am told the wifi is superior to wired Ethernet. Not sure I buy that statement completely though as Resolution Audio states the opposite with their Cantata.
IMO, that's BS!
agear OP
1,362 posts
 
07-15-14: Audiolabyrinth
I believe computer audio is a passing fad, computers do not have quality capacitors, transformers, power supplies,not balanced, no real analog section,then there is the endless Rabit hole of having this and that software etc.., I know many that have returned to Dacs and cd-players., computer audio will go in the way of sacd!

Lord have mercy. That will start the ball rolling....lol.
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