Is computer audio a bust?

I'm with you Abucktoweighty, I have come close to chucking my computer audio setup since my files don't sound as I would like.

As far as Audioengr's statement that "Computer Audio is no different than CD players." Yes, there is a wide range of quality in both, but the implementation in no way compares and that's where computer audio loses fans.

My puter audio is a jukebox and I pick the genre(s) and it plays awesome music while I read or just listen for fun. BUT, for critical listening, vinyl, cd or sacd.

Because USB and networked streaming is new to most manufacturers, the majority of them use off-the-shelf USB modules from one or two third-parties rather than designing their own. The performance is therefore limited to how good these OEM Modules are. I have evaluated some of these and IME, they are fairly poor as a rule.

Steve, but I thought you are using one of those third-party off-the-shelf modules in your current products too, thought with improved clocking and power supplies?

The experience you have with computer audio is therefore completely a function of the manufacturer/designer that you choose. Choose the right one and you will dump the CDP.

As I've wrote many times on these forums, I have done very extensive work when it comes to computer audio, including an external linear power supply for it. Not only 12V like for MacMini, but everything is linear, even the standby power supply. I am running Server 2012 R2 with Audio Optimizer, JRiver, JPLAY and Foobar. My MacBook Pro runs Audirvana that I feel is the best audio playback for Mac, after trying everything else available for iOS.

Still my digital transport is better - it is richer, more extended top to bottom, more refined and silky smooth. This is, to my ears, much closer to my reference vinyl setup that is amongst the best money can buy.

The computer audio is very convenient, but it takes lots of knowledge to make it sound even close to a well designed disc spinner.

Jut my two cents as usual.

Best wishes,
Alex Peychev
APL Hi-Fi

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.

That's where my head is at. I went with the Zardoz French WIFi front end in 2007 for similar reasons (extrication from computer) and preferred it to my Granite Audio 657 CDP at the time. I just moved on for the sake of newer format streaming. I am considering the Auralic Aries but time will tell.

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.

I have heard contradictory info as well. Dan at dbsystems (maker of Zardoz/LaRosita and a computer engineer) said wireless was better than the Ethernet port on his units. I had a friend who tested this and could not hear much of a difference. According to Steve Nugent, wireless/ethernet is supposedly a superior interface in terns of jitter:

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/manufacture/0509/

I have always suspicions about cheesewhiz Ehternet cables and jitter but I don't honestly know. The Lampi transport into the Lessloss would be intriguing. I would go that route if the Lampi piece could handle more formats.

As you know, Mr. Lessloss has his contrarian angle on all this, and I very much respect his thoughts. This is his new gizmo:

http://www.lessloss.com/laminar-streamer-ultimate-sd-card-player-development-a-65.html

It looks stunning, but again, there are logistical issues with the size of SD cards and the burgeoning world of DSD/DXD, etc.

07-15-14: Brownsfan
I suspect that for most people, an approach like the HAPZ1 may be a better approach.

I agree and I have eyeballed that unit. From reading yours and other reviews, I know there is a little bugginess. However, if you let outfits like Modwright or Redwine audio hack them, it could be a destination source sans computer.