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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
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"Does having a asynchronous USB help with jitter and obviate the need for reclocking or SPDIF converters, as claimed here?"

It does eliminate some sources of jitter, namely the computer clock, however jitter can still be introduced by common-mode noise and RFI. The master clock and the associated clocking circuitry in the interface is also critical to getting a good result. The design will determine whether Async USB interface is good or not. There are a lot of mediocre ones out there.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Audiolabyrinth, I have a nice 1905 Gramaphone, which is really easy to use. Does not even require power. I dont listen to it much though because the SQ sucks.

Your CDP will also be relegated to the other antiques soon, trust me.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
abucktwoeighty's avatar
abucktwoeighty
1,079 posts
 
I'm more curious now and may start to dabble a bit in CA. Will read much and go VERY slow. Not going to spend anything until I feel comfortable I know just what I'm getting into. I think for my needs I shouldn't have to spend much. Going to get educated first.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,341 posts
 
"Not going to spend anything until I feel comfortable I know just what I'm getting into.

Always a good idea. :^)
electroslacker
375 posts
 
Mapman,

I haven't tried anything but JRiver, but I did a lot of research before choosing it. The $49 price is a pittance, but it funds a lot of good development and support, and, as a software person, I am impressed by the JRiver product.

I had a few quirks ripping CD's with JRiver, such as a few albums listing tracks twice, and one CD spinning off a separate cover icon for each track. But nothing bad, and it could have been my refusal to read the instructions.

I also chose FLAC because it was lossless, and I couldn't find any advantages of other formats. I don't believe wav offers anything over FLAC. Haven't tried DSD, yet.

I decided to try CA when a CD transport started acting up, and it caught me by surprise when the system sound quality improved dramatically. There are some external variables--I'm using a very good Wireworld USB cable, and it may be that my DAC just does a better job on USB than coax.

Cheers
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