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
No response from Audiolabyrinth regarding his system???

No two anything perform exactly the same, but to date difference from one SPDIF digital cable to another is not significant to me. Differences with many analog wires I try are.
Mapman, I have heard sizable differences with digital cabling. Some cable manufacturers tell me it can be the most sensitive of all. The best RCA SPDIF cabling I have owned were the Teos liquid cables. I have heard others say Rick Schultz's stuff is the shizzle. Who knows.

USB digital connections is the one type I suspect will tend towards more noticeable variation in sound quality case by case depending on implementation, which is why I am happy I have mostly been able to avoid having to deal much with those to-date. USB, unlike SPDIF is not designed solely for audio, so many outcomes are possible.

Agreed. I am in the middle of muddling through that.

WHen the time comes, I will shoot for an asynchronous USB implementation where DAC-side clock rather than general purpose computer manages timing and required bandwidth reliably and use a USB wire of good quality from a reputable maker like I do with most things and expect that to do the job quite well.

I also agree. I have heard that the Trinity dac's USB implementation is impervious to source, reclockers, etc. That is really the ideal. I think its a weakness of many current designs that you need all this extra crap...
Agear, I'm sorry, I said goodby in my last post, If you like, you can find me on the Tara Labs cable thread, I will accomadate all your questions there, I'm done here!
08-01-14: Audiolabyrinth
Agear, I'm sorry, I said goodby in my last post, If you like, you can find me on the Tara Labs cable thread, I will accomadate all your questions there, I'm done here!

That makes about as much as much sense as rambling about Tara labs cables on a computer audio thread...
why would you say a remark like that, was not nice at all, I invited you to come to another thread, we talk about anything there, it is the peoples thread, any topic is welcomed there.
Uhrn... Children... please do chill out and start making nice PDQ, lest the Agon proctors get wind of the emerging electrobrawl and shut down this lovely thread *grins!*

G.