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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
pkoegz's avatar
pkoegz
64 posts
 
Cerrot,
By your analogy when the record player was invented they were getting bad sound so someone created ............ I am aware that you know all there is to know about USB and sound and everything audio. I am just a dumb follower of USB. Being delusional and just excepting that this is the best there is because I know no better. Thank you I now see the way and will follow your advice and trash my system and do exactly what you say obi one kenobi. Whew thank the audio gods that I woke up from that nightmare. My system still in tack and sounding great!
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"My cables do a staggering 4 pico/farads per foot of capacitance, what does you cables do?"

Got that beat. My own cables are 3.8pF/foot. I agree that this makes a big difference, but so does the silver metallurgy. Just as important if not more.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Cerrot - USB stands for "universal Serial Bus". Not limited to disk drives. When are you going to give up this stupid quest? You obviously don't have a clue as to the latest technology and how good it is.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,464 posts
 
Abuck,

Plex on amazon fire tv box with toslink out to dac, $99.

You need a hdmi tv for display.

Also you can cast from mobile devices and control from there.

Plex server software is free download and mobile app is $5
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Remember when CD spinners were a bust? It was not that long ago. They have gotten a LOT better just over the last 5 years. Many of them are simply computer audio inside too. These tend to sound the best has deliver the lowest jitter.

Same thing will happen with USB, and it already has for some manufacturers. Most are lagging in the performance of their designs, just like what happened with CD players. They will eventually catch-up.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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