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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
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,483 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
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Get a sound card. ESI juli@ for $149. Spdif out. All you need, plus a coax cable into your dac.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Sorry. You need a desktop for a sound card. Just noticed you have a notebook.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I actually think you are all being a bit unfair. None of you have tried anything other than the USB. And you're knocking me. Unreal. I'm not asking anyone to trash anything and there can be no other analogy. I'm saying, rather than something "universal", why not try something specifically for audio?
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