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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
clio09
3,360 posts
 
The NAS will be better than the Mini if you believe less is more. I have a Synology and run MinimServer on it. A 4 bay model with 4 1TB Western Digtal Red drives in Raid 1 configuration.

The flash drive by LessLoss won't be able to crush anything if they do not get it out to market. I understand pricing could reach stratospheric levels and therefore only be able affordable to a minority of audiophiles.

For the money the Aries is too good to be true. So I am eager to get in in my system. I really had eyes on the Sonore Rendu but the new version is nearly 3k and I do not believe it offers as many features as the Aries.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
You guys will find that usb is the poorest interface. Glad to see the experiment because the masses were given USB from the beginning and with blinders firmly installed, have never looked past it. The belly button interface - every computer has one. Must be the best way to get sound out of a computer-NOT. Look at what travels along a USB bus - all the pollution Why would I want my music coming put of a USB port? Some guys are at least investing in a USB PCI or PCIe card, which is a thousand times better than the standard usb port.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
Cerrot, I certainly shared your opinion of the USB connection earlier and even sold my USB Dac 1 Pre even after an improved USB input was installed. But BMC certainly improved the USB input in their new PureDac and with their Pure USB-1 cable.

Also I am playing music in double DSD and don't think SP Dif can do that.
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,691 posts
 
"Also I am playing music in double DSD and don't think SP Dif can do that." Right nor can it do HD/DSD multichannel.
agear OP
1,362 posts
 
09-13-14: Cerrot
You guys will find that usb is the poorest interface. Glad to see the experiment because the masses were given USB from the beginning and with blinders firmly installed, have never looked past it. The belly button interface - every computer has one. Must be the best way to get sound out of a computer-NOT. Look at what travels along a USB bus - all the pollution Why would I want my music coming put of a USB port? Some guys are at least investing in a USB PCI or PCIe card, which is a thousand times better than the standard usb port.

Agreed, but it can by hacked with galvanic isolation, etc. Also, a good USB cable that filters noise is a must. A standard USB cable is deficient IMO....
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