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
Steve, what kind of problems are you talking about could happen at the reciever?, does that mean amplifier or pre-amp?
10-28-14: Tbg
I find no worthy points being made on this thread. I see the computer as the wave of the future with data coming from internet downloads.

No need to torture yourself by returning to it then...:)

"Computers" are not the future. They are an evolutionary stepping stone until audiophile manufacturers catch up. Steve is ahead of the game due to his background. Many others have a mere rudimentary knowledge like may of us endusers who learn as they go.
AudioL - what I mean by receiver is the chip that is receiving the digital differential signal on the USB cable. Common mode noise on this cable can exceed the CMR or common mode rejection of this receiver chip, and usually does, causing jitter in the receiver chip.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio