Absolute top tier DAC for standard res Redbook CD

The real solution is using wired Ethernet instead of USB. This is a solution that makes the computer and its power unimportant. Cabling is unimportant. Even the playback software should in theory be unimportant, but I feel that it will be. This is why I am working on this solution now.

In other words, you are working on an Ethernet streamer or "renderer" that nixes the puter and takes its clocking out of the equation. Devialet and dBsystems (also out of France and which I used to own) have done that.

In your own words:

Have there been any disruptive advances in the Computer Audio DAC interface and how do you see this evolving in the future?
Certainly....

The next thing to look for is converters and DACs with WiFi or Ethernet interfaces that use ubiquitous software and source devices to deliver high-end sound. These will not eliminate the need to still do excellent designs and implementations and use low-jitter clocks, but it will eliminate the variability in sound quality due to computer hardware, software and cables. More folks will get better quality music playback for less money.

http://www.audiostream.com/content/qa-steve-nugent-empirical-audio-page-4

"I'm Sorry. Can you explain the benefit of Ethernet over USB?
I'm having a hard time processing what the advantages are."

Its Ethernet only, no USB. Ethernet is packetized and has retry error correction. It treats all data the same, unlike USB, which uses a streaming mode for audio.

"Doesn't this all come down to Jitter and clocking?"

IT always does, however there are other considerations. Because USB uses more of the computer OS audio stack and Ethernet uses none of that, this is the advantage. Also, USB is not packetized and has no error correction/retry like Ethernet.

"Wouldn't the ideal server be connected to a DAC that shares a single external high end clock?"

The ideal DAC uses a high-quality internal clock for master clock.

"Steve, does your ODSX have inputs for an external clock?"

Yes, actually. The I2S input provides the external clock(s).

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Paul79 - which Ethernet cable is important in your setup?

Are you using a USB DAC or an Ethernet interface like squeezebox?

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

"In other words, you are working on an Ethernet streamer or "renderer" that nixes the puter and takes its clocking out of the equation. Devialet and dBsystems (also out of France and which I used to own) have done that."

Correct. The difference is that I use novel techniques to reduce jitter in these interfaces.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

The real solution is using wired Ethernet instead of USB. This is a solution that makes the computer and its power unimportant. Cabling is unimportant. Even the playback software should in theory be unimportant, but I feel that it will be. This is why I am working on this solution now.

All of my USB interfaces will be upgradable to wired Ethernet LAN interfaces.

This is reason I use wired ethernet via DLNA for years.

11-05-14: Paul79
Steve, I am finding that the Ethernet cables are important, the supplies for the router and NAS are important, as well as the hard drive in my setup. FE, SSD are more clear sounding than standard HD's in the NAS.

If the server process caches TRACKS before streaming to the DAC, then only ethernet cables between computer to dac is important.

I find replacing generic with AQ ethernet cable made a nice improvement.