Help on Optimizing Dedicated PC as Music Server

Tbooo's suggestion to try those USB cards is a good one. However you don't have an USB input in your DAC, so I'd encourage you to try a good SPDIF-to-USB converter. Might you be able to borrow one?

FWIW my DAC doesn't have a USB input either, and I use an Audiophilleo converter and a PPA card. In my setup, the Audiophilleo madea much bigger difference than the PPA card. Not that the latter made a small difference, but the converter made a very large difference. Also FWIW, mine has the PurePower option which makes it an expensive experiment.

Lewinskih01, interesting feedback about the USB converter making the bigger difference. Right now I have the MF Vlink which I know is a weak link in my system. Ive been toying with the idea of upgrading that or just skipping it and getting a new DAC that supports USB. Aside from not having a USB input I have no complaints about my DAC (Luxman D-06 cdp with digital inputs). My DAC does also does not do DSD or supports sample rates above 96khz which I why I am leaning towards replacing the DAC. That being said, even if I do get a USB DAC there is no guarantee its USB input will sound better than its SPDIF input. Decisions decisions....

I added a maple shades 4" platform with the isopads and brass footers under my PC and it actually gave me more air, and allowed me listen deeper into the soundstage. Shortly thereafer, I added a UPS between the power conditioner and computer (APC 1050 VA) an it is giving me more air. Can't under estimate isolation and line conditioning for the computer. The UPS makes sense and is easily a noticable upgrade. The maplshade platform was WELL worth the cost. That one is still making me shake my head. I expected an imprevement but not what I experienced.

Tbooo,

I don't know that I can provide a recommendation as I have not heard that many systems/components. But I can engage in discussing. I know that helps me think, so hopefully it helps you too.

Luxman is a big name. I'm not familiar with your CDP, so have no idea how good it sounds. Luxman DA-06 is a top current DAC, but I suspect the "06" denomination doesn't correlate with their "currentness". Right? Otherwise it would seem you want to keep the DAC.

I myself am torn about DSD. My DAC doesn't do it, so don't know what I'm missing. And the answer could well be "not much"!

Then there is the budget aspect. My Audiophilleo with PurePower retailed for $1k. Not insignificant to some, while pocket change for others. But then for $2.3k you can get a Chord Hugo, that is making so many waves in the fora.
One option would be to get a converter and a DAC on trial and listen side by side. Easier said than done. I know that's not an option for me. But is it for you?

Hi Tboooe,

The addition of the ASUS Xonar STX sound card made a huge upgrade over the MOBO Realtek. Unfortunately, the Xonar doesn't offer a USB output, so a direct comparison is not possible. I’m quite happy with what I’m hearing with just the PC + Xonar. Until I get a USB/ Spdif converter, an audiophile USB cards, SOtM, and JCat will not be beneficial at this time.

Regards,
Norm

Hi Doggiehowser,

Today I removed all the fans inside the PC (except the one inside the PS). I installed the NoFan Cr-95c cooler. I also incorporated the Acopian 51212T9 5v/12v linear power supply to the PC. So far, just the Xonar STX sound card is being powered by the Acopian. The improvement is incremental but I like what I hear. Next to get linear power supply VDC are SSD & HHD.

Regards,
Norm

Hi Lewinskih01,

Your Audiophilleo is very well regarded. Going down this path will not be inexpensive. As Tbooose pointed out, installing SOtM, and Jcat will more than likely improve the SQ when using a USB converter. I am undecided whether to retire the ML DAC & Transport combo and get a new DAC with USB and Is2 inputs or keep the ML No. 360 DAC + PC + USB converter.

Regards,
Norm

Hi Cerrot,

Recently I placed a pair of Star Sound Apprentice Platforms under my JL subs, and it made a HUGe difference to SQ. I suspect PC will be no exception. Currently, 4 Michael Green spikes are under the PC.

Regards,
Norm

Next I like to install WS 2012 and do more power supply work inside the PC.