Up to the Minute: Streaming Bits to Audiophile DAC


I have some unanswered questions from another thread, and also some new ones despite searching the archives. So I hope this thread might be a good place for all of us who are interested in state of the art audio quality from hard disk drive based files.

Kublakhan in another thread suggested using the Sweetwater Creation Stations as hardware for a PC based audio solution and so far this gear looks pretty good to me.

My questions, however, arise from the fact that there may be some disconnect between the conventions for "pro audio" and "audiophile" audio.

So as of this writing, can anyone please explain:

Why does every pro audio person seem confused when I tell them I want to use an external DAC?

What is the BEST way to extract bit for bit data from a hard drive, to export to an audiophile DAC?

Why oh why do expensive $$$ music or media servers, which are supposedly configured to optimize audio use, nonetheless require some sort of cheapo "interface" to stream the data into an audiophile DAC?

Why on earth would I want to buy an audiophile "sound card", which I presume (in addition to an "interface") also has its own DAC?

Given the options which are available for "sound card" and/or "interface" type devices, what is the BEST way to tap the bitstream and/or maximize performance of the audiophile DAC? Optical? TOSLINK? Spdif?

Given the choices I might have for the "interface" between the computer and the DAC, what is the BEST way to minimized "jitter" or other audiophile nasties? Or is that phenomenon more of a downstream issue AFTER the bitstream hits the DAC?

There is a lot of great information in the other threads about ripping, tagging, Foobar vs Itunes and a million other complications of hard drive based audio.

But for now, I would really appreciate just some basic, conclusive opinions on the best way to get bits off the hard drive and safely on their way to my speakers from an audiophile DAC.

Please advise.

THANK YOU.
cwlondon
"BTW, are there any reviews of the Maui mods?"

Steve N.- search mauimods/aberdeen on audiocircle or
the tact users forums.

Steve N.

This answer from Christopher Owens at SD should resolve your question:

"I did test 24/96 before we shipped, BUT I don't have a lot of test content in 24/96 formats.

I expect there are some 24/96 tracks that don't play due to oddities in the formats that the firmware or software decoders don't understand.

So, don't be reluctant to file a bug if you run across such a track! I'm happy to check it out.
__________________
Christopher Owens
QA Manager
chris@slimdevices.com
(650) 210-9400 x717 "

The main point of my post was of the assumption that it would since the Transporter uses 802G wireless. (54Mb/s capability vs. 4.608Mb/s for streaming 24/96) I understand your concerns. You can stream 24/96 by either ethernet or wireless. (although it looks as if there are still a few bugs in the wireless implementation)
I wanted to post a quick update. I'm sending the WiFi-OffRamp to Steve for a minor mod and had to setup the Airport Express / Monarchy DIP as a transport. This gave me a chance to perform a little a/b comparison.

The WiFi-OffRamp definitely sounded better. I'm not familiar with all the audiophile terms, but there is definitely a notable difference, better bass, instrument separation and sound stage.
The Sims people are having an open house this Friday which will be my opportunity to check out the Transporter. Does anyone have more thoughts on this equipment?

Belkin announced today the Cable-Free USB Hub (F5U301) will be shipping in Mid-December for $199.99.

It is capable of speeds up to 480Mbps with a range of 30ft.

Check out the press release here.