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Computer output to DAC, which route?

I have disbanded my main system because I am using my computer system more and more. I am going to purchase an outboard DAC for my computer, but I want to know something:
My computer comes equipped with COAX and TOSLINK outputs on the motherboard. Should I use one of those or use a DAC with a USB connection? WHat are the pluses and minuses of each way if any? I am using typical Altec Lansing speakers (good for what they are) but will probably move up to active Dynaudio monitors in the future. All music is sourced from itunes in either AAC or apple lossless formats.

Thanks in advance!
phoenix469
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Gmahler wrote:
"quite hard concepts to swallow"

Well, read this carefully and maybe you will learn something:

http://www.avguide.com/review/peachtree-audio-idac-tas-214?page=1

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Neal - nice Advertisement. Maybe I should do one too. Better yet, I'll just post all of my awards and reviews:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=95464#msg960567

http://www.dagogo.com/View-Article.asp?hArticle=860

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?icomp&1301776154&&&/Empirical-Audio-Overdrive-DAC:-King-of-t

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?icomp&1301776154&&&/Empirical-Audio-Overdrive-DAC:-King-of-t

http://www.avguide.com/review/empirical-audio-ramp-3-and-overdrive-usb-dac-tas-200

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=97269.0

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1320430393&openflup&74&4#74

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/USB-SPDIF-converters-0#comment-123548

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=101877.msg1031321#msg1031321

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=89181.msg904966#msg904966

http://www.stereophile.com/content/empirical-audio-ramp-4-usb-format-converter

We dont sell through dealers, so we give you more for your money.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
tortugaranger
9 posts
 
I have a custom desktop PC with a very good motherboard. I've been using the motherboard COAX into a Channel Islands DAC (VDA-2) for some time now. BUT!! Recently I purchased a $20 (yes, a mere $20!!) USB to SPDIF to compare performance. Wow was I surprised. That $20 USB/SPDIF converter blew the doors off the motherboard in terms of overall sound quality. I don't have an explanation. I'm using a TOSLINK with the USB/SPDIF since it does not have a COAX out. Not exactly apples and apples and a bit broad brush but the overall result strongly suggest that most anything beats motherboard audio outputs. And for $20 you can afford this upgrade even if your results are less stellar.
Cheers!
Morten
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
The explanation is lower jitter. The more you spend on the USB converter, the better the SQ.

Read the reviews.

The jitter of the clock in all digital systems is the most important thing to optimize. Dont scrimp on this because there is nothing downstream that will fix it. Not even reclocking in the DAC.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
devilboy
1,176 posts
 
Tortugaranger: What $20 converter did you get?
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