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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
lupinthe3rd
47 posts
 
Unless your computer is in the same room with your stereo (why??) then avoid using the computer as a source component. Stream the music over your home network instead, so some device that outputs SPDIF to your DAC.

I use the Squeezebox system myself and love it, but if you insist on iTunes, you do have some options. The Apple Airport Express will do exactly this - you can stream your iTunes collection to the AE, and the AE device will output a toslink signal to your DAC. Note that the AE requires a special "mini" toslink connector.
lupinthe3rd
47 posts
 
Also, if you insist on using your computer directly as an audio source, do not use the onboard SPDIF output, or even a USB device. Use only a Firewire device!

Firewire supports isochronous data transfers - critical to a clocked data stream like SPDIF. USB does not support this!
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Lupin - Async USB works great, and furthermore beats Firewire.

Read this:

....http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=105049.msg1159717#msg1159717...........

Firewire is dead!!

Async USB also beats Sonos, Squeezebox Touch, Soolos and other servers. Some servers now allow for async USB converters to be used with them, so this is a good development.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
richardfinegold
196 posts
 
I know that you have the expertise, Steve, but I own both a firewire dac and asynchronous usb dacs. I'm surprised that you are so emphatic in your statement; given your past history (say on the "tubed" dac thread) I would have thought that you would have said that it depends which asynch usb and which firewire are being compared.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Richard - the Firewire that is available is outperformed by the best USB interfaces available. I'm not saying that it is not possible to build a Firewire just as good. It just does not exist.

I base my claim entirely on feedbacks from my customers, just look the post above. This customer was using my older Pace-Car technology USB interface instead of the Firewire input on his Weiss 202. Even Weiss went to a USB interface on their latest DAC.

There is somehow a perception that Firewire is superior and achieves better SQ. Simply not true.

If you have not heard a better USB interface than your Firewire, you have not heard the best USB interfaces.

Have you heard the latest Empirical Audio Off-Ramp 5, the Synergistic Research or the Diverter HR?

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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