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USB to DAC questions

Well, yes I have gone through many stages of what route I think I want to go for my new system... coming all the way from using a Zune for a player.

Now, from doing some reading on here, it sounds like the cheapest way (im on a super budget) to get great sound from my computer is to either go with a squeezebox or run USB to a USB-DAC. I was sold on the squeezebox... but it looks like I could pick up a used DAC for about the same price and have superior sound quality. Err, a DAC would beat a squeezebox in full a/d mode, right?

Alright, so I feel loaded with questions about a computer hookup that I didn't see any clear-cut answers to...

First, when we are talking about hooking up a USB-DAC with a USB cable... are we talking about just running the cable straight from one of the built-in motherboard USB ports... or are we talking about running it out of some additional hardware like a sound card with USB out. From what is sounded like, it was just one of the stock USB ports... but I need to make sure of this.

Second, most people here seem to favor MAC to output their USB signal from. Buying another computer would be WAY out of my budget. I am planning on running it from my workstation PC which is running XP because all my editing programs in Vista ran terribly. Yet, dual-booting to Vista just to have good audio would be ok as I already own a copy. So... just to be clear, there would be a big difference between XP and Vista when running USB out? It would be ideal to NOT have to dual-boot... but I will if there is that big of a difference. Also, has anyone been able to compare Vista sound with Mac sound?

Third, can someone elaborate on the difference between a NOS DAC and an over-sampling DAC?

Fourth, how would the Outlaw RR2150 receiver with a built-in USB DAC compare to a separate USB DAC paired with a separate amplifier?

And the last that I can think of for now... Does anyone have any opinions of the Musiland Md-10 DAC? I only ask because there is one listed on here in the classifieds at a price close to what I want to pay.

Whew, ya that was a loaded posting. I hope you guys can help me out with these questions. Thanks a ton.
djembeplay
ckorody
643 posts
 
The fun starts after you hook it all up - I know you crave certainty but there is a certain alchemy to bringing together a bunch of components into a great sounding system that makes you nod your head and tap your feet.

Don't even try to judge it until everything has been installed and run in together for about 100 hours. That's when you'll start to get a feeling for what you have.

Do spend a good amount of time fiddling with speaker placement - a lot of times it is a game of an inch or two to lock things in. Also try to get all your components on solid support, try to route your wires clear of the AC cords etc. And get an enhanced wall duplex when one comes up (PorterPort, Furutech, Oyaide are all names that you will see come up frequently at reasonable prices)

As you get to know your system you will hear the results of these changes - which is why you want to take your time and make them one at a time. Some things won't matter at all, some things will completely change your system (good or bad)

With that done, you can start trying different ICs, power cables, speaker cables and components (tube rolling falls somewhere in between)

Enjoy and keep reading to expand your knowledge
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Djembeplay,
Here's one for you, it's a Hybrid Tube Integrated Amplifier/DAC.. PeachTree Audio Decco. I just got to see one of these today. it looks better in person. I have no idea how it sounds though! This should simplify things quite a bit for you!
It is a non os dac,op chip mp and tube preamp all rolled into one! Hook up your USB cable and your done man!
djembeplay OP
179 posts
 
Wow, that looks amazing.

I wonder how it would sound next to a Nad c352 paired with a Paradisea+...
djembeplay OP
179 posts
 
Ckorody... whats an enhanced wall duplex?
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Not sure..I do know what NON OS Dacs and Scott Nixon's mono blocks sound like. This is a very very good sounding combo.Transparency of Op chip amps is hard to beat!

From what I was told Scott Nixon had a part in designing this integrated. It is his design used for the preamp/Dac and amplifier sections of this unit.. if I'm not mistaken.It has sub out/pre outs and so many different ways to be configured. You eliminate so many things in the chain. Eventually I'll buy one..maybe this week..the suspense is killing me lol!

For a small and expanadable system..this one will be hard to beat! The pics do not do it justice..this piece really looks classy in person!
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