2. pc-audio
  3. 1088427969

Audiophile USB to PCM

I have an excellent upsampler and dac (dCS Purcell/Delius) and am looking for the very best USB to PCM conversion. So far, I've tried SlimDevices Squeezebox, and Xitel Pro Hi-Fi link.

Both are very good, but I was wondering if there are any other options I should be considering. Both the Sutherland USB Preamp and the Wavelength USB Dac convert to analog. I'd like something of similar quality that stops short of the digital to analog conversion so that I can let the dCS gear do that.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

harry
hbrandt
rsbeck
887 posts
 
Did you ever get your computer connected to your dCS DAC?
hbrandt OP
272 posts
 
Rsbeck:

The dCS gear is doing upsampling and d/a conversion. My current path is:

Powerbook G4 (iTunes) via USB to Waveterminal U24 --> Genesis Digital Lens --> Apogee Big Ben --> TacT RCS 2.0s DD --> Apogee Big Ben --> dCS Purcell upsampler -> dCS Delius DAC.

Sounds great,
Harry
rsbeck
887 posts
 
That's an interesting path to say the least. I count three jitter/clock solutions, a pre-amp, a USB to SPDiF converter, and an upsampler, before another upsampler and DAC. You sure you need all of that?
hbrandt OP
272 posts
 
Rsbeck:

Yeah...well that's the question. Let me explain so that you don't think I'm a goofball!!! The Digital Lens has been there for a long time and has a nifty remote and allows me to use lots of digital inputs. I've done extensive a/b analysis and it is not causing any deterioration, although I don't think it's really helping a whole lot. The Apogee Big Ben is, in my view, the most progressive reclocking device to come along in years. it basically reclocks the incoming signal using an ultrastable clocking mechanism. It added tremendous improvement to my system. The signal then hits the TacT RCS 2.0s which I am using solely for room correction. Can't live without that either. But the output from the RCS needs to be reclocked again for optimal dejittering. But the Apogee doesn't do upsampling....so it's off to the dCS Purcell for upsampling to 24/176 (which I prefer to 24/192. Now the signal heads to the dCS Delius for conversion to Analog. I set the TacT and dCS gear to unity gain, because I don't like to use digital equipment for volume control....because volume attenuation leads to reduction of bits and resolution. To the analog signal heads to a Placette dual mono with its superb analog vishay resistor volume control. I know you think this all sounds a bit extreme and weird......but trust me...it works!!!!

harry
rsbeck
887 posts
 
>>trust me...it works!!!!<<

I trust you. Most of what we do in an effort to get better sound could be considered extreme and weird. Who am I to judge?
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