computer isolation

As for the OP's question, there are probably more important things to try to optimize in you computer audio rig.

Exactly my point. The extent to which vibrations affect electronics has been greatly exaggerated due to people's experience with tubes and stylus (with a very high gain which is why you have a pre-preamp). These truths have created an urban legend in that people have extrapolated this to conclude that micro-phonics are a potential problem with all equipment - generally you don't have to worry about micro-phonics on a PC - although the physical noise of the cooling fan and the spinning of the hard drive can easily be an audible issue (especially if you sit next to the PC).

thanks for the advice. to 4est,,,,i have a mac g4 with an upgraded ss hard drive, pure music installed, music ripped apple lossless with error correction on, wireworld ultraviolet usb to music fidelity vdac. i went this way due to price and the low jitter aspects of the wireworld and dac combo. since the huge library is set i probably can,t adjust this. any advice on further optimizations? thanks.. i really enjoy computer audio and the sound quality.

Hotmail-

Is the g4 the aforementioned laptop? If so, try running on battery power

download "process wizard" or the equivalent and use it to renice (re prioritize) you processes.

Turn spotlight off

make sure that music files are not on the same drive as the OS

Turn off power saving and use a hot corner to turn screen off after you start tracks.

You may also try getting more RAM- the more the merrier for memory play. Be sure to use memory play and HOG mode along with "less is more". Playlists really help keep the tunes flowing with this.

I'd also try Ayrewave and Audirvana as players. I prefer Ayrewave at the moment, but it is a moving target.

If you haven't already, you might try taking a few choice cuts and make an AIFF and WAV copy to see if you can discern a diff.

It is chilly here in Michigan, I recommend a single malt scotch to make the left brain to right brain switch!

And by the by, I would not be surprised to find that you can hear a difference in isolation. The more involved I am with computer audio, the more I see similarities to analog. After all, digital waveforms are just analog square waves. If bits were just bits, then there would be no discernible difference between bit perfect player programs or USB cables. I am not saying you will hear a diff with isolation, but it would be foolish not to try if you think it may.

thanks for the tips. i have not tried memory play yet due to only 1 gig. i.ll look into more. the sound is great so far but i like to know what i am doing.