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Asynch USB or super clock thru S/PDIF for $3.5k?

I posted this over at computeraudiophile, but got very little feedback, so I'm trying here. Looking for input from experienced users regarding sound quality of these two approaches. Right now I only have a SB Touch, but I'm considering a computer with external hard drive and a DAC:

Approach 1: Asynch USB. Wavelength Cosecant or Ayre QB9. About $3.5k. Just one input. Until I get a dedicated computer I would need to mod the Touch to output thru USB.

Approach 2: Super clock thru S/PDIF. PC to Offramp 4 w/Turboclock to Bryston BDA-1. About $3.5k too. More pieces in the chain, and more power cords and IC. Steve Nugent is a big supporter of this approach and says the DAC matters less IF you have a VERY good clock upstream. Initially I would use the Touch with the BDA1, then get the PC + Offramp.

All these DACs have discrete analog sections and all are very well thought of. My preferences are for soundstaging, 3D imaging, naturalness of the presentation and articulate, deep bass. FWIW, preamp is Lamm LL2 so I can only connect through RCAs. Amp is McIntosh MC275 (tubed).

Thank you!
lewinskih01
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Async USB requires USB 2.0 compliant ports on the computer.

Most recent computers have this, although some netbooks and in particular Dell laptops can have high-latency I/O systems which can cause drop-outs with audio playback.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
herman
1,974 posts
 
They are both valid approaches and either will sound very good. As always, it boils down to personal preference so nobody here can tell you which you will prefer.

Steve Nugent is a big supporter of this approach and says the DAC matters less IF you have a VERY good clock upstream.

Duh. that's what he sells so would you expect a different stance? Gordon Rankin at Wavelength is a big supporter of Async USB. The fact that these forums allow Steve and others to post about their products is free advertising for them so I don't blame them for doing it, but if you want an objective opinion you can disregard what Steve or any other manufacturer says about his own products.

USB is not limited to 16/44.1.

.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"Duh. that's what he sells so would you expect a different stance?"

If you read my posts, I recommend many other companies DACs, driven by my Off-Ramp 4 (to hit lower price points and deliver great quality). Dont you think I would make more money selling my own DAC?

How many other manufacturers of DACs recommend other companies DACs? How about zero.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
herman
1,974 posts
 
.

Sorry, I don't get your point. I'm sure you would rather sell them your $4,000 DAC, but if someone can't afford your more expensive offerings you recommend they buy something from you that doesn't cost as much. Either way you are promoting your own products and getting free advertising.

.
lewinskih01 OP
793 posts
 
Thanks all for the input. It's giving me food for thought.

Sandstone: Unfortunately I cannot audition as I live in Argentina and these pieces aren't available here. So it's down to an educated guess! I realize these are all good DACs. Maybe the tubed Cosecant is too much of a good thing with my tubed pre and amp. Have you been able to compare your QB9 against other DACs? I would be interested in your findings. I won't be able to run it balanced, as my pre only has RCAs.

Herman: I realize Steve is likely to be skewed towards his products. It's only natural for any designer to do so. I've actually exchanged e-mails with Steve and value his input, and have also told him when I thought he was a little off. Have also exchanged with Gordon and also value his input. But then I seek for user's input as less biased point of view. But when someone providing that feedback goes "Duh", like if I were retarded...that I find a little off too.

Anyway, all feedback is appreciated. Anyone else?

Thanks!
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