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Is computer audio a bust?

In recent months, I have had several audio acquaintances return to CDPs claiming improved SQ versus their highly optimized computer transports (SS drives, external power supplies, etc, etc).

I wanted to poll people on their experiences with computer "transports." What variables have had the most impact on sonics? If you bailed on computers, why?

I personally have always believed that the transport, whether its a plastic disc spinner or computer, is as or more important than the dac itself and thus considerable thought and energy is required.

agear
mapman's avatar
mapman
15,679 posts
 
"Computer audio via USB is an absolute BUST! USB is for connecting peripherials - not for music!"

IT can work well for music but not designed only for that.

The USB based setup has to be designed to work properly for high quality sound. Not all are, which makes it trickier to get right than SPDIF, which was designed for A/V use.

So it may be a bust in some cases, but not if done right.

Good news its probably much easier and affordable to get really good sound with computer audio than with lp vinyl.

I'd be willing to bet the % of good quality home computer setups out there today is way higher than the corresponding % of vinyl rigs ever out there at any time. That's good news for most people, but if your vinyl setup is high quality, then you have a higher reference quality to meet or better and some effort of a different type will be required to do it.
mapman's avatar
mapman
15,679 posts
 
OR just take the easy way out and blame the product or format or technology in general. Much easier that way....
audiolabyrinth's avatar
audiolabyrinth
4,483 posts
 
Thankyou Agear.
agear OP
1,353 posts
 
08-06-14: Audiolabyrinth
one more time!, computer audio is a bust!

Ha! At least your a good natured troll with a sense of humor....

For the record, I agree with your statements about the influence of cabling. I have experienced it too. Happy listening....
agear OP
1,353 posts
 
08-06-14: Cerrot
Computer audio via USB is an absolute BUST! USB is for connecting peripherials - not for music!

I know a lot of people who feel that way including an engineer who designs outstanding digital front ends (Exemplar Audio).....

So, that begs the question as to WHAT IS NECESSARY to make USB work?

Galvanic isolation?
Asynchronous streaming?
Isolation of power and data within cabling (Light Harmonic, etc)
Active reconstruction after the fact (BMC Pure USB cable)

What????
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