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USB Length, jitter and Volume Control Questions

I've been working on a PC audio system for a few months now and I have a few questions that I cannot find the answers to.

I have a new iMac running USB>DacMagic DAC>Onix Sp3>Merlin TSM speakers. I hav had a Valab NOS DAC for a bit and have a Stello DA100 on the way. My questions is how does the volume work in these setups? With the DacMagic I can control the volume through itunes but not through the system menu bar. With the Valab I could control both iTunes and system volume. Is there a difference between the two? Does using the volume control in iTunes or system conpromise the sound? If I'm getting gain from the computer (regardless of system volume or iTuens volume) am I not essentially using the computer as a lowgrade "preamp".

Also, how long can a rung of USB cable be before the signal begins to degrade? Does USB transfer introduce jitter?

Thanks,
mailman199
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Bbopman: Two issues with AirPort Express and ATV:

1) ALAC is the only format transmitted
2) iTunes is the player

The sonic issues with ALAC cannot be avoided unless you use Transporter, Sonos, Squeezebox or Duet etc..

The sonic issues with iTunes can be avoided by using Amarra or Amarra Mini. See sonicstudio.com

If you have a truly resolving system, then you will hear the difference in these. If not, then you probably wont care.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Post removed 
kijanki's avatar
kijanki
3,575 posts
 
I have the same setup as Shadorne and also cannot hear the difference between Aiport Express and CDP (same Benchmark DAC1).

"Front Row" on Leopard doesn't work with Airport Express and that's what Airfoil is for. It can transfer Front Row/Itunes or any system sound to Airport Express (in the background).
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