Newbie question re: USB quality
Always preferable to avoid converting/adapting protocols It is very desirable to convert in order to remove timing. Sending music as data and recreating timing on the other side of converter/bridge removes all the noise and timing on computer side. Playback program as well as computer speed don't matter with data transfers. Better yet, slower computer might be better producing less of electrical noise (computer power usage is proportional to speed). Here is comparison of many USB to S/Pdif converters: http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/15-universal-serial-bus-industry-standard-cables-connectors-and-communications-protocols-between-computers-and-electronic-devices-spdif-converters-shootout-15327/ Some of converters (tested on DCs Scarlatti and Metrum Octave DACs) matched performance of DCs Scarlatti transport, suggesting that USB bus has nothing to do with it! |
Kijanki, If I wanted to translate something from French to English I would not translate French to German to English. Unless I had no choice. As far as all the "grunge" they speak of, if you have a properly set up USB silent music server going into a dac that is PROPERLY SET UP FOR USB, there is no "grunge". If you don't have a properly set up server and you have "grunge" well maybe, except, instead, I would suggest you take those funds and do it right the first time eliminating the obvious extra step. To me simpler (less steps) is always better. Less to brake, less to connect and less clutter. Unless you are one of these audiophiles who likes a real long list of components on their virtual system. Another thing to consider is many companies make their living by solving problems that do not need solving when properly implemented. I will say, it made an interesting read. |
Pkoegz, External converter is one of possible solutions. It is capable to deliver results similar to asynch USB while providing more flexibility, since only few DACs have asynch USB while all have S/Pdif input. Also this solution is much better than synchronous USB where computer with its jittery clock controls timing. Computer controlled clock will always be jittery - no matter how "USB silent music server" you will make. In addition you don't seem to understand benefits that clock separation (timing removal) brings - you can use any computer, any playback program etc and it won't affect sound quality. As for the language analogy - Audio is a little bit more complicated than that and require some understanding. For instance - the fact that I have reclocker built into my DAC does not mean that it is the best solution. Reclocker outside of the DAC most likely will give better performance and will allow future upgrade at the lower cost. You must be one of those audiophiles that have TV, Radio, Amplifier, Speakers and Turntable built into big credenza - like in 70s. :) |
