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Am I in the minority?

I was perusing some older posts today about computer audio and one that got me thinking was, "Once you go the computer audio route, you'll never want to listen to a CD player again." I've tried using only a computer as my transport into a USB DAC, and while it sounded great, I found I wasn't listening to digital music as much as when I had a CD player. For me, I actually enjoy selecting a CD from the rack, placing it on the tray, and watching the display read "Track 1". Unlike some I don't mind getting off the couch to replace the CD with another when it's done. That's one of the reason why vinyl is a better medium for me, also. I like watching the record spin as the tonearm is being lowered. Am I the only one who feels this way?
doc_stereo

Showing 2 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
If the sound quality is better with the computer audio system, why would you not sell the CD transport and move on?

If you are not getting a lot better SQ, then you may have made the wrong choices. This is just like selecting a cartridge for your tonearm. Critical decision and the enabler for quality digital audio.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"Are these great sounding Computer/DAC systems connected via USB? Is that the only way? And, is it true that USB remains a compromised audio transfer of data to a DAC?"

Yes, USB. There are no technical compromises with USB, just some existing designs that are poorly executed. New technologies always have this effect. Think about the very first CD transport. Complete junk. Now CD transports are quite good because the designers have finally figured out that jitter matters etc.. Likewise some of us have figured out USB.

You can also get great results with networked WiFi devices and a reclocker, but these are typically limited to 44.1 and maybe 96. USB will do 24/192.

Both of these interfaces use packetized data bursts, buffering at the end-point and then establishing a new master clock. Once you have this, the details of the interface are less important.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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