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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

Showing 4 responses by herman

herman
2,282 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.

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herman
2,282 posts
 
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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.

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herman
2,282 posts
 
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It wasn't "duh, you are retarded" it was "duh, you are stating the obvious."

Sorry if you took offense.

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herman
2,282 posts
 
Converting the usb to audio is just too messy to sound "right".

Strange, I've heard a number of USB DACS that sound marvelous. Your blanket statement is as untrue as all horn speakers honk, all tube amps sound bloated, all transistor amps sound sterile, all vinyl playback is compressed and noisy, all systems with a passive preamp are lifeless, and any number of other unfounded stereotypes.

Properly implement USB is the basis for a great system.

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