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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 2 responses by lewinskih01

lewinskih01 OP
911 posts
 
Cerrot: Thanks for the input. Very good to know this. I wonder how your system would perform with an asynch USB to S/PDIF converter with a super clock vs. the Juli@ + G25 feeding the Alpha.
BTW, you mentioned your PC is next room. How do you control it from your seat?

Sandstone: Thanks for the clarifications. As you said in your first reply, it looks like I cannot go wrong. Yet there is certainly one option that would provide the best bang for the buck, but without auditioning it's all but imposible to say which one it is. Maybe the real question behind this is whether I can live without a CD player.
lewinskih01 OP
911 posts
 
Thanks all for the input. It's giving me food for thought.

Sandstone: Unfortunately I cannot audition as I live in Argentina and these pieces aren't available here. So it's down to an educated guess! I realize these are all good DACs. Maybe the tubed Cosecant is too much of a good thing with my tubed pre and amp. Have you been able to compare your QB9 against other DACs? I would be interested in your findings. I won't be able to run it balanced, as my pre only has RCAs.

Herman: I realize Steve is likely to be skewed towards his products. It's only natural for any designer to do so. I've actually exchanged e-mails with Steve and value his input, and have also told him when I thought he was a little off. Have also exchanged with Gordon and also value his input. But then I seek for user's input as less biased point of view. But when someone providing that feedback goes "Duh", like if I were retarded...that I find a little off too.

Anyway, all feedback is appreciated. Anyone else?

Thanks!
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