So, i’m sure to some this will be a stupid question but: Can i connect both USB and BNC from my streamer to my dac, so i can compare sound, and just switch sources on my dac between the two?
Thanks guys. Happy new year. Erik: my dac has galvanic isolation. Not exactly sure how it helps, but evidently it’s a good thing. Is that something that should be in all inputs, or just USB?
I suggest you only have one cable connected at a time if you are comparing input types or cables. Since a lot of the potential difference may be some form of noise transmission by the cable, having both connected at the same time wont remove that variable. The best advice I have heard is to have only one connection at a time connected when you are making a comparison.
While USB wins for reduced jitter (normally) I'm afraid even modern DAC's still may lack galvanic isolation, and introduce ground loops, which _may_ be heard as hum, or may evidence itself as jitter (as some tests have shown).
Asynchronous USB delivers just data - you cannot make it any better. The only disadvantage in comparison to S/Pdif is the amount of electrical noise injected into DAC, that can affect the sound. When you have both cables connected USB should win.
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