cd player or computer with dac

The digital source is THE MOST IMPORTANT element of the digital playback chain. This means the digital interface and the clocks. If you want stellar results in a digital system, put your money into a good interface and low-jitter clocks.

If you read the last two DAC reviews in TAS by Steven Stone, you will see that the right USB interface makes a world of difference. The DAC itself becomes less important and the USB interface is actually MORE important, whether it's internal or external to the DAC.

CD players cannot compete in this race IMO. The USB computer audio solutions have it beat on price and performance, as well as convenience.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Jonathan - We will have to agree to disagree on this one. Just read the last 3 or 4 reviews of DACs done by Steven Stone in TAS. When he says a $1.5K DAC sounds virtually identical to a $7K DAC when driven from a low-jitter USB converter source, I believe him.

I never said that the DAC did not make a difference, but it is really second order compared to the effect of the master clock, particularly with higher end DACs. Remember, I sell DACs too, but I believe in honesty with my customers.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Phaelon - I cannot speak for Jonathan, but I have a page dedicated to tips and recommendations for computer, S/W player, ripper, ripping drive etc. with many links on my website. I try to make it easy to get good results.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio