CDP breaks and I move to computer-based...


...and I don't think it sounds as good. Am I crazy? Same DAC, but instead of CDP => digital coax => DAC, I'm running either toslink or kimber usb to a V-DAC DAC. I dunno, I just feel like the sound isn't quite "there", almost as if it is not as present, or convincing, as if it is lacking something.

The Mac outputs bit perfect, so this should not be an issue. All iTunes/Mac settings are what they should be. I am considering buying another cdp for a transport. Again, am I crazy?
braudio7

Showing 2 responses by braudio7

Computer is a Macbook Pro notebook with 4 gig ram, running the latest version of OS X. I am using iTunes with all iTunes processing (EQ/soundcheck,etc...) turned OFF. File format is apple lossless. In terms of background processes, I wouldn't think that this would be an issue on an OS like OS X, which is known for being stable. I have not compared playing the cd on the drive but I will try that. BTW, this setup is for my headphone rig, which may matter or not, but I thought I'd mention it.

Again, since the cdp is not functional I cannot a/b test. I am fully aware that I could be imagining a difference that is not there, or an incredibly slight one if it is. What I am leading up to is the decision to purchase a new transport, or instead commit to computer-based audio and get a Squeezebox Touch.
As it turns out, 4est was right, something simple was wrong: The EQ option was active on iTunes, which imparted a subtle but noticeable effect on dynamics and overall presence. This is what I perceived as *lacking* in my original post.