2. pc-audio
  3. 1375540142

Computer audio, I am not convinced yet ......

I am extremely interested in using the computer (Mac or PC) as a source for a digital playback. It seems to be the right direction for modern digital playback, a good alternative to the age old CDP, has endless potential and most convenient. So, I got an EMM DAC2 (retail $10000) with USB input and connected it to an Windows laptop via USB. My preamp, amp, speakers and cables are also of very good quality. Played some track on my system from the PC (used Audacity software, a very good and high quality software for sound processing). In 2 minutes I had to turn it off. It is just mediocre sound compared to playing the same track through a $1000 CDP(Sony SCD XA5400ES). It is almost like listening to an internet-radio through my PC speakers. I was wondering what happened to my first rate sound system ? Later I replaced the Windows PC with a Linux based MacMini, hoping that I will get the result I wanted. But it did not improve much. I did not like the outcome. My listening experience with the computer set up was 4 minutes(2 with PC and 2 with Mac) total. Since then I have gone back to using the same old CDP. I think I blame on the USB interface for this failure. The USB interface has not come up to the state of the art of a modern CD player. I did not try other interfaces purposely. No High-Res, only 16bit/44.1 audio files. I dont listen to SACD. Fire Wire to USB, USB to SPDI/F, Fire wire to HDMI, Firewire to SPDI/F, and almost an infinite combinations of patch up ideas are out there. But I dont like a patch up solution nor do I like to compromise the sound in favor of convenience.

I have heard many audiophile friends changed to computer based playback system many years ago for good and they are happy too. But I am not convinced yet. I am eagerly waiting for computer audio to catch up. I am sure it is in the making but it still has to go quiet a long distance.

Your thoughts are most welcome.
topmostaudio

Showing 3 responses by levy03

levy03
442 posts
 
Steve N: i disagree with your statement "If you want to not only beat, but exceed the performance of the very best CD transports/players, you will need to use USB.

my PWDII/Bridge/PWT has "exceeded" every USB set-up i've heard to date. and i'm not talking bargain basement USB setups. i do stream alot...but have a WES610N pulling in the stream and wiring it to my gear. works beautifully and sounds fantastic. jitter is not an issue for everyone....if you have the right gear.

you don't "need USB" to get outstanding sound. there are alternatives.

no...i'm not an engineer or anything even close. i do know a thing or two about what sounds good.....and it doesn't all revolve around USB (like you make it sound sometimes).
levy03
442 posts
 
Steve N: you are correct. the number of "samples" i've heard are limited to say the least. i'll also agree that a few PSA users are completely happy using USB. i'm not disputing USB can sound great. my problem is with all the flaming hoops one must jump through to achieve good USB sound. you've done a great job of explaining how important proper implementation is when using USB.....your many posts on the subject explain it thoroughly. my problem lies with the "proper implementation" itself.....and the cost (money and complexity)/reward proposition. i obviously don't get it.

that being said....i'll go back to my original statement... that USB is not needed to achieve great sound. it could be for some??.....it might be for other....but it's not always the case
levy03
442 posts
 
been doing "hi res" since late 2009. in one respect....it's just like any other format. when done wrong(recording and/or gear)....it sounds bad. however...i would challenge skeptics to give it a listen when it's done right. it can sound truly amazing.
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