2. pc-audio
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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
dtc's avatar
dtc
1,047 posts
 
Just like with CD players, you have to be sure the components work together and give you the sound you like. Some things to try.

Have you tried the Digital input from the Sony to the EMM? That would tell you how you like the EMM DAC.

Try J River Music or foobar Windows players, using WASABI Event Style (async) or ASIO. Audcity is usually used for editing rather than playback. Do you know what playback mode Audacity used? If it went through the Windows audio stack using dirct audio that might be the problem.

Try a different USB to COAX adapter.

I replaced my Classe CDP-10 with a PC system when it sounded at least as good as the Classe. It took while to get the right competition, but it now sends better than the Classe and I would not go back.

I would not jump to a quick decision. Unfortunately, PC audio does take some tweeking, just like non PC audio.
dtc's avatar
dtc
1,047 posts
 
I am no expert on the DAC2, butit looks like the USB on the DAC only does 44.1KB and 48KB and I am not sure it has a separate driver. That makes me wonder about the async USB implementation. It came out just as true async USB was being implemented. It would be nice to know more about the USB implementation or maybe try a newer USB interface that will go to at least 96 KHz, if you can.
photonman
96 posts
 
I don't know

I think you need to give it more than 4 minutes.

I ventured into pc based transport on Friday night as a major skeptic, and by Sunday night, I am convinced and no turning back.

I had your initial thoughts too during my first playback of a ripped CD but I gave it more time and what sealed it for me was some comments from my wife.

It sounds like you have a really nice setup, much nicer than mine so you should be able to reep major benefits with some time and effort.

go for it!
Blaine
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,879 posts
 
Buying a really good DAC and connecting it via USB to most general purpose computers could be a very hit or miss proposition. Don't give up. Once optimized end to end, results should be top notch.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,879 posts
 
Someone above mentioned the noise aspect of most general purpose computers. That is a fact and must be addressed. Physical and electronic isolation between computer and hifi gear is important. Close proximity of computer to stereo can be like Superman and Kryptonite. Longer wires may help to keep some physical isolation. I like to use Wifi connections as well to eliminate a physical wire connection completely. Achieve both together and results should be pretty good. ALso all DACs sound different. A DAC can be very good but not to everyones taste in any particular setup, much like a phono cart.
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