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for streaming why not computer/galvanic isolation/DAC clock?

Hello and thanks for your help. I have been trying to figure out how to best stream to my set up and looked at many alternatives, all the conflicting posts  etc etc. I just wonder why one cannot use a computer with a device for good  galvanic isolation, and rely on the clock within the DAC to eliminate issues of jitter. If one is worried about SQ only (not the features of the software) what is wrong with this simple set up?  I bought a mac mini with extra memory (had dropouts until I upped the memory) and use an Innuos device for galvanic isolation. The Innuos has no external power supply and is built to use the power from the input USB, so no power in at that point (suppose a different device with linear power supply might make an improvement). I run a 3 foot long USB to the Innuous to keep noise away from my stuff. All power cords and interconnects are shielded and show nothing when I use a sniffer, even the one for the computer (you can get one of those from a company focused on people worried about EMI and health). I have Roon on the mini, and use the mini as the Roon server. When I use WiFi rather than an ethernet connection there are no dropouts;  I assume that is better than bringing in noise from ethernte. Thanks for your help - a mac mini is not cheap, but costs far less than high end streamers. Do people pay for the file management etc, or is the SQ better with a dedicated streamer? (My setup: RME ADI2 or Qutest DAC, ARC LS25 II pre, McIntosh 462 power amp).

arhgef

Showing 3 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
15,750 posts
 

OP:

If we are asking about whether to use a separate streamer or not, I think the answer is in which DAC do you want, and how badly do you want it?

That is, the separates vs. integrated issue is really as much about being able to pick and chose each component separately. In my case I really liked the Mytek Brooklyn (original) and got a separate streamer which handled Roon. My next move, if I ever stop talking about it, is really going to be based not on technical theories but on the sound of the DAC. If I can find an affordable all-in-one streamer DAC then that will probably be the way I go. If I fall in love with a DAC that does nto have Roon built in then I’ll go that route instead.

Honestly though I may give it all up and just go with a single HT processor with built in streaming and leave this all behind, mostly based on how many cables and wires and devices I have to have working in order to listen to music or movies.

It will however be a very very long time before anyone convinces me I need a kilobuck streamer alone to upgrade my sound experience. 

erik_squires
15,750 posts
 

PS - USB cables can have a ground loop that isn’t audible as hum. Sometimes it’s just significantly higher jitter. In my case though I’ve definitely had the audible kind when using a very long USB cable from a remote PC.

Normally I use a Pi as my streamer with an iFi power adapter to eliminate noise being fed into my AC.

 

If you are using a laptop, you can test this somewhat by unplugging the power adapter from the wall while listening.  No difference means you don't have a problem.

erik_squires
15,750 posts
 

There are two issues you should think about when using a PC/laptop as a source.  Galvanic isolation for the signal which I assume is USB, and the noise in the power supply.

You can solve the power supply noise issue by putting the PC on a different AC circuit, but then that causes digital ground loops and sometimes even audible hum via ground loops.  If it's digital only it can cause excess jitter

Some DACs have excellent galvanic isolation on the USB port, some do not.  Either way the solutions are cheap.

The big issue IMHO tends to be the power supply noise, which is of course is also the ground loop issue.

So, yes, get an inexpensive USB isolator but also be aware of where you plug the PC power into.  If at all possible put it on a different circuit, and under no circumstances should you put it on the "clean" side of your power conditioners.

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