Moving music file data over a wireless network connection should make no difference in the sound compared to downloading over a wire. What will make a difference in sound is the target device which provides the clock to the DAC in regards to jitter and the DAC itself in regards to how accurately the bits are converted to analog. |
With ONLY the librayies being different, I'm not hearing much if any difference from wired to wireless transmission of the files being played. Same everthing, except where the file is physically set. Same DAC, amps, etc. I have noticed I seem to prefer my notebook on DC than on AC... if for no other reason than when the HVAC cuts in... but battery life isn't good... about 1.5hrs... and I'm playing via an USB DAC. As was said, the spot whre the conversion to analog seems the real key... not so much the way the info gets there. |
With my slimdevices Transporter and squeezebox there is a consensus that wireless is better than the hard-wire connections i have been using. Hmmm, I've heard the opposite, at least with the Transporter. I've read that ethernet is the superior connection with the Transporter. I have not done any experimenting myself though, so cannot confirm or opine either way. I use a Modwright Transporter. Regarding the question; I thought it was difficult to pull audio files off of an iPod...or did they finally change that stupid feature? Why is it "MUCH" easier to share via wireless? I'm not sure what you mean by that. As was said, the spot whre the conversion to analog seems the real key... not so much the way the info gets there. I wonder first off, whether errors in transferring files can occur, much like an error read off a spinning disc might occur? I don't know if I agree that the conversion to analog is everything. There are so many things, which I guess are a part of that in some way shape or form. Jitter reduction would certainly be top of the list in improving sound. Are zeros and ones just zeros and ones? Check out Peter's input and the responses on this thread, which is about a different subject, but goes to illustrate there's more to it...perhaps. Short answer - I don't think it's likely to affect the quality to transfer files. |
Jax2 I've hooked up several pc's to varying stereo systems using several interfaces and each time the DAC improved, the audio improved. Consequently I believe that's where the greater gain will come from in pc based audio systems. Sort of like changing out speakers... big diffs are had then and there always. The only other noticeable item consistent with HDD based music I've ran into seems unlikely but I do discern diffs between the two ..... the drives actual format. I prefer FAT or FAT 32 to NTFS. FAT sounds more articulate... or resolving. NTFS has a more prominent bass influence well into the upper mids and is a touch warmer sounding by comparison.... given the files are done on each formated partition the same way of course so only the partition's formating differs. Beats me why... but that's the story and I'm stickintg to it as it is my exp. RWV... maybe.... and you can share files with other OS that way too as it's cross platform. I've also found that the way files are concieved in the first place makes a great deal of difference. The ROM driVe, the CODEC and the decoder. Like any audio rig, isolation/damping, and power line filtration help too. heat control or cooling, is very important. None of these last bits make as much a change for the better though, than improving the DAC. Jitter however doesn't seem to be addressed anywhere save in the DAC... sometimes. I think I read somewhere maybe at wavelength's website, USB has inherently better jitter controls or rejection properties vs. other cabling interfaces. |
