2. digital
  3. 172745-96

If you feed a DAC with USB does XLR matter as much?

Does running XLR matter as much if you use a USB input from a streamer instead of an AES/EBU from a good transport?  Or, what about converting USB to I2S (my new DAC — Musician Pegasus — has an I2S input through HDMI)?  My preferred would be to just go USB into the Pegasus and XLR out from that to a fully-balanced amp, but wondering what I’ll be losing with USB input or what benefits I2S conversion might bring.  Thought I read both USB and I2S were the preferred inputs on the Pegasus, but I could be wrong and welcome other thoughts/input.  My guess is converting to I2S would be best, but that’s gonna require more $$$ and not sure how much added benefit I might get from it.  Thanks!

soix

Showing 3 responses by lordmelton

lordmelton's avatar
lordmelton
877 posts
 

Well, yeah it does if the DAC processes one input better than another.  And that’s really at the heart of my question.

No, you are wrong, it doesn't matter how well each input processes their independent signals they all have to go through the same OP amp output and to your power or pre amp. Therefore you should concentrate on matching your DAC output cables to whatever is receiving them.

Regarding AES/EBU most likely you will get better sound, the main advantage of USB is higher transmission frequencies. So unless you have files above 192kHz use the AES/EBU.

lordmelton's avatar
lordmelton
877 posts
 

@auxinput Yes you are correct it's not set in stone which DIGITAL INPUT sounds best it's up to experimentation and cables etc., but the OP seems to think that inputs have an effect on which output cables (interconnects) to use.

They all go through the same output so it's not valid.

lordmelton's avatar
lordmelton
877 posts
 

@soix  Musician DACs recommend that you use XLR analogue outputs not RCA.

If you are using Computer Audio then USB will be your only choice for a digital input unless you put it through a USB/I2s converter, which I can't see being a great benefit as opposed to pure I2s but very few sources output I2s. Good luck to find one.

So if you have a streamer or cd transport try the other inputs they may sound better.

Good Luck.

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