2. pc-audio
  3. 1318427650

Importance of computer for DAC shootout

I am using a perfectwave DAC + bridge + modwright 36.5 LS/PS preamp to stream flacs over my network. Very happy with the sound, but intrigued by the idea of getting better SQ for less $$$ I will soon be auditioning an Antelope Zodiac Gold + Volticus over USB, directly into my poweramp. Being able to take out the modwright alone would pay for the new DAC. My only concern is the Computer I will be using for this shootout. I have a Dell laptop and an Asus media PC, both with USB 1.0.

If I opt for the Zodiac I will go all out on computer source (may be mach2music), but I don't want to invest before knowing if I even want to go down the USB path.

In you estimation, is there any chance of the computer used in my shootout distorting the outcome? Would I be better off using my Marantz ud9004 S/PDIF source for the Zodiac, and then get a better computer if the Zodiac wins the contest?

Or are the difference between computer sources small and will I be able to conclude which is the better DAC using a mediocre PC as the source for the Zodiac. Any advise on how to set up the hardware for the shootout is welcome.
edorr

Showing 9 responses by edorr

edorr OP
714 posts
 
I am using 2 PS audio P5 regenerators, which provide isolation. I would assume this should be OK.
edorr OP
714 posts
 
I need to check my configuration. If it turns out my Dell Laptop or Asus has USB 2.0 should I be OK?
edorr OP
714 posts
 
Depressing news guys - but good to know in advance and not screw up my shootout. I just made an offer on the Mac mini listed on A'gon. That should solve my problem for the shootout. If I end up keeping the Zodiac, I can either get this Mac upgraded to mach2music specs or sell it and get a 2011 mach2music model.
edorr OP
714 posts
 
There are so many conflicting opinions and observations about what it takes to turn bits into a good analog signal I have no clue what advise to go by. You can spend over $3K on the latest mach2music with external powersupply and audiophile USB cable, while your DAC manufacturer will tell you your asynchronous USB DAC is pretty much immune to the source anyway. You can spend 10K on a tube preamp and your DAC manufacturer will tell you taking it out of the chain will improve SQ. So I only go by personal observations in my own system - I have no experience with USB DACs but in my experience DACs in general make a huge difference (transports not so much). Just want to give the Zodiac Gold a whirl, simply because it gets good press and it would pay for itself if I can take out my preamp. If it does not deliver the goods it is up for sale in A'gon. How far I need to go optimizing my digital source is still a shot in the dark for me, notwithstanding all the advise I have been getting. I'll probably get a mini mac to be safe and upgrade to mach2music if I decide to go the USB route.
edorr OP
714 posts
 
I just got the Mac Mini at a price I can resell it for in a heartbeat so no exposure there. I will be using pure music with Flac's.
edorr OP
714 posts
 
Never thought about it. Call me an audio snob but I am deeply sceptical of $300 devices being able to perform at the level of mac based music server architectures, used by computer audiophiles the world over.

Now, if they stuck their product in a heavy brushed aluminum box, called it the "Squeezebox reference" and charged $2000, I would definitely have considered it :) (provided it would accept a $500 aftermarket powercord of course).
edorr OP
714 posts
 
We're going off on a tangent. I have a phenomenally sounding PS AUdio Perfectwave DAC, streaming over the network. I am just intruiged by an reportedy very good altenative DAC with analog volume control. I want to make sure the computer I use to feed the DAC over USB is not the "weakest link" potentially distorting the outcome of a shootout. To this end, I bought a used Mac for a price I can easily resell it for. I think I'm all set.
edorr OP
714 posts
 
OK - thanks. Don't get me wrong - I appreciate all the advise I am getting here. I placed my bet on the Mac Mini. Next let's see who wins the shootout. If its a close call I may try some other USB source, but most likely I would get an external powersupply for the Mac first to see if that would swing the vote. I guess I should also get at least a half decent aftermarket USB cable. Damn, this never ends....
edorr OP
714 posts
 
From what I have been reading the current vintage of asynchronous USB DACs have closed the gap with other interfaces. However, I will have a good old transport on standby to hear for myself.
More to discover