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Is computer audio a bust?

In recent months, I have had several audio acquaintances return to CDPs claiming improved SQ versus their highly optimized computer transports (SS drives, external power supplies, etc, etc).

I wanted to poll people on their experiences with computer "transports." What variables have had the most impact on sonics? If you bailed on computers, why?

I personally have always believed that the transport, whether its a plastic disc spinner or computer, is as or more important than the dac itself and thus considerable thought and energy is required.

agear

Showing 2 responses by bhobba

bhobba's avatar
bhobba
303 posts
 
With one exception I have not heard a transport that bests my Off-Ramp. That one exception however is totally wild. A highly modified (packed with uber expensive high end stuff like Duelund Capacitors and heavily modified Adcom clocks) Wadia.

It was better - but not enough better to entice me away from the convenience of computer audio. Some people who heard that comparison still preferred the Off-Ramp.

Thanks
Bill
bhobba's avatar
bhobba
303 posts
 
The improved SQ has to do with reduced jitter which is easier to accomplish without the moving parts of a mechanical transport being involved.

In my experience very few transports match the best computer audio such as the Off-Ramp. In fact I know only of one and it is really wild, but even then its not universally thought by everyone that heard the difference the transport was better.

The real value of computer audio is not that is SQ is inherently better - transports can sound as good - but its rare - its the paradigm shift it engenders of being able to tap into you entire music library from your litening position with something like an Ipad.

Thanks
Bill
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