2. digital
  3. 1405364620

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 3 responses by jesusa0

jesusa0
155 posts
 
Well my rig is:

Esoteric UX-1
Yamamoto YDA-01
Leben CS-300 or
First Watt F5 clone
Zu Druid and Zu Method

Instead of the Esoteric I placed a MacBook Pro + external USB PSU + VLink USB SPDIF converter, using Audirvana and Fab Pro Eq, the conclusion was that my setup sounded better with the Esoteric in place.

End of the story: I quit Computer Audio.

Daniel
jesusa0
155 posts
 
Hello Agear,

As you quoted me from another thread, I think I have to be accurate.

My computer had some enhancements such as:

1.- External USB power supply (a noticeable sonic improvement);

2.- USB to SPDIF converter. To my ears better resolution than connecting USB straight to DAC.

3.- External hard drive;

4.- 24/88 files;

Even though those enhancements, I preferred the sound coming from the Esoteric UX-1 playing 16/44 redbook CDs (of course, the Yamamoto YDA-01 DAC is a must).

Regards,

Daniel
jesusa0
155 posts
 
Pkoegz

You´re right I have to clarify that point.

I used a TEAC UD-501 DAC which has USB connection. One day I decided to connect a V-Link USB to SPDIF converter to the TEAC and, to my ears, I found more openness. But the the real deal was the USB external power supply (a Chinese one that I don´t remember the brand), suddenly I got more illumination.

When I compared the Esoteric-Yamamoto combo over the MacBook Pro plus Teac UD-501 DAC (USB direct or not) the first combo gave me more resolution and body (besides, the Yamamoto bass reproduction bettered the Teac´s).

Again, a transport like the Esoteric beat a transport like a MacBook Pro plus the external parafernalia mentioned.

Hope this helps.

Daniel
More to discover