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Sonicweld Diverter HR, etc...

At present, I'm running a Locus Design Cynosure USB cable into a modified (by Parts Connexion) Benchmark DAC 1. The signal goes through Kimber Select 1036 to active Mackie monitors, and I'm pretty pleased with the sound.

I'm considering a Sonicweld Diverter HR, which then of course means buying a S/PDIF cable, and it would have to be one reasonably commensurate with the quality of the Cynosure, and then maybe I would buy a better and more advanced DAC like the Bel Canto 3.5.

So my question is, what kind of improvement should I expect from the Diverter and associated cables and a new DAC? I'd be in for SEVERAL thousand more dollars in that arrangement, and it would never be worth it for a 5-10% improvement in sonics. But if the upgrade were more like 30-40%, I could deal with it a little easier.

Can anyone weigh in on this conundrum?
thedautch

Showing 5 responses by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
The Diverter HR, the Synergistic and the Off-Ramp 5 are USB converters in a class of their own. It is the most important part of any digital audio system, so dont spare the change on this.

You DAC however needs work IMO. To waste a $2-3K converter with this DAC is not a good idea. you dont need to spend a fortune either. The converter is more important than the DAC.

Here are some better alternatives:

1) Off-Ramp 5 -> 1.5m HDMI I2S cable -> Wired For Sound DAC2 (world-class combo)

2) Any of the converters above driving S/PDIF through a 1.5m good quality cable to Metrum Octave DAC

Dont spare the change on the I2S or S/PDIF coax cable either. Expect to spend at least $500. BNC on both ends is best, but on one end is good too.

Likewise, the USB cable should be the best you can find.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Andrew - I have audioned a few and compared them against my reference, which I do not make anymore. The only one that I have found that is as good is the Ridge Street Audio Poiema. Problem is that the guy has fallen off the face of the earth. Does not answer the phone or emails....

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Andrew - I got a reliable report that the DH Labs cable is stellar. They make good cables. I can recommend this one.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Audiofun - the Async thing like any other marketing is carried too far, I agree. However, given that I have done 5 generations of USB interfaces (some Adaptive and some Async), more than any other manufacturer, I can guarantee you that you can NEVER achieve the same level of jitter with Adaptive that you can with Async, given the same designer and clock quality. This is simple physics. Free-running clocks will always be a better solution.

Async is a breakthrough technology for USB, there is no doubt.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Audiofun - My older Off-Ramp 3 actually crushed a number of early async converters as well, but async opens up totally new doors. You are missing it if you dont try one. Adaptive is ancient technology now.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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