I believe my DAC is good enough. I am curious as to whether or not I can feed it a better signal than directly from the Nucleus Plus. Of note, the optical interface only accepts USB.
Streamer between Roon Nucleus Plus and DAC
Currently using my Nucleus to output via USB into a proprietary fiber optic interface that then connects to the DAC. Anything to be gained by putting a streamer in between the Nucleus and the interface? Or replacing the Nucleus with another device altogether? I do like Roon.
Showing 3 responses by tcutter
@audphile1 Playback Designs has a proprietary system that is built into some of their source devices but is also available free-standing. It accepts a USB input and converts it to an optical signal called PLINK, which uses an ST cable and connects to the DAC. It is different from toslink. Two supposed advantages are galvanic isolation and the clock in the interface is the same as the clock in the DAC. https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/playback-designs-usb-x4/ @jazzman7 May I distill your comments to, "Consider getting a better Roon-ready streamer than the Nucleus Plus"? |
Thanks for the additional details. I believe the PBD USB-X4 is identical to the circuitry in the MPS-X and should provide the same benefits of clock synchrony and noise reduction. If this is true, then the signal from the MPS-X should be virtually identical to that provided by the USB – X4 with an outboard streamer. The power supply of the MPS-X may make a difference but I am using a Swagman Labs LPS with the USB-X4. I think I’ll hold for now. Thanks to everybody for your thoughts. |