2. pc-audio
  3. 1197301927

USB to DAC questions

Well, yes I have gone through many stages of what route I think I want to go for my new system... coming all the way from using a Zune for a player.

Now, from doing some reading on here, it sounds like the cheapest way (im on a super budget) to get great sound from my computer is to either go with a squeezebox or run USB to a USB-DAC. I was sold on the squeezebox... but it looks like I could pick up a used DAC for about the same price and have superior sound quality. Err, a DAC would beat a squeezebox in full a/d mode, right?

Alright, so I feel loaded with questions about a computer hookup that I didn't see any clear-cut answers to...

First, when we are talking about hooking up a USB-DAC with a USB cable... are we talking about just running the cable straight from one of the built-in motherboard USB ports... or are we talking about running it out of some additional hardware like a sound card with USB out. From what is sounded like, it was just one of the stock USB ports... but I need to make sure of this.

Second, most people here seem to favor MAC to output their USB signal from. Buying another computer would be WAY out of my budget. I am planning on running it from my workstation PC which is running XP because all my editing programs in Vista ran terribly. Yet, dual-booting to Vista just to have good audio would be ok as I already own a copy. So... just to be clear, there would be a big difference between XP and Vista when running USB out? It would be ideal to NOT have to dual-boot... but I will if there is that big of a difference. Also, has anyone been able to compare Vista sound with Mac sound?

Third, can someone elaborate on the difference between a NOS DAC and an over-sampling DAC?

Fourth, how would the Outlaw RR2150 receiver with a built-in USB DAC compare to a separate USB DAC paired with a separate amplifier?

And the last that I can think of for now... Does anyone have any opinions of the Musiland Md-10 DAC? I only ask because there is one listed on here in the classifieds at a price close to what I want to pay.

Whew, ya that was a loaded posting. I hope you guys can help me out with these questions. Thanks a ton.
djembeplay

Showing 10 responses by gmood1

gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Not sure..I do know what NON OS Dacs and Scott Nixon's mono blocks sound like. This is a very very good sounding combo.Transparency of Op chip amps is hard to beat!

From what I was told Scott Nixon had a part in designing this integrated. It is his design used for the preamp/Dac and amplifier sections of this unit.. if I'm not mistaken.It has sub out/pre outs and so many different ways to be configured. You eliminate so many things in the chain. Eventually I'll buy one..maybe this week..the suspense is killing me lol!

For a small and expanadable system..this one will be hard to beat! The pics do not do it justice..this piece really looks classy in person!
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
If possible I would use Vista for your USB Dac. It's just much simpler to configure. XP does sound just fine using an ASIO to bypass the Kmixer though.The Vista just gives you more sampling options than XP.

I've had both Mac and PC in my setup..I for one prefer the PC. nothing wrong with Mac, but if ain't broke why fix it?

The player you use is very important as well. Pound for pound..the best player sound wise I've used is Foobar. It doesn't have all the glitz of WMP, Winamp or Itunes. Too my ears it just sounds a bit better.

NON OS Dacs have a certain sound to them that oversampling Dacs do not. They aren't as detailed on top. What they do give you is a more gestalt sound IMHO.

Similar to what the right tube amp can do for a system. If you're after absolute detail retrieval..look else where. They're are made more for the music lover than a stringent audiophile.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Djembeplay,
Here's one for you, it's a Hybrid Tube Integrated Amplifier/DAC.. PeachTree Audio Decco. I just got to see one of these today. it looks better in person. I have no idea how it sounds though! This should simplify things quite a bit for you!
It is a non os dac,op chip mp and tube preamp all rolled into one! Hook up your USB cable and your done man!
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
The Paradisea is a very nice sounding NON OS Dac. I've owned two of these.The first version and now the second model.

Nothing wrong with the SN gear either. I wouldn't let one review stop me from buying one.

Also you may want to look at the Audio Sector NON OS Dac. Peter has started making these with a single USB input. You can get one with no chassis for $350 from him direct. Just go to the audiosector.com website and email him. Pic below of a no chassis version. This Dac sells for $1300 in its retail form.

The MHDTs pretty much speak for themselves. Look at the 500 plus feedback on Ebay and then look how many are for sale on the used market.

Audio Sector Dac 1
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
I've owned both. I didn't have the USB version of the AS Dac however. The one in the photo was actually mine. They sound very similar. I thought the Paradisea was a tad more immediate and dynamic. The AS Dac was more laid back. Both are good. Look for a review on 6moons under Audio Zone System: DAC1, PRE-T1, AMP-2. the reviewer does a good job describing the Dac. The Audio Zone Dac-1 is the commercial version of the Audio Sector Dac..built by the same man.

I'm the guy that told the reviewer he needed a dejitter device while using the Audio Zone Dac..since he used a basic cd player as a transport. These NON OS Dacs are VERY sensitive to jitter.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Djembeplay,
If reliability is what your worried about..no need with the Paradisea.I keep mine on at all times. Up until vacation recently it had been powered up for at least 6 months non stop. Also it is well known enough at this point. You would have no problems selling it if you needed to. He's including a lot of tubes!

I also owned a Trends UD-10..it is great as a USB converter when using other Dacs. It isn't in the same league as the Paradisea as a stand alone Dac.

Actually the only way to figure out what you're looking for is to listen and experiment with different gear. As time goes on, you'll try different gear until you sort out what you like best. That's just the nature of this hobby. It will become a disease. Once infected..there is no real cure and no going back.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
The Decco has a cover on the back. So there's not a big hole back there. You'll have to remove this cover before sliding the Sonos in place.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Nope..I haven't found the s/n ratio so far.This product is fairly new. Hopefully they'll post something eventually. It would be nice if they gave a 30 day trial period. This would allow a person the chance to try it out before a full commitment.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
As far as I know they are not Sonos owned or operated.Looks like a joint project they've designed though. I'm sure someone has specs for this unit.Specs can be helpful..not in all cases though. Most of the specs on this sort of stuff is misleading..good specs don't necessarily equal good sound.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Nope not yet my friend. I did post on Audio Circle asking about the unit. I got a few replies.
More to discover