Use asynch. USB converter with inboard DAC?


If playing music from a computer's USB out to a newer CD player equipped with inboard DAC and a choice of digital inputs including USB, is it better to put an asynchronous USB converter between computer and CDP and use coax or Toslink in? OR just run a USB cable directly from computer to CDP? I don't know if new DAC's make the use of an asynchronous converter unnecessary. Thanks for your input.
ghosthouse

Showing 1 response by vicdamone

Steve N., I can't remember if you used your Off Ramp with your Overdrive DAC in your show demonstrations?

Ghosthouse, asynchronous is general term for the method, Google it. The quality and design of the actual receiver or outboard converter can vary greatly.

Lately their have been just a few comparisons of built in DAC USB receivers with and without outboard converters. A few of the built in receivers which have their own power supplies and unique design are beginning to compete very well with some outboard converters.

If there is a problem it's the very quickly evolving digital community improving designs almost monthly. Another pitfall is the digital community seems to be on a completely different incremental sonic scale compared to analog.

An interesting example are the subjective assessments of the digital volume control. My experience with five $2.5K and under examples has been extremely negative, for now.