2. digital
  3. 159533-93588

Well, I finally replaced Toslink with USB ...and I'm glad I did...

I just went USB from my Windows laptop to the back of my DAC amp and I must say, the sound blows me away.
I have a newer Dell laptop with a solid-state drive, running Windows 10.  It's fast and all I had to do is load the driver for my DAC amp and I was in business.  

USB A to USB B.  No complaints.  Great sound.

My rig: Dell Laptop with USB into a Teac AI 101-DA DAC integrated amp, out to Sony bookshelf speakers.  Also, using a Panamax line conditioner.  YouTube Music Premium subscription.

Total investment...under $1000.




128x128mikeydee
3 responses Add your response
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,598 posts
 
I will say that USB through a HiFace M2 sounds better then fiber from my $25 sound card, both into a MultiBit DAC.
Too bad for you but "great" sound is not possible from a multipurpose computer.
And keep it away from the audio room
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,377 posts
 
@mikeydee,
Very nice setup there. I like the USB to DAC option too. Mine is an old 2010 Asus laptop upgraded with 8GB RAM and SSD.

@fuzztone,
Please elaborate on why one should keep computer away from audio room?
phcollie's avatar
phcollie
342 posts
 
Give Audirvana a test on that windows 10 box  with some Qobuz high res and you will be very pleased. Whole new level of improvement.
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
EMM Labs NS1 Streamer
80x80
Esoteric Grandioso K1XSE
80x80
Bryston BDA-3 SILVER DAC