If all that's changed is the computer, it's most likely the USB section is better in the newer MacBook. I suggest getting an iFi iPurifier 3 too. It's about $150 on Amazon (risk free easy return if you're dissatisfied). It's made my streaming setup really good: lowered noise floor, increased musicality (yes, I know that's a subjective descriptor). In short, I won't part with mine.
Why did this just happen ?
Folks ,
I have been using an old (2012) iMac with a 1TB SS drive for years. It is connected to an old Benchmark USB DAC that feeds my refurbished(2X) Audio Research SP IX mark 2 preamp into my Quicksilver KT88 mono blocks that feed my Pro Ac SE’s.
I just bought a used 2020 MacBook Pro($400.00) to replace the old iMac. I connected it to my USB DAC via a usb C to usb converter.
AND BAM ! The resolution is stunning. I would equate it to a $5K upgrade in any part of my chain. It is truly an ear opener.
What did this ?
The USB C ?, The MacBook isn’t doing anything but output the data to my USB DAC.
I would love to hear from any of you who might know the reason for this wonderful improvement.
Eugene
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USB uses the internal processor to handle everything. Speed and detail is all put on the processor. This is like when you are moving music files onto an eternal HDD, on an older computer it will be so slow, put on a new computer, the speed is much faster. Then factor in all the new technology of a new computer, plus better CPU/RAM/HDD and updated software. USB is a horrible transport for just about anything, but it has become the standard. https://www.howtogeek.com/53587/usb-explained-all-the-different-types-and-what-theyre-used-for/ |
@waytoomuchstuff ....I've been interconnecting Winboxes to the audiophilia stack before spouse got a gig as the landscape maintenance manager for the complex we got to live in as part of her salary package.... It just 'happened' to be tied into a T3 cable to a local software design/implementation firm a mile away.....full motion videos f/t when the local cables would stststutt er with mpegs.....It was funny when they'd call to hype their service... "S'cuse, but we're on a T3 link here...." The smart ones would be impressed and wish us a good time...the others? "Ask your super what a T3 is....and hope they keep you around..." and hang up. Place was full of geeks, gamers, day-traders looking to trade seconds for dollar$.... The server had an music file directory that was Huge.....and got shut down during that whole issue that got some sued by the labels involved. 'Ell, your cell is more capable now....and I'd already been doing 'room eq' for a couple of years prior to that stint.... |
@nyaudioguru That ifi iPurifier sounds like a worthwhile widget, but I'm concerned over the surge in esoteric 'puter cables that would undoubtedly price like audio cabling does now.... I'm backing up some of my more 'important' connections with opticals, just to see what may lurk there.....kinda leaves the turntables out of the picture, but analog be analog and should be enjoyed as such.... @mswale, yeah...USB ain't perfect, but 'market forces' can trigger all sorts of this'n that to occur...and if enough push for it, noisy power supplies can rise to 'phile levels...although having those rise in co$t will not be a surprise when they do.... My dedicated audio 'puter is already so non-SOTA, and I took it as far as I could manage at the time...and in the case that I've clung to since HOU/T3 time....(looks and sized like an average receiver/pre/amp and fits rack mounts....) |
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