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Will a Wavelink or Offramp make a difference?

I posted this on CA a few days ago, but got no response, so here goes:

I'm a little baffled by all the arguments for/against USB implementation, but the consensus seems to be that a USB/SPDIF converter will be better than going straight USB from my Benchmark Pre.
My question is, the USB converter the kind of tweak that would be fairly obvious (presuming I don't have cloth ears?) Or is it more akin to the, 'maybe you'll hear an improvement, maybe you won't.' ?
I have a modest system, but a pretty revealing one: A jungson 200 watt amplifier, the aforementioned Benchmark, fed into SP Tech Timepiece 3.0's. Cabling is mostly Blue Jeans, Signal Cable, and some homemade Venhaus recipe p/c. Any thoughts?
davidm1108

Showing 3 responses by mmike84

mmike84
309 posts
 
The Off ramp is to be used in conjunction with a DAC. It is a USB converter but also re-clock the signal. The improvements are significant and not subtle and highly recommended.
mmike84
309 posts
 
I’d say “Yes indeed”. There should be an audible diff applying either into your system.

Are you sure you want to spend that much for the conversion of USB to SPDIF though?

Both are reputable for sure, and both are IMO, costly converters.

Thought about using a Hiface, or sound card instead? ......

Blindjim (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

The Off Ramp is much much more than a USB convertor. It significantly outperformed a HiFace and Lynx card in my system. The improvements it brings are not small or subtle.

Mike
mmike84
309 posts
 
Larevoj-

Don't take this the wrong way but that forum doesn't really say anything or compare those two units.

However in terms of functionality I will point out the latest Off Ramp will sample all the way to 24/192. Also it is a sophisticated re-clocker which virtually eliminates jitter. I cannot accurately describe what a huge difference it makes in front of the dozen DACs I've heard it paired with. But I will say that I think it is a critical component in my system.

I do not have personal experience with the Wavelength USB converter though I have heard their technology because I have heard their DACs.
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