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USB SQ, what can one expect

Have been trying out the USB connection on a Resolution Audio Cantata. The wire I've been using is generic (nothing fancy)and I've been using a Dell laptop using JRiver just to try this out. My problem is that my CD's played on the transport built into the Cantata just sound fantastic, three dimensional, everything and the same CD's ripped to the computer don't hold a candle to it played over the USB. I've also tried some high rez downloads. Is this to be expected or is the problem that I need to optimize the USB playback more. Thanks for any guidance that can be offered.
redcarerra
redcarerra OP
55 posts
 
The USB cable was a modestly priced mapleshade one, but it certainly surpassed the generic cable by a good margin.
lewinskih01
907 posts
 
Red,

Is your Dell dedicated to playing audio? Having a dedicated computer can make a significant difference as you can get rid of multiple programs running in the background (including anti-virus).

Is it a 64-bit computer? If so, I've had very good results installing Windows Server 2012 as operating system, and once that was done, outstanding results using the Audiophile Optimizer (software) and turning WS2012 into core mode. All this with JRiver.

Then of course you can build a purpose-designed PC, but I would suggest you do that later.

I'm 100% PC based these days. I ended up selling my CD player as I was not using it anymore. Computer audio can sound very, very good.

Enjoy the journey!
redcarerra OP
55 posts
 
Thanks Lew for the info. My Dell is far from optimized. I was just trying it out. Over the course of the next couple of months I will set up a "music" server and see how that works. Thanks.
erikminer
433 posts
 
Just to mention, USB cables behave differently between different components.. I recently auditioned several and none sounded to me the way reviewers and other users described them. Unless someone has the exact same output and input devices their opinion as it relates to your setup will be pretty much worlthless.
williewonka
3,072 posts
 
Red - just this week I've been ripping CD's with dbPoweramp.

The improvements were significant - then again I was using iTunes prior to this - won't ever do that again

You can get dbPoweramp for a free 21 day trial - just google them.

The improvements I noticed were a more believable spatial presentation, especially on live tracks, but even studio recordings were much more life-like. The high-end was also much better.

One of the audio stores I frequent gave me the tip. He swears by it

Give it a whirl and see what you think

Regards...
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