Thanks audioengr. I will certainly look into your advice. As to the whole usb s/pdif argument, I don't deny that as an output, s/pdif has some definite advantages over straight usb and I admit that I possess only the most basic understanding of how these systems work. As I understand it though, If s/pdif is being used on a source that already has high jitter, it will do nothing to reduce that jitter. It just wont add any more, at least not on the level usb would. I can't imagine a computer being a low jitter environment. One article I have read mentions the s/pdif out on a mac mini measuring at over 1000ps. I will definitely be researching the option of adding a straight s/pdif output from my computer because I like the much more affordable price but I also wont completely dismiss usb converters that are backed up by both professional as well as independent reviews and measurements.
What is the missing element?
My pc audio setup currently is as follows
PC (Lossless audio through Jriver) > V-link (first model) > Rega Dac > Jolida JD1501 > KEF LS50s
The Rega was probably the first component I bought that completely transformed the sound of my system. The difference it made was simply huge.
I then added the v-link to support higher resolution audio through the s/pdif connection. Again, the sound noticeably improved. The soundstage was bigger, and the music just sounded fuller. Without the v-link the music sounds quite a bit smaller through the usb input.
The Kefs were the next big leap forward for my system. I simply cant believe how big a sound these tiny little speakers put out.
Now, originally most of my listening was through the setup listed above. However, the addition of a thorens TD-160 has gotten me into vinyl in a big way and now I really don't like the sound of digital. By comparison it sounds like congested chaos, has a rough texture (especially noticeable in voices)and overall is just very brash sounding. I simply can not stand it at loud volumes. Nothing like the polite orderly smoothness I hear on vinyl which constantly has me turning up the volume.
I had all but completely switched to listening to music on my turntable while the rega was relegated to streaming pandora or youtube as background music and always at low volumes. Then, some time spent with a naim cd player reminded me just how good a digital source can sound. So my question is how can I bridge the gap? I have been reading a lot about jitter and I am wondering if that is holding the rega back. I've read that the v-link measures at right around 400ps while other digital transports like the audiophilleo measure well below 100ps. Would replacing the v-link with an audiophilleo or another s/pdif converter give me the sound I am looking for? Is the problem with the nature of computer audio itself and I should just be looking for a good CD player? I am slowly driving myself crazy over this.
PC (Lossless audio through Jriver) > V-link (first model) > Rega Dac > Jolida JD1501 > KEF LS50s
The Rega was probably the first component I bought that completely transformed the sound of my system. The difference it made was simply huge.
I then added the v-link to support higher resolution audio through the s/pdif connection. Again, the sound noticeably improved. The soundstage was bigger, and the music just sounded fuller. Without the v-link the music sounds quite a bit smaller through the usb input.
The Kefs were the next big leap forward for my system. I simply cant believe how big a sound these tiny little speakers put out.
Now, originally most of my listening was through the setup listed above. However, the addition of a thorens TD-160 has gotten me into vinyl in a big way and now I really don't like the sound of digital. By comparison it sounds like congested chaos, has a rough texture (especially noticeable in voices)and overall is just very brash sounding. I simply can not stand it at loud volumes. Nothing like the polite orderly smoothness I hear on vinyl which constantly has me turning up the volume.
I had all but completely switched to listening to music on my turntable while the rega was relegated to streaming pandora or youtube as background music and always at low volumes. Then, some time spent with a naim cd player reminded me just how good a digital source can sound. So my question is how can I bridge the gap? I have been reading a lot about jitter and I am wondering if that is holding the rega back. I've read that the v-link measures at right around 400ps while other digital transports like the audiophilleo measure well below 100ps. Would replacing the v-link with an audiophilleo or another s/pdif converter give me the sound I am looking for? Is the problem with the nature of computer audio itself and I should just be looking for a good CD player? I am slowly driving myself crazy over this.
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- 57 posts total
- 57 posts total