audioengr
Responses from audioengr
| Computer output to DAC, which route? Thesauce - USB 1.1 supports streaming audio, but most USB 1.1 interface chips (in the computer) will probably create more latency than USB 2.0 chips, so eliminating pops and ticks may be more difficult with USB 1.1.Steve N.Empirical Audio | |
| Maybe too detailed It's important to realize that almost all stock gear has some sibilance and harshness, some more than others. Particularly bad on solid-state gear. Tube gear can be more forgiving because its simpler, but you can sacrifice HF extension and end-up ... | |
| Maybe too detailed Here is what happened to you:You lowered the digital jitter so that the detail and HF extension is in focus as opposed to out of focus. This removed the masking effect of the jitter than you had before. The result is that the new clarity is allowi... | |
| Why buy a DAC when you have a high end pre/pro? No SS processors or receivers currently match the quality of a good stereo DAC. I have one of the most musical ones, the Proceed AVP, and it is fine for movies, but my DAC's blow it away. Not even close. My system is world-class though, very resol... | |
| What is the BEST sound card to use with a MAC G5 Myrtle - I appreciate this feedback as I dont have either one of these to compare for myself.Steve N.Empirical Audio | |
| Is cheap, smooth, digital sound possible? If you want cheap, then you will sacrifice detail. Most cheap solutions eliminate harshness and fatigue by rolling-off or compressing the highs. This also tends to compress the dynamics a bit. If you dont care about sacrificing some detail or dyna... | |
| What is the BEST sound card to use with a MAC G5 Myrtle - The Off-Ramp Turbo 2 works the same with Mac. Supports 24/44.1, 24/88.2 and 24/96.Steve N.Empirical Audio | |
| How do I bypass KMixer in Windows XP Another way is to unmap the device. Here are instructions:http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?topic=40068.0Steve N.Empirical Audio | |
| Wadia iTransporter 24/96 can be played from a laptop using USB and the right USB converter or USB DAC. Also, you can use the Logitech Transporter and WiFi to play 24/96.Steve N.Empirical Audio | |
| 75ohm vs 110ohm digital cables For S/PDIF connections, 75 ohm coaxial cable should be used. For AES (XLR connector), 110 ohms twisted-pair cable should be used.S/PDIF is single-ended. AES/EBU is differential or "balanced".Steve N.Empirical Audio | |
| Imac to my dac- sounds awful? Maybe the plug-and-play USB interface chip that they used in the USB DAC is at fault. If it does not support 24/96, this is usually the clue. A better quality USB interface and associated clocking will improve this.Have you checked the utilities-M... | |
| It's 2008. Why aren't there better options ? Even if theese manufacturers developed a networked DAC, the DAC design would still be the issue. Good DAC design does not come easy. There are literally no stock DAC's on the market that I would have in my system, at any price.Also, the jitter pro... | |
| Best Sonos ZP-80 Mod? Shazam - I understand what you are trying to do. There is just no solution out there for this. Also, there are no USB converter or DAC solutions that are completely jitter insensitive IME.What you could do is use the S/PDIF or AES input on the USB... | |
| Best Sonos ZP-80 Mod? The real problem with the ZP-80 is jitter on the digital outs. It is the worst of the WiFi servers I have modded. Replacing the power supply will not fix it. It needs a new clock and redesign of the S/PDIF output path. A reclocker after it will re... | |
| Best Sonos ZP-80 Mod? Shazam - A USB out does not help things unless you are forced to go to a USB input DAC. Even these are not jitter intolerant. Most use ASRC to reduce but not eliminate jitter.I2S output to the DAC is superior because it puts the low-jitter clock c... |