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Hi guys,
First of all I wish to say hi from Amsterdam.
A couple of months ago I bought the beautiful Rega DAC. This DAC is connected through USB to my desktop in order to listen to, amonsgt others, streamed music.
I understood that a DAC converts the digital audio signal into an analogue signal and that it therefore takes over all the task of a sound card in my desktop. For that reason it was my understanding that a sound card is not needed in my case because the DAC does all the work.
However, after reading the manual from the DAC again, I understand that the DAC relies heavily on the quality of the digital audio signal which is transferred from the desktop to the DAC. In the manual it is described as follows:
"The Rega DAC can operate at 192 kHz when used with capable soundcard connected via the Co-axial or optical input (...). Some PC/laptop or disc players are only capable of a maximum sample rate of 48kHz)
So I am now wondering whether I have to buy a sound card in order to provide the DAC with the best possible digital audio signal. In the current situation, the DAC only gets provided with a 44.1-48 kHz signal which is by far not the DAC's maximum of 192 kHz.
I noticed that there are several (expensive) sound cards on the market and I have the following questions:
- Do I indeed need a sound card in order to get the maximum performance out of the DAC?
- If yes, would each 24-bit 192 kHz sound card be good for the job or is it be wise to buy an exclusive - and expensive - one?
- How do I know whether my desktop would be capable of a sample rate of 192 kHz or does this solely depend on the quality of the sound card?
I really hope someone could help me with my questions and could give me further insight in the way the DAC in relation to the desktop works.
Regards, Adam84
Follow Ups:
The USB interface on the Rega is evidently not capable of 24/192. It may not use async protocol either, which is the state of the art currently.
In this case, in order to get the most performance from the DAC it is advisable to use a high-quality async USB converter to drive the S/PDIF coax input of the DAC. These will deliver lower jitter than any sound card can because they can use a low-noise fast reacting power supply, independent from the computer. You can still use USB from the computer, but the USB cable will go to the USB converter and then coax to the DAC. Good quality cables for both USB and the coax are imperative. This digital source is the MOST IMPORTANT THING in your digital playback system, so my advice is: don't go cheap on it.
Thank you guys for the information.
I think I might visit my HiFi specialist soon in order to test several USB to SPDIF converters. I am very curious to what results it would lead!
Another question (but maybe a bit a off topic and probably asked many times): with regard to the SPDIF cable, would each well rated SPDIF cable sufficient for the job or do I have to look for one that has specific charasteristics in order to combine well with the USB to SPDIF converter?
Regards, Adam84
S/PDIF cables run the gamut. There are a LOT of mediocre ones. I have found the using a really good BNC-BNC cable and putting RCA adapters on it works best for me.One thing that I recommend is to specify a 1.5m-2m length. Nothing short.
Edits: 04/23/14
Guys,
After doing some research on the net and my audio specialist in The Netherlands, I am fully convinced that buying an USB to SPDIF Converter is the right step to take, so no sound card for me after all.
My audio specialist put me in contact with one of his contacts. This guy adores Rega - also sells it, may have some influence, but seems to be very reliable - and he also has a lot of experience with the Rega DAC. He tested several of these converters and his experience is that the Rega DAC works best - and by far -with the Audiophilleo 2 USB to SPDIF converter.
The thing here is that these USB to SPDIF converters are apparently not very known in Amsterdam - in a wellknown HiFi store they did not even know what it is and does - so there do not seem to be any possibilities to test several USB to PSDIF converters.
So if I want to buy an USB to SPDIF converter, I have to trust the opinion of others. Due to the experience of the guy who suggested the Audiophilleo 2 converter, I think the Audiophilleo 2 is the best option, although expensive (EUR 400-500).
Since it seems that you guys have a lot of knowledge about the Rega DAC, I am very curious what your thoughts are.
Regards, Adam84
For less money you could look at M2Tech or Musical Fidelity's Vlink (now discontinued) for around $200.
This looks like a pretty good one for relatively cheap.
At this price-point, the Audiophilleo is probably the best choice.
Your DAC might not be able to muster anything over 24/96 on it's own. Check with Rega.
Just use a nice but not terribly expensive USB cable and you'll be fine.
You do not need a soundcard.
I've owned the Rega dac, it's nice.
"The problem with quotes from the internet is that many of them just are just made up."
-Abraham Lincoln
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