Home Computer Audio Asylum

Music servers and other computer based digital audio technologies.

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] Thread: [ Display  All  Email ] [ Computer Audio Asylum ]
[ Alert Moderator ]

Try these

"What is the hierarchy of components/connections/software having an impact on sound quality?
the music file type?
the connection from the server/hard drive to the DAC? the DAC itself?"

Here is the order of importance based on 13 years of modding and DAC design:

1) without a doubt, #1 is digital source jitter
2) following jitter, it's more jitter, from the digital cable to the DAC - better use a good one and 1.5m whether its USB, Firewire or S/PDIF coax.
3) the playback software - itunes and WMP are junk. Try Amarra or Pure Music on Mac or Jplay mini on PC.
4) the playback format - Use non-compressed formats only, .wav or AIFF. Rip with dbpoweramp on PC or XLD on Mac.
5) The volume control technology - most DACs use resistive attenuators, volume chips or gain control - not good. Never use 100% digital volume control, ala iTunes.
6) the DAC analog stages - most use op-amps and have mediocre power systems - not good

Notice how far down the list the DAC itself is. The digital jitter can be affected by the DAC too, particularly if it is an upsampling DAC or if it is a USB or Firewire DAC, then it is a BIG part. If neither, then it is less important. Just get a good one.

"Is it possible to get equal/better than CD sound from Itunes?"

Yes, but probably not as good as a $15K CD player. Not without Amarra or PM. Then the answer is definitely it will beat the CDP. Also depends on the Jitter above. It's #1 remember.

"Is it possible to get equal/better than CD soound with a wireless connection between a streamer (Apple TV) and the hard drive?"

Absolutely, but the high quality devices necessary to deliver this are not available yet IME. Again, its beating the $15K CDP that is interesting. If you are only interested in beating a $300 Costco DVD player, then the answer is yes. Squeezebox Touch will do this.

Steve N.


This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:
  Amplified Parts  

Follow Ups Full Thread
Follow Ups
FAQ

Post a Message!

 Forgot Password?
Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
  Remember my Moniker & Password  (What's this?)    Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:
Message:   (Posts are subject to Content Rules)
Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:  Automagically notify you when someone responds.

[ Top Top of Page ] [ Contact Us ] [ Support/Wish List ] [ Copyright © 2024, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
[ General ] [ Speakers ] [ Tubes ] [ Vinyl ] [ Digital ] [ Hi-Rez ] [ Video Asylum ] [ Cables ] [ Tweaks/DIY ] [ Music ] [ Films ]