In Reply to: PC + Asynchronous USB DAC Question posted by needtubes on December 29, 2011 at 15:55:27:
I have used various PCs with my Ayre QB-9 (async DAC) and they all sounded different... I personally would have to say unless you can get the power supply outside the desktop case - go for a laptop (if you have the choice). I have been using a fairly dated T60p IBM laptop (dual core, 2GB RAM, ~4 years old, Win7 x64 Ultimate) as my source these days. It's just better sounding then my fully outfitted desktop. Very "dark" backgrounds mainly. Let's the microdynamics come to the fore.
The lesson here is -
a) yes, the PC system you use has a lot to do with it
b) dedicate it to audio
BTW - the best sound I have found in PC audio (aside from running a 64bit version of Win7) is JPlay... Depending on my mood I might use J River to just play whatever, then JPlay without hybernation, then JPlay with full hybernation. Each is a bit different, progressively sounding better. Also, the latest beta of JPlay has a mini-mode for J River which also sounds excellent and allows you to use the J River interface but the audio goes through JPlay. An excellent match :) And if you are "full bore" into listening you can still use hybernate mode. Something to think about coming down the pipe.
Good luck!
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Follow Ups
- RE: PC + Asynchronous USB DAC Question - jmall 20:51:00 12/29/11 (2)
- RE: PC + Asynchronous USB DAC Question - needtubes 07:54:49 12/30/11 (1)
- RE: PC + Asynchronous USB DAC Question - Ken Stuart 11:53:55 12/31/11 (0)