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In Reply to: Re: Can I improve on this system??? posted by Dawnrazor on January 31, 2007 at 12:21:33:
Make sure, if anything, you get an out board sound card. The inside of a computer is a noisy place for sensative equipment like a DAC, also most outboards have a seperate power source to get rid of any ground loops present between your computer and amp/pre.If your not looking to spend a great deal of money check out stereo-link.com
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I have heard the "computer noisey arguement" before and maybe on lesser cards it can have an effect, but the Lynx is solid, and there are a few people who have posted here of comparisons to outboard devices, and use the Lynx.http://db.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.mpl?forum=pcaudio&n=15745&highlight=lynx&r=&session=
http://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.pl?forum=pcaudio&n=17836&highlight=lynx&r=&session=SUre it is probably the exception rather than the rule, but it is exceptional none the less, and why I recommend it.
No matter what the claims are, I have established that the Lynx clock (AES16) is not that good whne compared to the cl;ocks on the dCS 972 and UA2192.On music played thru' a low jitter transport (Pioneer DV989 O(150 pS jitter), the source clock is preferred to the dCS and UA clocks.
On playback thru the AES16, the dCS and UA clocks are always preferred, stripping the timing signal from the Lynx.
The AES 16 clock has a fair bit of hf noise on it, presumably due to the poorer power supply and poorer computer quality clock.
Hi FMAK,We are in vastly different worlds, on a couple of different fronts.
1st, I am talking about the onboard dacs, not the digital outs. While I have used the digital outs of the lynx to my old Dac, it didn't sound nearly as good as the Lynx 2bs analog outs. That is what I am talking about. Having heard a poor sound card (the sound blaster 16) I know what the poster is talking about PCI bad power. I don't hear it on the Lynx, and that is why I think it is the exception to the rule.
2nd there is no question that the DCS gear sounds better...it should since it is a gazillion times more expensive. FOr the $500-1000 a Lynx card will set you back, it is hard to find a solution that sounds as good. Especially in my case where I am bi/tri-amping. Please show me a solution that sounds as godd in that scenario?
Finally as emphatically as you conclude the DCS sounds better than the Lynx, I am as emphatic that a Lynx L22 will sound better than onboard audio.
The onboard dac of the Lynx has to be clocked with the onboard clock, which is compromised by the quality of the clock module, and the power supply/emc environment inside a computer. Lynx prides itself on the integrity of the clock and PLL citcuits.I can say with some certainty that, whereas the Lynx system is way ahead of many in the computer world, it is not the absolute best that some have made it out to be, the proof being taking the digital output from the card, and comparing the internal clocking with good quality external clocks.
Now, Lynx may have 'voiced' the analogue stages to sound superior to other sound cards. I do not dispute this. What I do dispute is the 'absolute' superiority of the Lynx as is made out to be. I also say that feeding the digital output of the Lynx to a superior dac results in a better, much better sound.
F,Sure I dig the Lynx card, but where do I say it is absolutely the best?
Not necessarilly you, there is a vendor who claimed that the Lynx replaces Meitner and dCS for his customers!
F,The assumption you are making is that the ONLY reason to replace something is because it sounds better.
Aint always so. Maybe they were downsizing or the spouse got sick of all those boxes, etc.
This is one reason I chose the Lynx. The last thing I need is another box to put somewhere (amps are diferent of course). Having a tiny computer as the only thing on the back wall is kind of cool to me.
So perhaps this manufacturer is being honest?
Or did they say their customers repleced their DCS with the Lynx "because it sounded much better"??
nt
I have only heard the Lynx once. It was in a purpose built hi-end ($$$) audio only computer filled with custom iron where serious attention was given to the power supply.
This is a system available from an audio mfg...not a hobbyist diy.It sounded wonderful...as good as digital gets maybe..but it was still pretty darn noisy.
I remember that I had my iBook/TwinDac with me that day. I'm not sating that the TwinDac was better...but it was definately quieter.
All this maybe beside the point however. I would think a Lynx 22 would be way out of this persons budget (looking at the rest of the associated equipment).
How about an easy solution...a Scott Nixon usb dac?
Steve
T,Can you describe this noise?
I simply am not getting anything that could be described as "pretty darn noisey"
Was this a hiss or a hum or what.
The sound is more transparent and less veiled than my old dac/ trans front end (which all had seperate powersupplies), so I don't know what you are talking about. Maybe it is that my PC is really slow and supposedly puts out less RF. Usually those Lynx using audio companies are running very fast pcs, and maybe that has something to do with it?
I guess I should have figured a budget for this poster based on associated gear, but I am not familiar with the gear (the Zen sounded fancy) and don't have the time to look it up.
The intent of the poster's request was to improve things, and I think my general recommendations would lead to an improvement.
As for the Lynx, I just haven't found it noisey, with the exception that when run with an ungrounded outlet it is super noisey, but in normal circumstances, it hasn't been at all, and IMHO would be an improvement over any onboard audio.
I havent heard the Lynx L22 but a freind of mine does use the Lynx Two in his home studio. I actually built the PC for him about a year or so ago, using good off the self parts, no custom parts. The LynxTwo was among the best digital ive ever heard, and this was playing through a pair of active studio monitors which are quite revealing compared to most speakers made for home use. I dont remeber the system being very noisy. But then again, you may be spoiled by the quietness of your batter powered TwinDAC:)
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