Computer Audiophile - DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion http://www.computeraudiophile.com/ DACs and digital audio conversion hardware discussions. Internal or external units. These are becoming more critical than ever as we move to computer based music. en Thu, 23 May 2013 11:18:02 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.computeraudiophile.com/images/misc/rss.png Computer Audiophile - DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion http://www.computeraudiophile.com/ iFi Gemini Cable Comment Thread http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/ifi-gemini-cable-comment-thread-16181-new/ Thu, 23 May 2013 02:31:53 GMT I know people are finally starting to receive the iFi Gemini dual head usb cable. Rather than burying Gemini comments in the iFi iUSB thread, I... I know people are finally starting to receive the iFi Gemini dual head usb cable. Rather than burying Gemini comments in the iFi iUSB thread, I thought we should start a separate comment thread for the Gemini.

I received my Gemini today. Construction is solid and aluminum alloy connectors are utilized. The cable also features 3 separate custom designed metal oxide ceramic RF silencers. Two are fixed at each end of the cable. The third is located inbetween the two fixed silencers and is designed to slide in either direction. The adjustable silencer is designed to be tuned to match your particular system through experimentation.

I am burning in my Gemini now.

Two preliminary comments:

1. I inserted the Gemini in the appropriate output side of the iFi iUSB, connecting to my usb/spdif converter, and inserted my KingRex uArt dual head usb cable from my computer to the input end of the iUSB. With this configuration, while playing music, I encountered very noticeable "popping" noises, similar to vinyl static associated with vinyl playback, but even more pronounced. So much for my "dual head usb cable at both ends of the iUSB" test.

2. I then replaced the KingRex with my current favorite usb cable, the Mapleshade Clearlink Plus. The popping noise stopped, and all is working fine.

I will add further comments regarding sound quality in later posts (including comparisons with the iUSB in the system and out of the system).


Other Gemini users- please feel free to add your comments to this thread.

Cheers ]]> DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion Blake http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/ifi-gemini-cable-comment-thread-16181/ <![CDATA[Best USB -> AES/EBU converter]]> http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/best-usb-aes-ebu-converter-16177-new/ Wed, 22 May 2013 19:18:08 GMT AES/EBU converter to use with Jplay (2 PC's), very important. I've looked at the SotM Package...]]> Hello,

I'm looking for an excellent USB -> AES/EBU converter to use with Jplay (2 PC's), very important.
I've looked at the SotM Package (converter + superclock + battery PSU) and it cost around 1500 Euros.
For the same price there's Bel Canto Ref Link, only 1 box, better in my mind than the SotM "stack".
There are other cheaper solutions, V Link 192, Stello U3 and others.

So my question, in the range of say 1500 Euros what is the best product to buy ?

Thank you for your feedback

Rgds ]]> DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion Padawan38 http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/best-usb-aes-ebu-converter-16177/ best way to connect iPad to Dac? http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/best-way-connect-ipad-dac-16159-new/ Tue, 21 May 2013 00:25:23 GMT Hi to all,

Any suggestions in connecting iPad to DAC? Thinking about buying the Cambridge Audio dock but it's $300. Any other suggestions? DAC I'm planning to purchase is Naim V-1.

Thanks ]]> DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion Paulie S http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/best-way-connect-ipad-dac-16159/ Antelope de-announces DSD support for Zodiac Gold http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/antelope-de-announces-dsd-support-zodiac-gold-16153-new/ Mon, 20 May 2013 16:16:23 GMT I was frustrated to read that the Gold cannot be upgraded via firmware for DSD playback. This was announced, after many of us were told months ago... I was frustrated to read that the Gold cannot be upgraded via firmware for DSD playback.

This was announced, after many of us were told months ago via tech support, on their Facebook page.

They came out with an ASIO driver for USB playback up to 384kHz on Win. platform, and it works well. ]]> DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion hifitubes http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/antelope-de-announces-dsd-support-zodiac-gold-16153/ Which USB DAC for $100-$250? Totally confused. http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/which-usb-dac-%24100-%24250-totally-confused-16150-new/ Mon, 20 May 2013 09:55:33 GMT Hello everyone. I am new here so please bear with me on this. I have a simple desktop setup PC - Creative EMU 0204 (DAC) - Aktimate Maxi... Hello everyone.

I am new here so please bear with me on this.

I have a simple desktop setup PC - Creative EMU 0204 (DAC) - Aktimate Maxi (Powered Speakers).
I have been using the Creative EMU 0204 for about 2 years and now i am looking to upgrade to something better.

I know new DACs are coming out every day and i am assuming the technology is improving fast.
I have been looking at DACs in the price range of $100 - $250.
when you consider the no of options, there is a lot.
ODAC, Schiit Modi, HRT, AUNE, Hifimediy and many more. So i am totally confused as to which one i should go for.
I am not particularly biased about any brand or make and i am also open to buying used, if its a good deal.

I prefer neutral or slightly warm of neutral sound. And its a desktop setup so i dont want something big.
Lastly i only need a USB dac, i have no use for a Headphone AMP.

So please go ahead and give your suggestions about what i should buy.
Also if you would like to send me an offer for something good but used and around my price range, please do.

Thanks. ]]> DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion arhantd http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/which-usb-dac-%24100-%24250-totally-confused-16150/ exaSound E20 DAC http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/exasound-e20-dac-16147-new/ Sun, 19 May 2013 19:17:19 GMT *A good review (http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue67/exasound.htm)* on what looks like an interesting DAC (exasound e20... A good review on what looks like an interesting DAC (exasound e20).

Does anyone here have any hands-on experience with this particular DAC and agree with this review? I was holding out for Schiit statement series to replace my Bifrost and couple with my Mjolnir amp but this DAC peaked my interest some. ]]> DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion Zack Daugherty http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/exasound-e20-dac-16147/ <![CDATA[Help using Astell & Kern AK100]]> http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/help-using-astell-and-kern-ak100-16132-new/ Sat, 18 May 2013 01:31:11 GMT I've recently purchased an Astell & Kern AK100, primarily based on the review here by Chris, and am delighted with the SQ. Recently, I've experimented using it as a digital audio input and purchased 2 Toslink to 3.5mm cables for this purpose. I started by plugging one of the cables from the headphone output on the AK100 into the optical port on my Peachtree Audio DAC.IT. Playing music from the AK100 using this set up sounds fantastic through my trusty Rogers Studio 1's. Then I changed things around and removed the cable from the DAC.IT and plugged it into the optical output on my PC. At the other end, I unplugged from the headphone port into the optical input on the AK100 and plugged my headphones in. Now I can listen to tracks stored on my PC and once again the SQ is wonderful. Finally, I experimented with removing the headphones and plugging the second 3.5mm to Toslink cable from the headphone port on the AK100 into the optical port on the DAC.IT (hope you've been able to keep up so far - I'm not much good using technology, let alone describing it). This time I could get no sound, no matter what I tried. Is it possible to set up the AK100 like this, so it is using music from my PC (via the optical input) and playing it into my main system through the DAC.IT?

I can't understand why I can play music from the AK100 to my main system, I can play music from my computer through the AK100 (using my headphone), but I can't play from my PC to my main system through the AK100. Any ideas? ]]> DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion Andrew Smith http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/help-using-astell-and-kern-ak100-16132/ New! Wyred4Sound µDAC-HD headphones amp/DAC unboxing http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/new-wyred4sound-%B5dac-hd-headphones-amp-dac-unboxing-16124-new/ Fri, 17 May 2013 14:54:36 GMT "µ" is Greek for "M" so it should be M-DAC, not U-DAC. Sorry about that. :)

I'm using it in Class A right now with the Beats by Dr. Dre Solo HD. Holly cow! this thing sounds GREAT!

]]> DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion HiFiGuy528 http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/new-wyred4sound-%B5dac-hd-headphones-amp-dac-unboxing-16124/ Anyone compare the Berkeley Dac 2 to the Exasound e20 or the Resonessence Invicta for PCM files? http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/anyone-compare-berkeley-dac-2-exasound-e20-or-resonessence-invicta-pcm-files-16121-new/ Fri, 17 May 2013 04:26:55 GMT Love my Berkeley Alpha USB and Dac 2 but I have 3tb of DSD files (many direct from Analog tapes) and I'l like a pure DSD Dac.

But I'm worried that the Exasound 20 or the Resonessence Invicta won't sound as good with PCM files.

Has anyone compared either of these units to the Berkeley Dac 2, especially when also using the Berkeley Alpha USB?

I'm also thinking of the Meitner; the EMM X2 is just more than I can justify.

Thansk. ]]> DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion Mike Gillespie http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/anyone-compare-berkeley-dac-2-exasound-e20-or-resonessence-invicta-pcm-files-16121/ Volume Control when used wtih Linux of the AQ Dragonfly and Meridian Explorer http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/volume-control-when-used-wtih-linux-aq-dragonfly-and-meridian-explorer-16112-new/ Thu, 16 May 2013 14:55:29 GMT I understand that these two devices have a digitally controlled analog volume inside that tracks the system volume in Win/Mac. How would that work... I understand that these two devices have a digitally controlled analog volume inside that tracks the system volume in Win/Mac. How would that work under Ubuntu Linux? If at all? Currently I use Audacious with ALSA output direct to my DAC which has no volume control of its own. The volume is set in Audacious to 100%. System volume does not affect the output of Audacious at all.

Has anyone tried it? ]]> DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion AudioDoctor http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/volume-control-when-used-wtih-linux-aq-dragonfly-and-meridian-explorer-16112/ My None Oversampling DAC experiences http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/my-none-oversampling-dac-experiences-16107-new/ Wed, 15 May 2013 17:29:54 GMT Hi All Recently I was so fed up with my CD replay sound quality I was ready to go back to Vinyl even though that would be both more expensive and... Hi All
Recently I was so fed up with my CD replay sound quality I was ready to go back to Vinyl
even though that would be both more expensive and more hassle.

However, having had DACs by Naim, Meridian and Musical Fidelity, I heard an Audio Note DAC 3.1 at a show in the UK, and was smitten. How could this be? It sounded so much more natural and enjoyable to my ears, with great top end detail (the uneducated say otherwise) and I could listen for hours.

I had to have one, but the Audio Note UK finished product was out of my budget. Then I found Audio Note kits website based in Canada, and duly bought the DAC 3.1 as a kit, and built it myself. It was easy to do, took around 10 hours, and worked perfect first time.

In my set-ups it sounds truly amazing. I run a 2013 Mac Mini via USB to an M2Tech EVO full stack, then into the DAC 3.1 and on to my Audio Note pre and 300b power amps. The sound quality is everything I wanted from RedBook but never got it before, and it underlined for me the potential of 44.1 after all these years of Delta-Sigma chip set DACs. The Audio Note uses R2R chips which are more expensive to make but sound better, and the DAC as well as None Oversampling, has no filter which has a remarkable effect on the treble sound in particular.

I would highly recommend the DAC 3.1 kit, or the 4.1 kit. Superb sound quality for real world money, and they are great fun to build. I feel I know how it works now!

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]]> DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion astrostar59 http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/my-none-oversampling-dac-experiences-16107/ Bryston BDA-2 vs PS Audio PerfectWave DAC MKII http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/bryston-bda-2-vs-ps-audio-perfectwave-dac-mkii-16106-new/ Wed, 15 May 2013 16:18:41 GMT Hi All, In a previous thread I asked you about MSB Analog DAC and received a lot of good info from the forum. Need now to evaluate an alternative... Hi All,

In a previous thread I asked you about MSB Analog DAC and received a lot of good info from the forum.
Need now to evaluate an alternative at lower price (range: 2000-4000 $) and want to ask again for your support.
I have Bryston pre+final in my chain and I'm pretty satisfied. So it is natural for me to think of their DAC as well.
In CA C.A.S.H. list, there are PS Audio PerfectWave DAC MKII and Ayre acoustic QB-9 DAC that fit my budget.
I would prefer to buy a component with standard dimensions, so would park Ayre at the moment.
Has any of you had the opportunity to listen to Bryston and PS Audio in his own chain ? What are your comments ?

Many thanks in advance,
Massimo ]]> DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion mvilla http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/bryston-bda-2-vs-ps-audio-perfectwave-dac-mkii-16106/ <![CDATA[Van der Hul Digicoupler 75Ω SPDIF RCA]]> http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/van-der-hul-digicoupler-75-spdif-rca-16100-new/ Wed, 15 May 2013 07:07:26 GMT Hello guys,

I am interested in opinions regarding this cable both on its sound as well as on how precise it is in the 75Ω specification of such cables.

Manufacturer of my DAC, recommends a BNC connection but I have found this cable at a very good price so I was considering of giving it a chance.

Looking forward at your responses.

Mike ]]> DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion wavac http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/van-der-hul-digicoupler-75-spdif-rca-16100/ Empiricle Short Block http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/empiricle-short-block-16099-new/ Wed, 15 May 2013 02:16:16 GMT I didn't find much discussion here about the Short Block, but I bought one anyway. I've been listening to it for a few days now, and want to share a very positive impression. The imaging and separation of my Focal monitors, which were already good, have been kicked up a very noticeable notch. A bonus I didn't anticipate: the music is more satisfying at lower decibels than before (helps reduce spousal conflict!).

Anyway...just casting my opinion out to CA in case it helps others. If your high-end DAC doesn't require the 5V through its USB input, and doesn't have a built-in suppressor for that extra current.....this is almost a no-brainer. Great ROI for $200.

Good Listening,
-PC ]]> DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion PorkChop http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/empiricle-short-block-16099/ To DSD or not to DSD? http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/dsd-or-not-dsd-16093-new/ Tue, 14 May 2013 17:59:52 GMT I came across this interview today, "John Siau: Benchmark Audio Guru" by AIX owner Mark Waldrep.


John Siau: Benchmark Audio Guru | Real HD-Audio


The interview raises in my mind some questionable benefits of DSD for the playback and production of music.


This is my first post in Computer Audiophile and I am interested in what my fellow members think of this article.

Weldon ]]> DAC - Digital to Analog Conversion hardline http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/dsd-or-not-dsd-16093/