RBremer

Thank you Ehous, I´ll check the SC isolation transformers and your BNC on the PCI slot setup. I´ve already isolated the 5v pole from the MD header. Have you evaluated the Coax output against the USB one? BR Rolf

This is a view of the use of the S/PDIF header from DN2800MT Mobo to enable Coax connection to my DAC:

Hi Chris, Thank you! Great work and excelent write-up ! A year ago I´ve build a variation of CAPS v2 using the DN2800MT MB and used the internal S/PDIF header with a RCA connector to enable feeding the DAC (Marantz SA8400 and ARC DAC8) using the coax input. From many tests and evaluations with friends my conclusion is that the COAX connection is better (stereo image and clearer highs) than USB on both DACs. I now plan to build a Zuma variation also using the available S/PDIF header from the DH77EB MB. I wonder if you or some CA member has used a similar setup ? Best Regards Rolf Bremer (Sao Paulo , Brazil)

True... The ARC VSi60 - Celestion A1 combination is really nice and fits my room acoustics perfectly...

I've the SA8004 for 6 months now and it is outstanding both as a CD/SACD player and also as a DAC in the $1000 price range. The multiple inputs and the range of configurations it offers took me some time to optimize the Music Server - DAC setup but now I'm at the point were I get the same SQ from the CD and from the HiRes files. My actual setup> Music Server : Dedicated Toshiba A105 / Windows 7/64 / 256SSD / 1,5TB external storage - Player: JRiver MC17 + JPlay + Fidelizer (Kernel Streaming) / Unified Remote @ Android (Bluetooth) - Cable: USB Oehlbach Max CD/SACD & DAC: Marantz SA8004 - Interconnect: RCA Oehlbach NF 214 MASTER SET Amplifier: Audio Research VSi60 - Loudspeaker Cables: AudioQuest Loudspeakers: Celestion A1