Catalin Adler

iago, what usb converter did you get? and, how did you externaly powered your computer? thanks.

Thanks guys! New computer i will get this year, after new tech comes out (haswell chips or ivy bridge celerons). I am not inclined to go to apple or caps server. i have not understood why would it mae a difference, and spending 500+ eur i'll not risk. maybe if i'll be able to lend some someone in my city. But i understand why a good usb convertor could make a difference, so i'll try to test first, and if not possible, than sell the current dac and get a new one with proper usb input (like the jkdac32 but with xlr connectors). i'll give linux a go, btw thanks guys!

Paul, Thanks for your answer. I'm fairly experienced at building computer (i've been doing it for more than 10 years). If i understand correctly, the caps servers are mostly regular computer hardware with a special focus on low power and noise and a sata noise filter + sotm usb card. I suspect that the rest of the components could be easily changed to accomodate one's needs. What i don't understand, and i have not found much info for it, is the sata noise filter + sotm usb card. both cost more than 400usd, too much for a blind buy. Personally i had a few devices and computers connected to my current dac, and i never ever heard strange noises like thoose found on analog outputs. maybe i was lucky. regarding my current setup and my intentions. i cannot change my amplifier or my speakers. i could change my dac, if it would be worth it. power supply -- depends on cost and impact. i have to buid a new a/v source, one that will be relativly cheap. most likely in 3, max 5 years time i'll change it again. most likely i won't be able to test anything before buying, so i cannot just spend a considerable amount of money hoping to get an improvement. so best bang for the buck: 1. new dac with usb input and balaned output (max 600 eur)? 2. new usb->coax using the current dac magic (bus powered/battery powered/outlet powered with good filtering)? i don't even know if my current amplifier + speakers would 'resolve' the sound from a much better source. that's why i'm, asking you guys for help. you obviously have a lot more experience with various components, maybe even my amplifier or speakers. thanks!

Ok, i forgot to mention the source of my media files: network attached storage. I plan to use a ethernet connection for this playback computer.

Thanks guys for your responses. I've installed win 8 on my old computer and used jriver to playback some music and movies. Lucky me that this computer has an coaxial out connection on the motherboard. (too bad that jriver doesnt have a linux distro like xbmc) things are better but i am still not impressed with the clarity, detail, and all the things that make listening to music a pleasure. I realize that i have to build a new mini itx or something similar this year (maybe intel nuc?). Because you guys have experience with lots of equipment i have to ask you a few questions: 1. based on what i've told you about my amplif & speakers, would you recommend changing my Cambridge Audio Azur Dac Magic? 2. if i'll keep my current dac would it be worth it to get a battery operated usb-to-coax converter or a usb powered one would do? i'm thinking about hiface versus mk3 (or audiobyte hydra). 3. if changing my current cambridge audio dac would significantly improve the sound from my vincent amplif & jamo speakers, what usb dac would you recommend for under 600eur? I'm thinking that the following should be important for an usb dac: 1. async operation for the usb interface 2. good power supply filtering or battery operated 3. i2s internal connection between spdif and the dac or proper isolation between the usb converter and the dac circuitry. 4. xlr connector would be a plus for me. i have good balanced cables, but i don't have good rca jacked cables. Please bear with me guys. I don't have a lot of experience with this kind of equipment at this kind of money. the amplifer & the speakers i got when i was a lot younger and a lot crazier. today i just want to better use my equipment spending the right amount of money. Thanks!

Hello guy, I come to you with a need for some recommendations. My current audio system is made of the folowing: 1. cambridge audio azur dac magic (the original verision with a lousy usb convertor). 2. vincent sv-121 amplifier. i am using balanced cables to connect the DAC to the amplifier. 3. a pair of jamo c803 bookshelf speakers. my temporary sound source is my tv optical out. needless to say i am not satisfied with it. I want to get a device(s) that would get me here: media player with xbmc (preferably an android/linux or windows solution) to watch hd movies and listen to lossless music (mostly flac files). xbmc is not strictly required, but i really enjoy the android tablet remote control. One ideea i had was to build a mini itx computer to run linux/windows with xbmc and link an usb-to-coax device. another ideea would be to just try and sell the DAC and get the current model DAC Magic Plus, that has a proper usb input (async i believe). I found 2 devices (from a local comapny) that look promising, but i have no experience with this kind of equipment (read 'price range'), and i don't have an oportunity to test them: Mars USB interface (coax) - AD LABS shop Advanced USB audio interface Based on your experience what whould you recommend for my current setup? Thanks! PS. If i posted in a wrong category, i politely ask a moderator to move the topic.