Hi all,
I'm planning to build a music server simply because its a huge leap in convenience for accessing my music library.
Am considering linking the the Airport Express to a DAC (brand/model to be finalised later but heart is currently set on the Musical Fidelity DACv8) as it would give me the flexibility in positioning my music server. However, I'm very particular about the accuracy of the digital signal to the DAC.
Firstly, do different soundcards make a difference in the digital output signal quality (both TOSLINK & SPDIF)? I remember reading somewhere on this forum that jitter could rear its ugly head depending on the accuracy of the clock on the soundcard? If the answer is yes, and its not as simple as just streaming zeros and ones, it means I would have to very particular about the soundcard as well.
Secondly, does the computer's innards interfere with the digital signal?
Thirdly, and somewhat similar to the first question, does the TOSLINK output on the Airport Express differ in quality
from a similarly priced soundcard? I know there are many variables as many soundcards differ in quality even within the same price range. What i'm really curious is whether the Airport Express can be relied upon to match a DAC like the MF DACv8 or at least the CA Dac Magic, if not I'll rather spend the time hunting for a soundcard.
Appreciate the world's thoughts and expertise on this, as I obviously lack the technical understanding . Thanks!
