Thanks, Chris, for a great article.<br />
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I am a novice in the area of computer audio. I have been building a computer based system over the last 18 months and have been making gradual improvements over that period. First by upgrading to higher res files on a Mac Pro (I use AIF – storage is cheap), then by adding a USB DAC (PS Audio). Done separately over several months, both improved the sound of the system considerably.<br />
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Last month I read the TAS article on USB vs. firewire. Being the inquisitive audiophile that I am, (a “sickness”, we call it at home…) I gave it a try. I bought a Saffire and installed it. In my system, there was a remarkable sound improvement, far greater that the modest cost involved. It was, in my opinion, everything the reviewer said it was. This endorsement may be meaningless to those reading an e-mail, but for me the proof is in my desire to spend time listening…reexamining and exploring our music collection all over again. I began to wonder why USB was seemingly being pushed in the marketplace, so great was the difference. <br />
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Then I found your web-site while doing a search on firewire DACs.<br />
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I found your site to be very informative, and especially interesting was the forum on the USB interface. I am pleased to read more detailed information than what was available from the TAS article, and it helps me to understand why USB will continue to be used as an audio interface. That being said; for my system, with my current equipment, the firewire interface is miles ahead of USB.<br />
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Still, I have to wonder…now how would a new DAC sound…?<br />
