Oksana

In the reading and researching stage to assemble a music server. If you use a good sound card like a Lynx AES16, is there still a need to use a SOtM tX-USB. If I understand this correctly, the USB card is used when you have an external DAC. With the Lynx you can connect to pre-amp or processor. Am I missing anything here?

When I read about and contemplate building a music server, I cannot help comparing the available formats and their longevity. I don't see many comments on the short life span of hard drives. I usually buy drives with five year warranties, but that seems crazy to keep paying over and over to put your music on new drives. Well cared for vinyl records and cd's last much longer. Does this bother anyone? I'm not cheap by any standard, but this seems a waste of money.

Adding this interface brings the price up to the Weiss. I'd love to be able to compare sound quality of the Alpha and the Weiss with the Meridian Sooloos. I need to go and play with the Meridan and get an understanding of what is included with it.<br /> Ergonomicly, I like the large displays on both the Alpha and the Weiss.<br /> <br />

I agree with your comment Chris. To the other poster regarding the Lynx, my understanding is that it has a breakout cable that terminates in XLR which would feed the balanced input of the Berkeley DAC I'm interested in. Nobody has addressed my comment about the poor quality usb connectors on motherboards. I've been building computers for years and I've never been impressed with connector quality.<br /> <br /> I would also agree that the only sure way to know would be comparing them in my own system. I'm asking these questions ahead of time because I'm basically starting from scratch. I have considered getting a Meridian Sooloos, but have balked at the price. But considering the cost of a new computer plus a Berkely DAC, the price is somewhat close. I just know I love good sound quality and I'm not tied to one method or another. I'm trying to stay open minded. If digital can sound half as good as has been described possible with DACs like the Weiss and Berkeley, I'll be very happy.

My question remains simple and unanswered. With the goal of the best sound possible and least amount of devices and connections, wouldn't a Lynx sound card work as good or better than an extra device in the chain to get from USB to the DAC?<br />

I'm confused. I plan on purchasing a Berkely DAC and either building a server myself or purchase a turnkey solution. I was planning on getting a Lynx sound card. For half the price of this new Berkely device you can use the XLR from the Lynx to the Berkely DAC.<br /> <br /> What am I missing here? I've also wondered about the quality of onboard usb connectors. I've never been impressed with connector quality of even expensive motherboards. Why not use the PCIe socket with a Lynx a bypass USB altogether?