Do you hear a difference...?

[Audio_ELF]

It has been stated a few times that there is a "concensus" that different audio players sound different and I would like to run a poll to find out how much if a consensus there is.

 

So I'm asking

A) do you hear a difference between audio players and

B) how do you connect your DAC to your computer (as I am curious if there is a correlation between audible differences and the connection method).

 

I will (hopefully) make the poll anonymous so no one will comment on who hears what and I would request we don't start another discussion on if there is a difference just purely take this as a poll.

 

Eloise

[Booster MPS]

Happy to participate. Would be very curious to see the results.

[Audio_ELF]

Hopefully the options are self explanatory...

If you hear a difference between software run on the same computer, select one of the first 5 options; if you hear no different select one of options 6-10.

 

Within each 5; the first option is for if you run USB direct from your computer (from motherboard or an SotM type card) direct to your DAC. The other options are for those using USB (or FireWire) converters or use a sound card connection.

[sandyk]

A) Yes. (Windows 8/64)

 

B) Coax SPDIF

[Audio_ELF]

A) Yes. (Windows 8/64)

 

B) Coax SPDIF

Can you choose the closest relevant option on the poll Alex otherwise you won't get counted.

 

Thanks

[NOMBEDES]

I can turn Armarra (hi-fi) on and off with the on screen button and there is a difference and I do not like the difference!

[acousticsguru]

Yes, and I use a FireWire converter and AES/EBU (= voted "other") connection.

 

Greetings from Switzerland, David.

[Audio_ELF]

Yes: I needed about 20 options rather than 10 to put all the combinations I thought of...

[wkhanna]

A) Yes

 

B) USB to MF V-Link 192 > coax to DAC.....& Yes, I hear a difference depending on connection method

[ampsarus]

I hear a difference / use another method

 

When playing back files from my PC, the DAC is a Lynx L22 pci soundcard.

(with other sources in my DAW I sometimes use an Apogee Rosetta 200 AD/DA and Big Ben)

 

Playing any file in JRMC17 running ASIO vs. iTunes is NOT a subtle difference. iTunes blows.

[sandyk]

Can you choose the closest relevant option on the poll Alex otherwise you won't get counted.

 

Thanks

Eloise

When I replied the various options were not there, although your post was already several minutes old.

Due to the high incidence of Mac ownership by U.S.A. members, perhaps you also need to know which OS, as most Mac users are likely to use USB in preference to onboard Optical ?

 

Alex

[Blake]

yes. usb > usb converter > aes/ebu > dac

[esldude]

I use an Audiophilleo USB to SPDIF converter feeding a DAC. I think that should have been a separate choice from USB DAC. If noise over the ground is a problem separate converters may diminish it vs a DAC with an included USB connection. In the case of the unit I have power for the device goes through a regenerator which supposedly greatly diminishes the effect of any noise on the USB itself. It isn't the only such device to take such measures.

[Musicophile]

Yes. (via Belcanto USB SPDIF see below). Although I feel with 1.5.5 Audirvana is getting closer and closer to Amarra.

[Audio_ELF]

If you use the Audiophilleo that would be "use coax SPDIF from soundcard or USB converter"

 

I use an Audiophilleo USB to SPDIF converter feeding a DAC. I think that should have been a separate choice from USB DAC. If noise over the ground is a problem separate converters may diminish it vs a DAC with an included USB connection. In the case of the unit I have power for the device goes through a regenerator which supposedly greatly diminishes the effect of any noise on the USB itself. It isn't the only such device to take such measures.

[Melvin]

Yes .. using coax (see signature).

[TimArruda]

I hear a difference, with a USB connected DAC, which is why I purchased Decibel, and then Pure Music.

[esldude]

If you use the Audiophilleo that would be "use coax SPDIF from soundcard or USB converter"

 

Right you are, bad reading comprehension on my part. Oops.

[Alex66]

I hear a difference and that is listening to a cheep eBay DAC via Toslink, Ok I have a good power supply on it and a carefully selected OpAmp but then I also noticed a difference when using the I Mac's built in sound and a poor yamaha all in one. Obviously the changes have become more noticeable so when I finish my DAC who knows.

[acg]

I hear a difference using both a USB connected DAC and another dac via fed SPDIF from my Offramp but could only vote once...so add +1 to the SPDIF category. I should add that my USB DAC is immune to usb cable (Phasure NOS1) but software players do sound different and even different options within the one software player influences sound whilst maintaining bit-perfection. Go figure!!

[wgscott]

No, but hopefully I will when I am 75.

[sjoc2000]

Despite JRiver claims to the contrary, IMO JPlay adds an element of further depth and richness to the classical and jazz I play here.

 

Jim

[Horevey]

...I feel with 1.5.5 Audirvana is getting closer and closer to Amarra.

 

I agree. Especially when using integer mode 2.

[elcorso]

No, but hopefully I will when I am 75.

 

Now at 92, I listen totally different than I was 29: Everything in mono-left. The right one is totally dedicated to my wife screaming (I only can see his moving lips).

 

Roch

[Jud]

It has been stated a few times that there is a "concensus" that different audio players sound different and I would like to run a poll to find out how much if a consensus there is.

 

Eloise

 

Hi, Eloise. The consensus, at least here, will be from a self selected group. For example, you take an Audirvana topic on the forum with comments by a bunch of Audirvana Plus users, many/most of whom presumably use it because they like the sound, and most of them think it sounds different than other players. Not surprising.