PC to Amp via DAC. Cheap PC card with Digi out or converter?

[max337]

After securing a Rega DAC to connect the PC to my amp and after reading a little, I wonder whether the USB converter, such as V Link was necessary?

I will probably fancy the USB connection for its alleged warmth but would like to test both together to see for sure.

£20 for a soundcard with digi outs against £100 V Link makes little sense if essentially they're both doing exactly the same job in essence. Passing the signal to the DAC. I have a decent optical and coax cable already along with a Belkin USB.

Any thoughts?

Is there a reason to upgrade the USB? I thought it was 1s and 0s but would a better USB cable make sense?

 

[chebby]

The Rega DAC_R and DAC both have async USB inputs don't they?

Can't you plug your PC in directly?

What don't I understand here? Why are you thinking of 'daisy chaining' more devices in series with a perfectly good DAC?

 

[max337]

The Rega DAC_R and DAC both have async USB inputs don't they?

Can't you plug your PC in directly??

What don't I understand here?  Why are you thinking of 'daisy chaining' more devices in series with a perfectly good DAC?

Believe me, less is better IMO but the DAC R has asynchronous not the Rega DAC, I believe the DAC reclocks on the fly. Via USB it only does 16/48 I believe, whereas via opt/coax goes up to 192. For me, USB will possibly suffice mainly but I do have hi red needs too.

Therefore when it is needed I would need to use opt/coax cable, but my question is how?

Via sound card from pc to DAC or from PC to DAC using USB via v link etc type converters?

I'm hoping its irrelevant and a cheap soundcard would do but hoping someone has experience with this subject.

Hope that makes sense.

 

[robo1973]

Hello, first time ever on a forum so be gentle. I am asking, I beleive, the same (or very similar) question as max337. I have a Cyrus 8DAC but they made the USB-in only able to run 24/44.1. So, I have been reseaching this for, what seems like, weeks! My question is: what would sound best, a Synology NAS with audio station controlled by iPAD sending files via a converter like the vLink or Peachtree X1 i.e. USB out of the NAS through the converter and input into one of the (non-USB) inputs into the DAC.

OR, just go and buy something like the Panasonic N50 and bypass its internal DAC. I have been a little put off by peoples comments on Cyrus's Cadence app so not so keen on buying the Cyrus X V2. Also, £800 sounds like a lot of money for a box that does not even contain a DAC.

So, back to the original question? I spoke to Richard at "Audiologica" (very helpful guy). If I understood him correctly he suggested something like the N50 streamer would give better quality sound that the NAS/converter option. He mentioned words like streamers have "dedicated power supplys" and this could make all the difference. He also kindly pointed out that the NAS drive will make a small amount of sound itself, so best soemhow isolated.

I am very interested in peoples views on this topic....

Much appreciated.

OR, (and maybe a stupid question) could you use a cheaper USB DAC between a synology NAS and the Cyrus 8 DAC?

 

[cheeseboy]

So, back to the original question? I spoke to Richard at "Audiologica" (very helpful guy). If I understood him correctly he suggested something like the N50 streamer would give better quality sound that the NAS/converter option.

as helpful as he may be, to make such a sweeping statement is folly imho. There's absolutely no way he could know that for certain. For example, if you took the most expensive dac on the market and linked it up to a nas, even with a converter, is he prepared to put his money where his mouth is. Thing is, what some people are missing is that anything that is a "streamer" is basically a computer, as the technology required to run the networking side of things requires an operating system that can deal with it. Sure they are likely to be cut down and aren't going to run Microsoft word, but they will usually run some form of linux, or in some cases Windows embedded.

He mentioned words like streamers have "dedicated power supplys" and this could make all the difference.

erm, so does a nas, otherwise it wouldn't turn on

He also kindly pointed out that the NAS drive will make a small amount of sound itself, so best soemhow isolated.

Abient noise, yes, as there will be a small amount of noise from the hard drives spinning, and in some nas's they may have a fan for cooling.