Quote:
Originally Posted by Alwayswantmore
BTW: Some of the digital sources I tested and still use, are not very expensive.
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Additional points:
While inexpensive consumer grade transports + RWA DAC sounded better than my old Wadia 830, the best sound possible from this rig is a properly configured computer via USB...
It turns out digital transports typically convert streaming signals to S/PDIF for transmission via optical or coax. Where USB streaming digital eliminates the S/PDIF conversion.
So yes, in the end a properly configured computer can take on even the most expensive CD transports*
Nice to know that computer-based audio may ultimately rise to the top of the heap.
Kent
* Check out 6moons review, where Srajan put a $30,000 CD transport against RWA via USB. He voted USB as the winner. I've done the comparison more than once -- but on much less expensive transports -- and came to the same conclusion. Not night and day, but with the right equipment the improvement from USB can be heard (like a 10-15% improvement).
6moons audio reviews: Red*Wine Audio Isabella
"What's undeniable is that Isabella the package -- particularly with the Isabellina option -- is the most ambitious Red Wine Audio product yet." -- from 6moons' review.
Disclosure: I'm a long-time RWA customer and have done some contract marketing work for Vinnie. All my RWA purchases were made PRIOR to entering into contract marketing work.