Woo Audio Amp Owner Unite - Page 1562

Thank you for the explanation on that Sid-Fi. I think I will look into the Audiophilleo  since that is what you're rocking. Man, I jumped from head amps to DACs to USB/SPDIF converters. Man, and I thought collecting firearms was expensive!

I'm glad all the tubes are almost with their owners. Thanks for the kind words Van41.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Instrumental 

Thank you for the explanation on that Sid-Fi. I think I will look into the Audiophilleo  since that is what you're rocking. Man, I jumped from head amps to DACs to USB/SPDIF converters. Man, and I thought collecting firearms was expensive!

Expensive? Places like Head-Fi are docile and delightful destinations. A wonderful place where one could share, contribute, look and learn. So docile in fact, you might even have an exchange with the Devil himself and wouldn't know it until you examined the contents of your wallet.

Many are left thinking to themselves..."Just how much help did I need?!" 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sid-Fi 

By USB interface I am really referring to a USB to SPDIF converter. In a nutshell, computers have generally been notoriously bad transports for sending music files to an external DAC. There are two primary reasons, timing errors and fairly dirty/noisy power.

 

I'm no expert but this should give you a very general high level of the issues at play and benefits. A few affordable solutions are Musical Fidelity V-Link, Stello U2, Audio-gd Digital Interfsce etc.these are all around the $250 ballpark range if I remember correctly. They aren't reference level solutions but should great improvement over direct connection in most cases.
I personally have more money invested in my USB Interfsce than I do in either my DAC or headphones and that has given me the best results IMO. Your connections look generally right. I'm not as familiar with the measurements you quoted with the XLR connectors since they are usually standard 3 and 4 pin sizes.

+1

USB to SPDIF converters really help improve the sound when playing from a computer.  i myself own the musical fidelity V-link which goes directly to my DL3. it works great and is a great buy for the price. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Instrumental 

Thank you for the explanation on that Sid-Fi. I think I will look into the Audiophilleo  since that is what you're rocking. Man, I jumped from head amps to DACs to USB/SPDIF converters. Man, and I thought collecting firearms was expensive!

You should check out the Channel Islands Audio Transient MK II.  It serves as both a converter and a DAC.  So, you can start small, use it for both, and then eventually add a DAC.  I have owned a number of their components and have enjoyed each one.  And they are very reasonably priced.

http://www.ciaudio.com/products/TransientMKII

oh i have the original V-LINK 1 (the black 24/96 one)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Instrumental 

Thank you for the explanation on that Sid-Fi. I think I will look into the Audiophilleo  since that is what you're rocking. Man, I jumped from head amps to DACs to USB/SPDIF converters. Man, and I thought collecting firearms was expensive!

Perhaps this meet would be educational:  http://www.head-fi.org/t/633123/seattle-meet-woodinville-saturday-12-15-2012

Oh cool,  a meet! I will try to get over there. Thanks. I really appreciate all the other input too. What I thought was going to be a simple audio purchase has become quite complex! I am researching three components instead of one. It's fascinating stuff I think.

Your pursuit may also raise your appreciation for both your acquisitions and listening to music itself. This is not a given. Do try to enjoy the journey...

Finding some cables is kind of tough though, like dual xlrf or xlrm to a female headphone jack (1/4 or 1/8). Or a single 4pin male to female headphone jack. =\ RCA cables of whatever variety are easy enough though.

Okay so I ended up buying a bunch of necessary cables as well as the PS Audio Digital Link III DAC. The Yulong looked really nice, but between the source being Hong Kong and thus over seas shipping and the fact that I had over 180 dollars in Amazon gift cards, the PS Audio's ease of purchase, lower cost, and delivery was what put it over the edge. Still researching on the USB SPDIF converter and I will put in the order for my WA22 soon as well. Exciting times! =)