Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) ›  Computer > USB or Optical S/PDIF ?? > Audio-GD Compass
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Computer > USB or Optical S/PDIF ?? > Audio-GD Compass

post #1 of 11
8/7/10 at 1:05pm
Thread Starter 

Hello,

I just recieved a Audio-GD Compass i bought from a member yesterday..

The Optical cable is 3' vs the USB thats 4' and I am wondering if it is really going to make a lot of difference..  The optical cable will just reach but the usb is better lenght..

 

I'm just wonder how much better the quality of one to another..

 

Also anyone have a opinion as to what the best internal jumper settings are?

 

Thanks

RRD

Reply
post #2 of 11
8/7/10 at 1:11pm

Optical. Big Difference. Don't give it second thought. Don't wait for a second opinion. Just Do It!

 

Get a longer optical cable if you need to.

Reply
post #3 of 11
8/7/10 at 1:46pm

The Compass sounds richer through USB than through optical.  Optical or coax is better if you use a CD/DVD transport (not a PC).

 

Big difference? What is your setup?


Edited by Mad Max - 8/7/10 at 1:47pm
Reply
post #4 of 11
8/7/10 at 1:57pm

In my experience, an optical or coax signal has always sounded better than a USB. I currently own a DacMagic and I experienced the same phenomenon. I had it connected Coax for months then due to my pc crapping out, I started using it USB connected to a laptop and the former connection was better.

Reply
post #5 of 11
8/7/10 at 2:08pm

-__-

I was using optical from an X-Fi XtremeGamer (aside from WASAPI/ASIO/etc.), but a friend recommended a CMI8768 card to use instead with some GPL custom drivers instead of the stock ones that are included.  So I got a better optical signal that way plus I no longer have to put up with the crappy Creative drivers.  Later I tried out a triple-shielded USB cable and put ferrites on it.  USB input sounds richer and slightly cleaner and more detailed, but I have never heard a "big" difference.  The only reason optical sounds better now is because I have a an old DVD player plugged in via optical.  The difference is still small, like rolling opamps or power cords.

Well, to me at least.

Reply
post #6 of 11
8/7/10 at 2:26pm

I guess, try both out and see which one you like better OP. Also, does the Compass USB support 24bit?

Reply
post #7 of 11
8/7/10 at 2:37pm

Nope.

Reply
post #8 of 11
8/7/10 at 2:43pm

Well that is a better reason than any to go optical or coax
 

Reply
post #9 of 11
8/7/10 at 2:45pm

I wish.

Reply
post #10 of 11
8/7/10 at 3:03pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks I'll test both out and see if I can hear any difference..

 

My set up is a HQ ASUS mobo with onboard sound and using Foobar for a FLAC player..

My headphones are K-702s and HD600s

 

Thanks again

Reply
post #11 of 11
8/7/10 at 3:27pm

You're going to be enjoying your music very much with those 'phones plus the Compass.

 

You should consider uLilith instead of Foobar2k.  Read the uLilith thread to learn more.

uLilith's advantage over Foobar is sound quality, but Foobar2k's interface is better.

Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Headphone Amps (full-size)
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) ›  Computer > USB or Optical S/PDIF ?? > Audio-GD Compass