Aftermarket power cord for computer?

[MagusG]

Would an aftermarket IEC powercord for a computer have any effect on the quality of sound? Also would a more expensive, better regulated power supply have any effect on the sound?
-Mag

 

[grinch]

Quote:

Originally posted by MagusG Would an aftermarket IEC powercord for a computer have any effect on the quality of sound? Also would a more expensive, better regulated power supply have any effect on the sound? -Mag

it would also make it much faster, with better calculation of 1's and 0's!

i've wondered this myself, but i really think that this sort of thing wouldn't improve much. computer power supplies are very unregulated and even if you get it fixed up and running well, the motherboard is what gives the pci slots their power and the caps on them definitely aren't black gates. i really think that in the end, getting perfect sound out of a computer is pretty impossible.

however, my latest idea was to get one of those monarchy dip boxes and run the digital out into there, then into an external dac. i imagine those digital outs don't make the best transports, so i'm wondering if something like that would reduce enough jitter to give better sound.. hmm.

 

[MagusG]

Yeah, I kinda agree, perfect sound out of a computer is pretty much impossible with todays hardware. Definitely possible if you could DIY motherboards. But thats really not very feasable. I am really interested in getting the best sound out of my computer. Mainly because I use my computer a lot and would rather invest money in it than really exepensive audio equipment. One day when I have a real job and make good money I will spend it on high quality stuff, but for now its all about the PC. I've thought about finding a modded ART DI/O to hook up to the coax out on a revo. I dunno, I really havent heard a true audiophile setup. My current setup is definitely better than your average persons, but I know I can make it a lot better. Anyways, now I'm rambling. Anyone else got any thoughts on my original question?
-Mag

 

[lan]

I don't think an aftermarket cord for a computer would do anything. It's a complicated device with different power consumption and varying amounts of noise depending what you do.

I think jitter is over emphasized now. The latest DACs are more immune to jitter than before. But there's more to sound than just DACs.

MagusG, there are certain points where it can't get a whole lot better without spending insane more $. Some people say upgrade the sources since garbage in, garbage out. I dont agree with that now when the soundcard is already high "enough" to make more sense to spend on other stuff. Just imagine your soundcard is say 85 out of 100. One of best soundcard let's say is 93 and the average soundcard is 70. Sure you can hear every step up but to get that best soundcard you have to spend $800 instead of $100 for the Revo. That $700 difference can buy you a better amp and/or phones which I think are more obvious improvements at the lower price points.


You should really try and hear a higher end system to hear where you are relative to the top. And if you're being realistic, you'll know when to stop.

I'll let you know how my computer sounds after it's cryogenically cooled

 

[chrono]

Quote:

Originally posted by grinch i really think that in the end, getting perfect sound out of a computer is pretty impossible.

not when you have a top of the line sound card.

 

[edgiefred]

Check out www.aopen.com.

This Taiwanese manufacturer makes a vacuum tube PC motherboard with Cardas wires and REL multi-cap capacitors.

 

[grinch]

Quote:

Originally posted by chrono not when you have a top of the line sound card.

i have the terratec dmx 6fire and it cost me about $250. you were saying?

does one need to spend $1000+ for a "top of the line" sound card? for that much i'd get a cheap soundcard and a nice dac, or just a really nice dac. either way, my comments on the power supply (which are a huge part of any audio component's sound) still stand.