I am looking at a source upgrade, and being somewhat tied to my computer, it seems I will need a quality DAC.
#1 I've read about the ART DI/O, but it seems to me that its' output quality is susceptible to jitter through the coax digital connection, so it would appear that a better option would be a DAC with optical input, right?
#2 Also, a DAC that controls the clock (instead of the soundcard) also seems to be beneficial to sound quality, from what I've read. Is the ART capable of this (in conjunction with a compatible soundcard like the AP 24/96)? If so, would that make #1 a moot point?
#3 other reasonably cheap DAC's I've seen with good reviews include the MSB Link II/III and Channel Islands (forgot the model #), which both have optical in, but can they clock the soundcard as well?
In the end, what I'm looking for is a DAC that can be had used for less than $300 or so, with the least amount of jitter suseptibility (i.e. issues #1 and 2), and the best quality output (upsampling and whatnot being a bonus if possible.) So, what is eveyone's advice?
(Ignore the GTXP in my profile, I would use the DAC with either an M-Audio Delta DIO or Audiophile, or feel free to suggest another reasonably priced sound card with good digital out.)
And please don't start the computer audio or not debate, I've got plenty of CD's but logistical and other factors make it much easier for me to listen at the PC.
Thanks in advance.
#1 I've read about the ART DI/O, but it seems to me that its' output quality is susceptible to jitter through the coax digital connection, so it would appear that a better option would be a DAC with optical input, right?
#2 Also, a DAC that controls the clock (instead of the soundcard) also seems to be beneficial to sound quality, from what I've read. Is the ART capable of this (in conjunction with a compatible soundcard like the AP 24/96)? If so, would that make #1 a moot point?
#3 other reasonably cheap DAC's I've seen with good reviews include the MSB Link II/III and Channel Islands (forgot the model #), which both have optical in, but can they clock the soundcard as well?
In the end, what I'm looking for is a DAC that can be had used for less than $300 or so, with the least amount of jitter suseptibility (i.e. issues #1 and 2), and the best quality output (upsampling and whatnot being a bonus if possible.) So, what is eveyone's advice?
(Ignore the GTXP in my profile, I would use the DAC with either an M-Audio Delta DIO or Audiophile, or feel free to suggest another reasonably priced sound card with good digital out.)
And please don't start the computer audio or not debate, I've got plenty of CD's but logistical and other factors make it much easier for me to listen at the PC.
Thanks in advance.
