Using my PSA PWD mk-II with both usb and cat7 data path connections I could easily switch between these 2 inputs and compare the acoustic presentation on the same tracks back to back.
cat7 was always clearly superior to the 'straight' usb data path.
Then I added an AudioQuest coffee usb cable and it helped close the gap.
Then I added Wyrd and the gap closed up even more.
Enough so that it was really close and hard to tell which was 'better'.
Then I cooked the usb cables and that pushed it over the top.
usb was now a contendah…
And for the first time I could use a 'real' player with full features (dsp, and gapless etc.) and have the same (or better!) SQ from usb.
This has opened up yet further experiments which have also borne fruit, a DIY'rs dream come true…
Bottom line is, usb is now clearly 'better' than the cat7 when used as a data path to the dac.
But an interesting observation is the differences between the strictly digital data paths of cat7 vs. usb, sound like analog coloration, like tube rolling, or cables or…
Which is NOT something I would have expected, to be able to tailor the sound to suit my preferences all based upon tweaking the digital data path from the computer to the dac.
Who'd a thunk it?
JJ
ps the Wyrd is a GREAT solution to help with usb 'issues', and when coupled with other tweaks can really help clean things up! AND it’s a MAJOR BARGAIN to boot.
And youze guys solved a problem you didn't even know existed… :thumb :thumb