What is the best way to bypass/decrapify computer audio?

[Hitokiri]

Not really sure what you mean by that, haven't heard that PCI Express interface was replaced.
Adding USB PCI-E add on card was a known solution to deal with some MBs crappy onboard USB.

Yeah sorry, I should have been more specific. Like 10-15 years ago, if someone wanted to get better sound than onboard audio he would usually purchase a PCI-E soundcard like Asus Xonar Essence STX or Creative SoundBlaster. But, nowadays it's probably better to buy an entry level external DAC and Headphone amplifier.

I, personally wouldn't put anything audio related into a noisy PC - even a PCI-E USB card. But, I guess it could be a cheap way to make things a bit better.

 

[kingoftown1]

@Hitokiri look into USB PCIE cards from Jcat & Pink Faun. Way different from old computer soundcards.

 

[Hitokiri]

@Hitokiri look into USB PCIE cards from Jcat & Pink Faun. Way different from old computer soundcards.

Pink Faun ones are interesting, especially the I2S bridge. But, I am not sure if a DDC isn't a better option considering that price is pretty much the same. What do you think?

 

[kingoftown1]

In my system, I get improvements from both. I use a custom/fanless pc with a Jcat Femto card (in the process of upgrading to the XE), into an SU-6, then I2S into Spring 3. Both the usb card and DDC are powered by linear power supplies (Hdplex 200w and Ferrum Hypsos). Each component added has made a difference. The key improvements for me are usually in bass depth & impact, extension in the highs without glare/fatigue, more realistic overall tonality, more specific imaging and a wider/more holographic soundstage. This is mostly with speakers, so ymmv with a headphone setup. AC & DC power cables, USB & other digital cables play an important part too, though some are more obvious than others.

I agree that the Pink Faun I2S bridge is intriguing -- I never really considered it as I'm pretty attached to the SU-6, and I'd read reports of Pink Faun's bridges being a bit more finnicky to set up compared to Jcat's offerings. The Pink Faun USB card with the Ultra OXCO always seemed interesting, if super expensive. It would be interesting to have a shootout between that, the JCAT XE, and the Innuos Phoenix USB.

I'm definitely not an expert in any of this, and am just reporting my subjective experiences. Generally, I try to keep a balance between the subjective and objective side of things (but I admittedly do love a good tweak).

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Geez, these prices for USB interface, LOL, guess with "Audiophile" label you can sell anything at any asking price, USB card or even USB cable.

 

[shwnwllms]

Depends on your definition of “best”

This is my solution (source is M1 Mac Mini). It’s certainly not the cheapest way to go and I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone but for my specific needs it was easier than running Ethernet for a dedicated server.

M1 Mini > W4S Recovery > Curious Regen Link > Iris DDC (i2s) > Pontus II > V550 Pro

 

[Hitokiri]

M1 Mini > W4S Recovery > Curious Regen Link > Iris DDC (i2s) > Pontus II > V550 Pro

What happens if you remove the W4S recovery from the chain? Have you compared what happens if you only use the Recovery via Curious Regen Link directly into your DAC?

Try to make a comparison if you can and let us know! It would be interesting to know how much the W4S recovery does in this setup and how it compares to the Iris

 

[chesebert]

Good quality streamer/network bridge is the best way to get the best out of your dac. I would not waste time on cleaning USB signal - you can only polish a turd so much before you fingers starting to smell.

I actually like network bridge better from a technical perspective. I would rather keep the server part separate from the bridge to minimize any potential source of noise.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Good quality streamer/network bridge is the best way to get the best out of your dac. I would not waste time on cleaning USB signal - you can only polish a turd so much before you fingers starting to smell.

I actually like network bridge better from a technical perspective. I would rather keep the server part separate from the bridge to minimize any potential source of noise.

One way or another it's a digital protocol with outcome mostly depending on specific implementation, not the transport media.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

BTW, as Auralic products owner out of curiosity have checked reviews on their Altair G1 streamer which also features USB input.
Seems like reviewers actually prefer USB input quality over streaming.
E.g.
https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/review-auralic-altair-g1-digital-audio-streamer-r897/

Altair G1 USB setup was head and shoulders better than anything I'd previously heard through the g1

 

[shwnwllms]

What happens if you remove the W4S recovery from the chain? Have you compared what happens if you only use the Recovery via Curious Regen Link directly into your DAC?

Try to make a comparison if you can and let us know! It would be interesting to know how much the W4S recovery does in this setup and how it compares to the Iris

The W4S Recovery adds a bit of clarity and dynamics. It’s less noticeable with the Iris / Pontus combo than my previous DAC (Gustard X16 which had a very good USB implementation anyway) but it’s there.

The main reason I kept it in the chain is how it handles the 5V power from the USB port. It essentially cauterizes the 5V pin from the Mac, feeding its own 5V signal from a separate power supply. (The curious cable further limits EMI by routing the 5V wire outside the USB cable). This has the added benefit of solving some of the issues surrounding sleep / wake issues on USB ports on Macs.

 

[Hitokiri]

BTW, as Auralic products owner out of curiosity have checked reviews on their Altair G1 streamer which also features USB input.
Seems like reviewers actually prefer USB input quality over streaming.
E.g.
https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/review-auralic-altair-g1-digital-audio-streamer-r897/

That depends on the circuitry/implementation of your DAC and the streamer.... with some streamers into some DAC's I2s might better, others USB others BNC. I am pretty sure, that for instance the Gustard SDA6 PRO DAC has such a good USB implementation that any other type of connection feeding it might sound a bit worse, but most likely very negligible.

TBh, if you have such a nice DAC and you are feeding it with USB I would try a good USB cable see if it makes a difference (yes, yes I know, don't sue me for saying it). Imo it's just woth the $5-10 bucks return shipping cost just to try.

 

[Whazzzup]

Quality dedicated music server is the answer imo. Then chose the connection you want. In my case it’s usb as my dac has a HD galvanized port and my server preferred delivery is usb

 

[chesebert]

Quality dedicated music server is the answer imo. Then chose the connection you want. In my case it’s usb as my dac has a HD galvanized port and my server preferred delivery is usb

My experience as well. Experiment with different digital connections as they all sound a bit different.

A good streamer can actually have a night and day difference (a term I really hate to use) and I just experienced this with NS1. I got it for my Emm labs dac but then I started trying different dacs with it and was like What is this voodoo magic. I connected my least expensive dac (mojo) and I was grinning and listened for hours. Mind you mojo + poly sounds just passable to me and mojo over USB from PC (after isolation and reclocker and special USB cable … the works) sounds worse than poly.

 

[Hitokiri]

Quality dedicated music server is the answer imo.

Music server the same thing as a network streamer or? These terms get confusing, music streamer, music server, network streamer, network audio player....