In article , David
wrote:
"Jim Lesurf" wrote in message
...
No doubt at all in my mind, use option 1. SPDIF is far more robust on
longish runs than USB.
I'd agree. However ideally you should also take care to check that the
correct sample rate is being used and that no needless 'conversions'
being done - e.g. to alter the waveform amplitude - before it can
reach the 203.
Mmmm, ?
/
Some OS/Hardware combinations may work by default at *only* one sample
rate. e.g I have an ancient laptop (c10 years old) that only outputs at 48k
- i.e. *not* the 44.1k sample rate of audio CDs. So if you play a file
taken from and audio CD on that laptop via its default card it gets
converted into 48k internally before the bits pop out of the SPDIF output.
General problem here is that video DVDs and some net radios and DAB use 48k
whereas CD audio and the iPlayer use 44.1k. So you ideally need a soundcard
that will output whatever fits the source material if you want to ensure
the 203 gets the 'virgin' data stream without the computer or soundcard
messing it about.
A little over my head there (you're talking to a vinyl perv). I will
copy all my CDs to the computer as lossless. That's all I know. The
ons and offs that the soundcard outputs is beyond me.
IIRC I think you will know if you are using a Meridian 203. :-)
If it is like the 263 (and 563) I have, it has a PLL 'lock' light that only
comes on when the input is 44.1k (CD audio) rate. If that lock light
*doesn't* come on when you feed it SPDIF from your computer and the source
file is ripped from audio CD then you will know the computer (soundcard) is
furtling about with the data. That will mean the result is not identical to
when you play a CD in the conventional manner.
No idea if you will hear any difference at all. But it shouldn't be
happening. When you play a file from CD audio or iPlayer the 'lock' light
should be lit. When you play from a Video DVD it should be dark. Simple as
that.
On 18 Mar in uk.rec.audio, David wrote:
"David Looser" wrote in message
No doubt at all in my mind, use option 1. SPDIF is far more robust on
longish runs than USB.
"Jim Lesurf" wrote in message
I'd agree.
Thank you, you two. A couple of others have asked what's wrong with my
existing set-up. There is nothing fundamentally wrong, I was just
thinking I may get a better sound with my outboard DAC.
What are your twos guesses? Do you think it's worth bothereing with?
Can't really say from what you've written thus far. A long analog cable may
be giving you hum or some capacitive roll-away of the high treble, or some
other effect. If you haven't noticed any problems then they may be too
small to hear. But they may be big enough that you hear a difference when
you try SPDIF. So it may be fine as it is, or not. Only way to tell for
sure is to experiment.
Given you have the 203 I'd say have a go. But I'd probably do it purely out
of curiosity. No idea if it will be worth the effort/expense. Your call.
:-)
Slainte,
Jim
--
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Computer to Pre-Amp connection query.
Hybrid Mode
