Got the DAC, need help with the rest
Posted by: runic on 29 June 2010
So i've ordered the nDAC (rest of system is 202/Hi/200), I know i like the sound with a CD transport but I want to be able to access my entire music collection quickly which I have started to rip to a USB drive soon to be NAS.
My goal - the system must sounds as good, if not better, than my old CDX2. Any less than this and I will go back to picking CDs off the shelf.
The problem is it's hard to find demos of PC based systems, hence my post. I know there are those out there who have heard these systems so here is what I am considering:
Option 1: SB Touch (hard wired) --> nDAC
This is the simplest and possibly cheapest but I have read both bad and good things about this setup - some suggesting it's not as good as my old CD player.
Option 2: Windows7 Atom based media server (+JRiver?) --> HiFace ---> COAX --> nDAC
I am a competent PC builder and electronics engineer so building this is fairly easy for me. I know there are other USB.Digital interfaces on the market such as Bel Canto but can't find too many trustworthy reviews.
Option 3: Windows7 media server + Firewire card --> Weiss INT202 --> nDAC
After buying the nDAC this is over my budget but if the consensus is this is the only way to get decent sound I will save up!
Option 4: MacMini --> HiFace --> nDAC
I have no allegiance to Macs/PCs so this is not an issue.
Option 5: Windows 7 Media Server + Sound Card --> nDAC via COAX or optical
These pro sound cards (like the Lynx) seem to cost a fair bit so I'm thinking along the lines of the Asus Xonar STX.
All of the above can provide me with the control options I need too so sound quality and price will be the only issues.
So, which of the above will send as good as a CDX2?? (Please say the cheapest!). I am aware that some think all bit perfect sources sound the same, but I have heard differences between CD transports so i'll be hard to convince. All opinions appreciated.
My goal - the system must sounds as good, if not better, than my old CDX2. Any less than this and I will go back to picking CDs off the shelf.
The problem is it's hard to find demos of PC based systems, hence my post. I know there are those out there who have heard these systems so here is what I am considering:
Option 1: SB Touch (hard wired) --> nDAC
This is the simplest and possibly cheapest but I have read both bad and good things about this setup - some suggesting it's not as good as my old CD player.
Option 2: Windows7 Atom based media server (+JRiver?) --> HiFace ---> COAX --> nDAC
I am a competent PC builder and electronics engineer so building this is fairly easy for me. I know there are other USB.Digital interfaces on the market such as Bel Canto but can't find too many trustworthy reviews.
Option 3: Windows7 media server + Firewire card --> Weiss INT202 --> nDAC
After buying the nDAC this is over my budget but if the consensus is this is the only way to get decent sound I will save up!
Option 4: MacMini --> HiFace --> nDAC
I have no allegiance to Macs/PCs so this is not an issue.
Option 5: Windows 7 Media Server + Sound Card --> nDAC via COAX or optical
These pro sound cards (like the Lynx) seem to cost a fair bit so I'm thinking along the lines of the Asus Xonar STX.
All of the above can provide me with the control options I need too so sound quality and price will be the only issues.
So, which of the above will send as good as a CDX2?? (Please say the cheapest!). I am aware that some think all bit perfect sources sound the same, but I have heard differences between CD transports so i'll be hard to convince. All opinions appreciated.
quote:Originally posted by js:
I'd ask ferenc. He has a lot of experience with both the Lynx and HiFace. My guess is that the PCI Lynx would be preferred in a linear supplied, fanless PC.
When I was using a Lavry DA10 and a Mytek 192ADDA in my pro system, Lynx was the most interesting way to drive them from an old quad G5 Mac and I liked a lot what it could produce in a fully balanced pro audio system. Since I have a Naim DAC with XPS2 at home in my hifi system, I found HiFace powered from a Vaunix laboratory quality hub extremely satisfying with the Naim DAC and using Naim DC-1 BNC-BNC coax. Tonight I will get the latest HiFace, the new HiFace Evo for a few week trial. If there is an interest I can report about my findings
So many variables. Different supplies and play programs etc. Makes it tough unless you've tried all combos. What will you use to power the EVO? Try a psc2 with tants. 
quote:Originally posted by js:
So many variables. Different supplies and play programs etc. Makes it tough unless you've tried all combos. What will you use to power the EVO? Try a psc2 with tants.
Very good suggestion, will try it for sure.
quote:Originally posted by pcstockton:quote:Originally posted by ferenc:
Tonight I will get the latest HiFace
Ive read about the Evo and have been waiting to try it. There is a new hiface as well? Differences?
It is a kind of big brother of the original HiFace, more output (RCA SPDIF, BNC SPDIF, I2S on RJ45, AES/EBU, Toslink and ST optical), better clock and external clock input. All outputs (except I2S) are transformer-decoupled to avoid ground noise and EMI interference.
So sounds promising to feed the Naim DAC