DAC V1 SPDIF input vs USB

Posted by: analogmusic on 20 January 2014

I just did this test.

The SBT output through SPDIF sounds almost ok going through 202/HCDR. Comfortably a league above the analog output of the Squeezebox touch (and this should not be a surprise)

but when I plugged the DAC V1 into the NAP 200 (bypassing the NAC 202) then it sounded harsh almost.

I then tried it with the USB output and the sound lost all of it's harshness.

Amazing.

I now understand the role of transport into a DAC.

If I owned an NDAC, I would give it the very best transport I could to get the best out of it.

it's not a small difference at all, it's very audible.

Posted on: 20 January 2014 by Manu

When you use the DAC V1 with the NAP200, you should play with the signal ground switch. It may add some harshness if not set correctly...

Posted on: 20 January 2014 by Tog

Originally Posted by Manu:

When you use the DAC V1 with the NAP200, you should play with the signal ground switch. It may add some harshness if not set correctly...

On which item Manu?

I'm using the V1 into the 200 - MBP via USB - the difference to SPDIF is huge.

Tog

Posted on: 20 January 2014 by Jan-Erik Nordoen

Difference... in which direction?

Posted on: 20 January 2014 by Lightkeeper

I understand V1.

Posted on: 20 January 2014 by Tog

Sound has more energy and life via USB.

Tog

Posted on: 21 January 2014 by Manu

Yes, the DAC V1's switch.

But I am not surprise you find USB better than SPDIF... I agree with you. Only Hi-end implementations of SPDIF (a la nDAC) will sound on par with asynchronous USB.

Posted on: 21 January 2014 by analogmusic

the audiophilleo USB solution in the DAC V1 is really top class.