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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 13, 2016 14:07:32 GMT -5
When I Google "best audio interface," I get pages & pages of which interfaces are best for recording. I don't record. I'd like to know which of the following interfaces would be best for audio DA conversion and why:
Optical TOSLINK
USB
Ethernet DLNA
RCA digital (don't recall the proper name)
What I'm looking for is minimum jitter and most reliable signal transmission.
Thoughts?
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Post by audiobill on Jan 13, 2016 14:12:29 GMT -5
Lots of discussion over at computeraudiophile.com
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Post by garbulky on Jan 13, 2016 14:12:55 GMT -5
Not optical or ethernet if you're looking for "the best". But honestly I don't think audio interface is your problem
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Post by Axis on Jan 13, 2016 14:17:17 GMT -5
Boom I am looking for something to use with my Korg Krome keyboard. Analog to Digital. Your right that everything is geared to Pro Recording but that can also be a good thing. On top of having a very good preamp they also are very good line level. Look at this. Universal Audio Apollo Twin Duo USB www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ApolloTDusbOh shoot ! Digital to Analog. I will look. sorry |
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Post by lockheed on Jan 13, 2016 14:23:18 GMT -5
Blue Jeans recommends Digital COAX over Toslink
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Post by audiogeek on Jan 13, 2016 14:29:11 GMT -5
I've always heard that digital coax is the best (but probably splitting hairs).
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Post by brubacca on Jan 13, 2016 14:38:20 GMT -5
My personal experience is Digital Coax over Toslink. Toslink seems "soft" , coax seems crisper with better transients.
I absolutely abhor ethernet. Many people tell me that ethernet done correctly is a great transport. I haven't heard that with my ears in my system. I think that the way an ethernet transmission deoinstructs a packets softens the music. My UnitiQute can get music directly over USB or over Ethernet. In direct comparison the music fed to the system through a USB stick is much better than streamed over the ethernet. Many people have told me that my ethernet is not setup correctly, but I have setup my srver and Qute on the same switch, hardwired and made the comparison.
So for me, jusic delivery to the system is better direct from USB and digital out to a DAC using Coax.
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Jan 13, 2016 14:49:26 GMT -5
AES/EBU for least jitter. Other than that, coax S/PDIF is good, and with non-Windows USB playback and a good USB DAC I hear no difference when using USB. If using Winblows then you are at the mercy of the hardware you are using.
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 13, 2016 15:48:34 GMT -5
How long can an ABS/EBU cable be? What devices can output digital audio in this format? My computer has no such interface, my wireless hub has no such interface, and my disc player has no such interface.
How long can a S/PDIF cable be? What devices can output digital audio in this format? My computer has no such interface and my wireless hub has no such interface.
Interfaces currently available to me:
Ethernet DLNA - out via laptop server, input via Oppo BDP-105
Optical TOSLINK - out via laptop server, input via Oppo BDP-105
Optical TOSLINK - out via Apple Airport Express, input via Oppo BDP-105 (but to get from server to Airport, an Ethernet DLNA connection must also be made)
USB - out via laptop server, input via Oppo BDP-105
HDMI - out via laptop server, input via Oppo BDP-105
So in short, I seem to have no source that offers AES/EBU or S/PDIF outputs.
My Oppo offers a S/PDIF input jack, but I have (currently) no source with that output.
Ideas?
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Post by Axis on Jan 13, 2016 15:59:36 GMT -5
How long can an ABS/EBU cable be? What devices can output digital audio in this format? My computer has no such interface, my wireless hub has no such interface, and my disc player has no such interface. How long can a S/PDIF cable be? What devices can output digital audio in this format? My computer has no such interface and my wireless hub has no such interface. Interfaces currently available to me: Ethernet DLNA - out via laptop server, input via Oppo BDP-105 Optical TOSLINK - out via laptop server, input via Oppo BDP-105 Optical TOSLINK - out via Apple Airport Express, input via Oppo BDP-105 (but to get from server to Airport, an Ethernet DLNA connection must also be made) USB - out via laptop server, input via Oppo BDP-105 HDMI - out via laptop server, input via Oppo BDP-105 So in short, I seem to have no source that offers AES/EBU or S/PDIF outputs. My Oppo offers a S/PDIF input jack, but I have (currently) no source with that output. Ideas? I will have to get back to you next week.  |
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Post by Gary Cook on Jan 13, 2016 17:15:43 GMT -5
For digital links I've used;
Toslink to UMC-1
Toslink to UMC-200
HDMI to UMC-200
USB to UCA202
Digital RCA to XDA-2
USB to BigEgo
Whilst not directly comparable (the UMC's were/are in the main 5.1 system whilst the UC202 and BigEgo were/are in the home office system) the most impressive to me is the USB to BigEgo. As a result I've developed the view that the link (as long as it is solid) is far less important than what's on either end of it.
Cheers
Gary
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Post by Porscheguy on Jan 13, 2016 17:18:17 GMT -5
Have you considered just trying each to see which you might like better? That seems to be the best option??
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 13, 2016 17:48:25 GMT -5
Equipment shuffling required!
Currently, the music-server laptop is in the computer room, communicating with the stereo via Ethernet over AC modem pair. If I bring the laptop to the music room, more options are available. But for now, the primary Ethernet connection is necessary.
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hemster
Global Moderator 
Particle Manufacturer
...still listening... still watching
Posts: 51,952
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Post by hemster on Jan 13, 2016 17:52:13 GMT -5
^Think you may have answered your own question.
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Post by brubacca on Jan 13, 2016 17:58:00 GMT -5
To translate my experience to your setup.... Put some of your files on a USB thumb drive. Plug into the back usb port on the oppo 105. Play directly over the 105. Compare this to streaming over the ethernet.
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Jan 13, 2016 18:22:24 GMT -5
TOSLINK = S/PDIF Your question was "what was best," not "what is best among what I already have."  |
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Post by Boomzilla on Jan 13, 2016 18:28:10 GMT -5
TOSLINK = S/PDIF Your question was "what was best," not "what is best among what I already have." Correct, but I'm not averse to adding/replacing equipment to improve the system. |
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Jan 13, 2016 18:34:58 GMT -5
You are using a laptop as playback device, yes? They use USB, and get a good USB DAC.
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Post by garbulky on Jan 13, 2016 18:39:51 GMT -5
In that case let me suggest the Schiit Ygdrassil. A transport has to be good on both ends. The schiit has a great receiving end with its adaptilock technology. Oh also...it's supposed to be an absolutlely amazing DAC!  |
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Post by brubacca on Jan 13, 2016 18:47:27 GMT -5
I'll bang the drum I have been beating for years. Get yourself a proper source (athough i think that the BDP-105 can be). DNLA, Regular PCs are not a proper source. Get something designed to be an audio component. Yes they are really just a computer in disguise, but they are optimized for audio playback. Mac n DAC is not the answer.
Get an audio component like a Bryston BDP-2. Put a local SSD into it. Feed that into a really good DAC, like Schiit Yggdrasil (yes, i just spent like $5k of your money). Thank me later. Get a music server local to your hifi that was made to be a server. Lumin, Aurender are also ideas. Auralic Aries Mini with a SSD, something like this.
I think you can do this local to your Oppo-105, by plugging in a Hard Drive Dock with a SSD full of your FLAC. I do think that the 105 can be a proper source. Do you like it with just a CD in it? Maybe the Oppo isn't everything you really want.
I kept on trying to do this with a home built pc, or a squeezebox, or a squeezebox touch. Nothing sounded as good as using a dedicated audio component.
**** note i realize that i am practically the only person advocating this, just remember the world is not flat******
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