Dac

[anm]

should files be having any jitter? they should just be sequence of bits. In case there is a jitter while reading these bits from cd-rom, that should be removed in error correction.

square wave said:


Can you tell us more about this ?

I guess that the jitter creeps in during the CDR writing process ?

( Ripped by EAC, the file on the HDD is jitter free ? )

Any way to measure / estimate this jitter ( there is software that can measure the amount of write errors (CRC Errors). Simlar software available for jitter ?

Thanks

 

[IndianEars]

I agree with you, 100%, anm.

 

[IndianEars]

An Excellent article on Jitter from The Absolute Sound :

TAS 180: Esoteric G-ORb Rubidium Master Clock Generator | AVguide

I quote a sentence from page 1 :

Its also worth noting that jitter matters only when converting digital audio to analog. You can copy a digital bitstream to a recording device using the inferior TosLink connection with no degradation. But if you use TosLink between the digital source and D/A converter, youll hear jitters effect because the bits are now being converted to analog and the waveforms analyzed by your brain.

 

[anm]

exactly my point - jitter should matter only when we want time accuracy. While ripping files, jitter can be rejected by caching, error correction and waiting for the data to arrive.

regards

An Excellent article on Jitter from The Absolute Sound :

TAS 180: Esoteric G-ORb Rubidium Master Clock Generator | AVguide

I quote a sentence from page 1 :

 

[shrjun]

How is this DAC?anybody on the forum using it?

NuForce Icon uDAC (USB DAC and headphone amp) < Electronics - Shop in the US from India @ 20North

 

[iaudio]

I think esantosh has the same DAC. You can purchase it from a dealer on TE for 4.8k it seems.

 

[gobble]

are there any USB DACs that I can buy online(indian websites)?

Whats your budget?

Regards

 

[esanthosh]

There's a 114 page thread on Head-fi about uDAC : FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Nuforce uDAC USB DAC AMP with line out and S/PDIF out - Head-Fi.org Community. Leaving aside the usual (exaggerated) excitement that comes with every head-fi review, I'd say it's a very decent DAC for the price. But it only has a USB input. In my case, it was a good improvement over the onboard sound. But, I have since then assembled a HTPC with Essence STX and also bought a Maverick TubeMagic - both of which are part of my speaker setup. It's been quite a while since I used PC -> uDAC.

Sorry! I am an absolute n00b when it comes to describing sound. So, cannot translate my listening into words

You can get it in India from TE : [IC] For those who dont compromise : Nuforce Audio device. He was initially offering it at Rs. 4.8K. Do not know about the price right now (marked NA the last time I saw it). Or you can get it directly from NuForce with $20 international shipping.

 

[shrjun]

What are the connectivity options on the nuforce icon udac?

How do I connect laptop - nuforce udac - A5?

 

[arj]

should files be having any jitter? they should just be sequence of bits. In case there is a jitter while reading these bits from cd-rom, that should be removed in error correction.

I dont suppose ..since Jitter is caused by timing errors (Clock related) and ripped media does not have a clock at all. as long as the words (set or bits) are read right you have a good file.(EAC does it very well) the problem of jitter arrives when you play it back.. that time unless the SPDIF converter's OR the USB/FW DAC's Clocks quality would determine the Jitter

 

[arj]

@Arj,

Analogue for me = close to real sound which you hear in nature (live) with no amplification.

The reason = real sound is "analogue" in nature.

In my earlier post I was not refering to typical "analogue sounding" rigs at all. They too also coloured to some extent. My view is that a neutral system will sound "analogue".

SW.. I agree... the above makes sense.
But that raises the often debated question of if this is ever practically achievable. IN the end thatis the quest for the Holy grail. something we will never achieve unless the recording engineer who is the actual God here does it right.. In the end we only hear what he has mixed and want us to hear.

 

[shrjun]

Whats your budget?

Regards

Rs.10000/- max

 

[shrjun]

Does it make more sense to buy a Dac first rather than the audioengine AS8 subwoofer?Which would be the better purchase?
AS8 - Rs.18,000

 

[magma]

shrjun
if you frankly asked me i would not advice you to buy a dac at all considering your setup
(dont exepct much,actually any improvement)
A sub would be a better investment considering your setup ( assuming youre gonna stay with the components for a while)

 

[cooltoad]

I have since then assembled a HTPC with Essence STX and also bought a Maverick TubeMagic - both of which are part of my speaker setup. It's been quite a while since I used PC -> uDAC.

Santhosh, kindy let us know about Maverick, how much did it cost and how does it sound, especially as compared to essence STX.

 

[esanthosh]

@cooltoad,

I bought Maverick TubeMagic D1 from Pristinenote on eBay. I used the Rs. 1000 off ICICI Coupon and in addition got a free IEM, Hippo Pearl as part of the offer. Currently, he offers GE NOS tube as an upgrade in place of the Chinese tube.

You can read more about it in the Head-fi thread here: Maverick Audio TubeMagic D1 - Condensed FAQ and Info Thread - Head-Fi.org Community.

I've not really A/B-ed STX and D1. Because ever since I built the HTPC, I have stopped listening through other sources, thanks to the convenience offered by the PC. Even if I get to compare, I am very doubtful whether my untrained ears will pick up significant differences. But, I'll try... or hire some better ears to do the testing

 

[shrjun]

shrjun
if you frankly asked me i would not advice you to buy a dac at all considering your setup
(dont exepct much,actually any improvement)
A sub would be a better investment considering your setup ( assuming youre gonna stay with the components for a while)

although audiodelic seems to have got some improvement on the A5 using a beresford caiman.

 

[magma]

its your choice Shrjun
ive only offered an opinion
you should talk to audiodelic, maybe you would be a happy camper too

 

[suprateep]

well after playing aroudn for a year with my HTPC and XONAR - I bit the bullet last night and ordered the Beresford Caiman - damages around 12.5k + if any customs (since I am in Pune will surely be levied).

I can do a comparision betwee the Xonar and onboard soundcard (Realtek - newest drivers which does somehow change the nature of the soundcard from too crisp to more grounded) and the Caiman.

I might have two setups soon -
1. HTPC for movies only with the onkyo 606
2. Norge with Mission (maybe monitor 7 comign later on) - played from a Pioneer 420 via coaxial/Dell Inpsiron Mini through USB

The seprate setup was warranted as the entire HTPC thingy was not too user friendly - when you want to listen to music you don't always want to turn on the TV and then Foobar/Cplay then load the Cuesheet/FLAC and play. I would rather go with popping the CD sit back and relax.

Hence the Beresford.

BTW I saw the NuForce uDAC sellign for 8.5k at a shop in Pune - plain daylight robbery.

 

[shrjun]

BTW I saw the NuForce uDAC sellign for 8.5k at a shop in Pune - plain daylight robbery.

At what price is the nuforce udac VFM?Is it compatible with the A5?