tane0019 Posted March 26, 2013 Posted March 26, 2013 Understand that if we want to make use of USB digital out to a USB DAC, the only way is via a computer. Or I am totally wrong ? Is there such a player(s) around ?? (ie CD player or DVD player or BR player)
pcking1624705747 Posted March 26, 2013 Posted March 26, 2013 I would say yes. All can be considered computers. Even if U buy commercial digital players/transports with USB outputs, these boxes essentially are still having CPUs & mainboards running some operating systems inside.
Instek_88 Posted March 26, 2013 Posted March 26, 2013 Brother tane0019, you might help the other brothers to answer your question by sharing your reason why you are asking this question. They maybe able to help you more if you do so.
tane0019 Posted March 26, 2013 Author Posted March 26, 2013 Below is what I think, understand & assume:- If playing DSD format Disc (or DSD music file), only way to digital out this currently is only through HDMI. Digital out through coaxial will only be in PCM format. There are currently a few DAC with USB-in that can decode DSD (If I'm not wrong). They are using it solely for computer USB digital-out as the player. I do not like the idea of putting my computer next to my Hifi setup. Therefore thinking if there is a player that is able to USB-digital-out DSD format.
pcking1624705747 Posted March 26, 2013 Posted March 26, 2013 As I already mentioned before, no matter which player you buy, it's still a computer in disguise. What's the reason why U do not like the idea of putting your computer next to my Hifi setup ? You are welcomed to visit me to take a look at how good & convenient a computer digital transport with USB output can perform. Just to let you know, it has replaced my previous SBTouch running with a dedicated Linear PSU. There are currently a few DAC with USB-in that can decode DSD (If I'm not wrong). They are using it solely for computer USB digital-out as the player. I do not like the idea of putting my computer next to my Hifi setup. Therefore thinking if there is a player that is able to USB-digital-out DSD format.
tane0019 Posted March 26, 2013 Author Posted March 26, 2013 I intergrade my 2 chs with HT - av rack already overally pack. :'( Put in one more computer - sure kanna from my wife. :-[ You are welcomed to visit me to take a look at how good & convenient a computer digital transport with USB output can perform. Just to let you know, it has replaced my previous SBTouch running with a dedicated Linear PSU. You stay Jurong I stay Marine Parade - far lah. Maybe one of the weekend when I'm planning to be there will make appt in advance. In the mean time, maybe can share a pic ;D ;D ;D ;D
Doggie Howser Posted March 26, 2013 Posted March 26, 2013 That's why so many of us use a Mac mini. It's very small.
Quest88 Posted March 26, 2013 Posted March 26, 2013 hmm is that a squeezebox i see? i thought squeezebox touch can run from usb..
tane0019 Posted March 26, 2013 Author Posted March 26, 2013 Can meh ? I tried a few time, no sound come out leh.
Doggie Howser Posted March 26, 2013 Posted March 26, 2013 You can put the Mini behind some of the smaller components that aren't deep or even where the SB is. The SB does work with USB with a hack but I think the USB DAC has to be USB Audio Class 2.0 compliant (ie driver free in Linux/OS X)
Quest88 Posted March 26, 2013 Posted March 26, 2013 Can meh ? I tried a few time, no sound come out leh. Need to do some settings, and only work with default driver setup. Example: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?82110-Instructions-for-connecting-USB-DAC-to-Touch
tane0019 Posted March 26, 2013 Author Posted March 26, 2013 DONE (using http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2012/05/enhanced-digital-output-applet-for-squeezebox-touch/). Many thanks ;D :D ;) :) Maybe this weekend try it out & compare with SQT coaxial into OPPO105. Read from : http://www.hifi-advice.com/USB-synchronous-asynchronous-info.html There are a couple of methods for sending audiodata over an usb cable. Here's an explanation of the principles behind them and the advantages of one over another. 1. Synchronous USB connections use a one way digital connection for music replay and are considered the worst type of connection for audio purposes 2. Adaptive mode is a little smarter. It asesses the amount of data in the frame and adjusts that dac's clock-timing to it. 3. Asynchronous mode is technically most advanced in that it has a feedback loop so that the amount of data in the frame can be controlled. Questions: Now have 2 USB DACs to play with. OPPO105 or MF-A5.5. Which USB DAC is using which type of mode ? ??? Or I simply have to play play & try try myself ? ::) ==================== Originally, my intention is to get a player (not a media player) to have USB digital out to a DAC with USB digital in that can decode DSD format. The above (getting SBT to USB digital out) is a surprise bonus, but not the initial intend. From pcking posts, understand that there are no such player except of using a computer with a CD/DVD/BR rom. Then when I pop-in a SACD, computer using software to output digitally USB-out the DSD format. Right ? Confirm ? Double Confirm ??
pcking1624705747 Posted March 27, 2013 Posted March 27, 2013 Based on the specs I can find online, the USB receiver on your Oppo105 is clearly the better one as compared to your MF A5.5. Quote from Oppo Website: "USB Asynchronous DAC – By bypassing the low fidelity, poor quality DAC of traditional computer soundcards, the BDP-105 turn any computer into a high performing multi-media source by converting digital audio to analog through the ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC. If your computer can play it, the BDP-105 can convert it to analog." To my knowledge, PC hardware cannot playback SACD Layer on the disc itself. (I may be wrong) Currently, SACD playback from computer is actually playing back of ripped files (*.dff or *.dsf) from SACD discs. DONE (using http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2012/05/enhanced-digital-output-applet-for-squeezebox-touch/). Many thanks ;D :D ;) :) Maybe this weekend try it out & compare with SQT coaxial into OPPO105. Read from : http://www.hifi-advice.com/USB-synchronous-asynchronous-info.html Questions: Now have 2 USB DACs to play with. OPPO105 or MF-A5.5. Which USB DAC is using which type of mode ? ??? Or I simply have to play play & try try myself ? ::) ==================== Originally, my intention is to get a player (not a media player) to have USB digital out to a DAC with USB digital in that can decode DSD format. The above (getting SBT to USB digital out) is a surprise bonus, but not the initial intend. From pcking posts, understand that there are no such player except of using a computer with a CD/DVD/BR rom. Then when I pop-in a SACD, computer using software to output digitally USB-out the DSD format. Right ? Confirm ? Double Confirm ??
tane0019 Posted March 27, 2013 Author Posted March 27, 2013 .......... To my knowledge, PC hardware cannot playback SACD Layer on the disc itself. (I may be wrong) Currently, SACD playback from computer is actually playing back of ripped files (*.dff or *.dsf) from SACD discs. Therefore want to output SACD disc DSD format via USB-out even from a CD/DVD/BR Rom is not possible. :( :( :( The only way is to rip the SACD into file then play from computer. :-[ :-[ :-[ And there is no such SACD-able player(s) out there that come with USB-digital-out. :'( :'( :'( Based on the specs I can find online, the USB receiver on your Oppo105 is clearly the better one as compared to your MF A5.5. Quote from Oppo Website: "USB Asynchronous DAC By bypassing the low fidelity, poor quality DAC of traditional computer soundcards, the BDP-105 turn any computer into a high performing multi-media source by converting digital audio to analog through the ESS Sabre32 Reference DAC. If your computer can play it, the BDP-105 can convert it to analog." Suppose my SQT cannot output through USB the DSD format, right ? BTW, what software (if possible freeware) to rip SACD into "DFF" and/or "DSF" file ?
lkypeter Posted March 27, 2013 Posted March 27, 2013 Pcking, you are right. Sacds will not play on Mac or Pc. Need to convert it to dsf, dff or iso.
lkypeter Posted March 27, 2013 Posted March 27, 2013 Tane0019, you can burn the ISO onto a DVD and a limited number of players can read it like the the older Sony XA range for example. However this would be trying to touch your nose via a back hand. Might as well just pop in the sacd.
Guest AndrewC Posted March 27, 2013 Posted March 27, 2013 ... BTW, what software (if possible freeware) to rip SACD into "DFF" and/or "DSF" file ? For mere mortals, unfortunately only possible via an SACD capable PS3 with firmware 3.55 (or earlier) hacked... Google "ripping sacd".
tane0019 Posted March 30, 2013 Author Posted March 30, 2013 Now listening to SQT USB-out to OPPO105. Using normal thin USB cable coming std from IT purchases. Initial rough assessment - don't seem to be any different from coaxial. Have to find a quiet time to do some critical listening.
pcking1624705747 Posted March 30, 2013 Posted March 30, 2013 2 things will bring improvement to this setup. 1) a linear 5v supply for your SBT 2) a good decent USB cable between your SBT & Oppo But a good dedicated computer USB output playing back the same file & using the same DAC can be better than the SBT. Now listening to SQT USB-out to OPPO105. Using normal thin USB cable coming std from IT purchases. Initial rough assessment - don't seem to be any different from coaxial. Have to find a quiet time to do some critical listening.
tane0019 Posted March 30, 2013 Author Posted March 30, 2013 2 things will bring improvement to this setup. 1) a linear 5v supply for your SBT 2) a good decent USB cable between your SBT & Oppo But a good dedicated computer USB output playing back the same file & using the same DAC can be better than the SBT. A good power supply + cable > recommendation ? (not too expensive one). Why is using pc is better ?
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