Chips vs resistors: Which one makes the best DAC?

[Nikhil]

Gotcha. So your setup is like this now ? ISP provider router -> Switch -> Streamer (audio server) via USB -> Mutec (Mutec uses external clock - Ref 10) -> Mutec Optical out to DAC.

From what I know so far, SPDIF and AES/EBU are essentially the same but AES/EBU is built for long runs of cables in high EMI environments. So in a home system, why don't you just try SPDIF itself ? In some cases, some DACs have better AES input stages. That is probably why many listeners find AES to be better on some dacs. If your dac has a great SPDIF input stage, you should try it.

In my DAC I prefer the optical input from the Mutec. Sounds more precise and quick for some reason.
I had tried the DIgi Coax with a Van den Hul cable but didn't really fancy. Sounded a bit "slow" ...

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[Nikhil]

From what I know so far, SPDIF and AES/EBU are essentially the same but AES/EBU is built for long runs of cables in high EMI environments. So in a home system, why don't you just try SPDIF itself ? In some cases, some DACs have better AES input stages. That is probably why many listeners find AES to be better on some dacs. If your dac has a great SPDIF input stage, you should try it.

I think AES/EBU and BNC are meant for longer runs.

Not necessarily. I use a half meter BNC cable for the clock signal from REf10 Nano to the MC3+ USB.

I think that it comes down to implementation within the gear itself. AES/EBU being an audio standard is generally considered to be better but I would always suggest anyone to try what works best. My DAC does not have an AES/EBU input so ruled out in my case.

I've been very confused with clocking the network switch. My understanding of network's says it should'nt matter. But user feedback shows it makes a difference. Iam not too sure I want to try, as clocking is a deep rabbit hole And needs investment in a good clock and decent 50 Ohm BNC cables. And when better clocks come in a few years time, we are stuck with a door stop.

Yes I agree. It's a subject I am not really that well versed in either. But it's widely accepted in pro studios where engineers need good clocking to properly sync all their gear. In home audio the benefits are there but it also adds another layer of complexity. In my case I will need to get another cable from Mutec and upgrade to the Bonn N8 with external Word Clock input. Will get to it someday but happy with what my setup sounds like for now.

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[reignofchaos]

In my DAC I prefer the optical input from the Mutec. Sounds more precise and quick for some reason.
I had tried the DIgi Coax with a Van den Hul cable but didn't really fancy. Sounded a bit "slow" ...

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Its the cable - coax should sound better than optical. Optical adds an extra 200ps of jitter by default.

 

[Nikhil]

Its the cable - coax should sound better than optical. Optical adds an extra 200ps of jitter by default.

Quite possible. It's on my list of things to do next but like I said earlier the sound is just fine as is.

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[rwnano]

WOW nice discussion... I'm almost a insensitive guy for not getting into the aforementioned details and just listening to music with my regular system and a simple Topping d10s DAC.

 

[square_wave]

Its the cable - coax should sound better than optical. Optical adds an extra 200ps of jitter by default.

Does the BNC coaxial connection for the spdif offer any benefit at all in your expereince?

BNC connectors:

• Can be true 75Ω
• Maintain impedance through the connector
• Reduce reflections

This is how I have seen audiophiles rank connection protocol for spdif in the order of performance.

• BNC - best impedance match
• RCA - convenient compromise but almost as good as BNC if designed right
• Optical → electrically isolated but higher jitter

 

[Yelamanchili manohar]

Does the BNC coaxial connection for the spdif offer any benefit at all in your expereince?

BNC connectors:

• Can be true 75Ω
• Maintain impedance through the connector
• Reduce reflections

This is how I have seen audiophiles rank connection protocol for spdif in the order of performance.

• BNC - best impedance match
• RCA - convenient compromise but almost as good as BNC if designed right
• Optical → electrically isolated but higher jitter

I think there is a stream of thought that BNC is superior when impedance is maintained. I got a DIY tube Dac based on the old AD1865 R2R chips, which the builder insisted on building with only 2 BNC inputs. In his opinion, BNC was superior to coaxial Spdif.

 

[reignofchaos]

Does the BNC coaxial connection for the spdif offer any benefit at all in your expereince?

BNC connectors:

• Can be true 75Ω
• Maintain impedance through the connector
• Reduce reflections

This is how I have seen audiophiles rank connection protocol for spdif in the order of performance.

• BNC - best impedance match
• RCA - convenient compromise but almost as good as BNC if designed right
• Optical → electrically isolated but higher jitter

If coax rca maintains 75 ohm, there is no difference between coax and BNC. If it deviates from the spec, things get messed up