Computer Audio Asylum

Music servers and other computer based digital audio technologies.

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RE: Others' opinions

Posted by Tony Lauck on June 28, 2011 at 18:57:44:
The reason my have been valid for the equipment that Daniel Weiss compared, but that was probably several generations ago. There were certainly some serious problems with USB 1.0.

If the interconnect (Firewire or USB) makes a difference in the sound of a DAC this indicates an interaction between the interconnect and the DAC, specifically input circuitry that is not providing adequate rejection. As I recall, Daniel Weiss has supported the idea that well designed DACs aren't sensitive to these factors. This seems contradictory to the statement he made that you referenced, assuming that he believes his DACs are well designed. Of course, sometimes manufacturers make statements that are deliberately misleading for commercial reasons. I have no idea if this is the case here.

I have no problem with people reporting what they hear. However, when they go on to generalize to an entire technology I don't pay much attention to these generalizations unless they come with some indication of a deep understanding of the technology or a wide range of experience with many implementations. These kind of generalizations are how "audiophile myths" get propagated. I would go no farther than to say that some Firewire implementations are better than some USB implementations.

BTW, I have not been a fan of USB. Indeed when I first learned of the proposal that Intel was pushing I thought it was a bad idea. Since those ancient days USB has improved and my initial concerns have been addressed. Like most computer technology both USB and Firewire have been over hyped.