Newbie advice

[def]

Have had the computer based system up and running for a couple of weeks now and it sounds pretty decent. SQ wise the cdp pisses on the computer via rDAC, thats the dac rather than transport I'd guess. Still, Spotify sounds very respectable.

Have had a run through this forum and found some good advice, turned off automatic volume levelling and checked hi-rez in Spotify for example.

A couple of further queries though. The Spotify volume control adjusts the sound to the dac, so the signal goes through this volume control and perhaps other molestations before it leaves the computer? I've seen some talk of defeating this, can it be done via settings or is a downloaded program required?

I'm getting dropouts, particularly in the evenings. We're on a basic talktalk internet connection not sure what sort of speed but guess as we're not paying for high speed so we're not getting it. Is this likely a problem or is it as likely the computer which is Vista based.

Any advice welcome - cheers

 

[Purite Audio]

Can you not use the EMM labs as the dac and compare like for like?

Keith.

 

[def]

Can you not use the EMM labs as the dac and compare like for like?Keith.

Unfortunately not Keith. CDSA doesn't have digital inputs

 

[myrman]

Dan I can bring a dac/pre to your bake off if you want to try an alternative solution.

 

[Purite Audio]

Unfortunately not Keith. CDSA doesn't have digital inputs

Does it have digital 'outs' you could then use it sole.y as a transport ?

Keith.

 

[def]

Does it have digital 'outs' you could then use it sole.y as a transport ?Keith.

Can't think of much reason I'd want to bypass one of the better dacs in existence? Improving on it is going to be a costly exercise based on experiment thus far, the day may come but it I can't see it for a while yet. The CDSA has only an AES/EBU digital output.

The little rDAC seems good for the money, bought it mainly to resolve an issue with the TV. Not looking for ultimate sonics from it but if it can be improved all the better. A ripped cd sounds decent, as does Spotify, put the same cd into the CDSA and it's a different ballpark. What I'm interested in, in case I've not been clear, is whether there are settings within the computer or Spotify that will bypass the inbuilt volume controls and deliver better sq? Or if there is anything else that can be done to optimize what I have already by simply gaining some knowledge rather than outlay. I may be barking up the wrong tree, the usb input into the rDAC is async, presumeably the wireless input is also. If thats the case does it matter what the computer delivers?

 

[catcando]

There is a setting for fixed output levels, so no volume control is used, in the SBT settings.