Which output? USB or HDMI

[RichB]

Hi Chaps,

Quick question as to which is the best quality audio output from my Windows 8 laptop to my rega dac.

So far I've been using the usb to the dac and had the laptop connected to my TV via HDMI.

It did occur to me that I could use the optical out from my TV to the dac which means one less cable connected and a slightly tidier set up.

So I'm wondering if there are any advantages to doing this, the USB input on the rega dac is limited to 16/44. I use J River as my media player and my music collection ranges from bog standard mp3s to hi res 24 bit FLAC downloads and CD FLAC rips?

The laptop automatically defaults to its HDMI audio output setting when I disconnect the separate usb cable to the dac. Are there any benefits to having the audio pass through the TV and out via optical to the DAC (jitter reduction etc)?

Obviously I'm trying both to see which sound I prefer and so far the usb seems the more meaty sounding output but I was just wondering if doing it this way is the same as having usb/spdif conversion for higher quality material.

Also if there are any tweaks I can make to J River to get the highest quality output please let me know.

Thanks in advance

Rich

[Gazjam]

Try USB directly into the Rega Rich, you might be surprised.
Tried it myself and it sounds extremely good in comparison to y Vlink 192, even on 16/44.
Hires stuff can be set in Jriver to downsample to 16/48 (not 44) and play just fine.

For getting the most out of Jriver have a look here:
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/436-jriver-media-center-17-detail/

[Mark Grant]

The laptop automatically defaults to its HDMI audio output setting when I disconnect the separate usb cable to the dac. Are there any benefits to having the audio pass through the TV and out via optical to the DAC ( jitter reduction etc )?



HDMI is generally very jittery so you probably make things worse by going HDMI to TV then optical from TV to dac, do try as Gary says and go USB straight to the DAC and tweak jriver.

As always what sounds best is best regardless of any jitter 'beliefs' or technical specs etc,

[RichB]

Cheers for the advice. Having tried both it does seem as if the usb direct to dac is the best way, just more full bodied sound than the other way. I was just wondering if there were any advantages to having the signal converted to optical in any way.

Might try a v-link if resources permit once f**king Christmas is out of the way.

[brian2957]

If you prefer the more full-bodied sound think twice about the V-Link Rich . The USB input on the Rega DAC is smoother and more full - bodied than the coax . The soundstage is marginally bigger using the V-Link / coax input and is perhaps a little ' airier ' and more analytical . However if you prefer a more ' analogue ' type of sound the USB input is the one to use IMHO. I was using the V-link 2 / coax input and tried the USB input on the advice of Tim and I prefer the USB input . These comparisons have just taken place over the last week and I just sold the V-Link yesterday unfortunately or I would have sent it down to you for a listen . I will be comparing the USB input with the V-Link 192 /coax soon and will post my findings .
EDIT : iF I were you I would make sure I was using a quality USB cable ( yes they do make a difference in my experience ) . The Furutech Formula 2 is the best I have found for sensible money.