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Author Topic: Computer and CDP to DAC Connection Question  (Read 2491 times)

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shipsupt

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Computer and CDP to DAC Connection Question
« on: April 03, 2013, 09:58:25 AM »
I'm probably over thinking this one and missing the obvious...

I recently changed the connection from my computer to my NAD M51 from optical to USB-->Audiophilleo1\(PP)-->BNC to Coaxial-->NAD M51.  This takes up the SPDIF connection.  I'm really happy with this set up, so I'm not going to back up and USB directly to the NAD.

I didn't realize the time that my CDP digital ouputs are limited to Coax and BNC. 

So, what are my options? 

Can I put an RCA splitter at the SPDIF input on the back of the M51 and use one source at a time or do I need to convert the Coax or BNC to one of the open inputs on the back of the DAC?

Back of the NAD


Back of the CDP-8


Audiophilleo
« Last Edit: April 03, 2013, 11:09:39 AM by shipsupt »
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Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

olor1n

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Re: Computer and CDP to DAC Connection Question
« Reply #1 on: April 03, 2013, 11:57:40 AM »
Have you tried HDMI ship? I prefer usb over toslink from my MBP, but HDMI is best from most accounts. I've just ordered this, though I'm not certain I'll get sound to the NAD via the mini displayport.
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anetode

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Re: Computer and CDP to DAC Connection Question
« Reply #2 on: April 03, 2013, 11:58:02 AM »
What made you switch from optical out?
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shipsupt

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Re: Computer and CDP to DAC Connection Question
« Reply #3 on: April 03, 2013, 12:31:33 PM »
Quote from: olor1n on April 03, 2013, 11:57:40 AM
Have you tried HDMI ship? I prefer usb over toslink from my MBP, but HDMI is best from most accounts. I've just ordered this, though I'm not certain I'll get sound to the NAD via the mini displayport.

I have not tried the HDMI.  And in fact, other than making the switch from optical directly to this current set up I've not done any real comparisons.  More in my reply to anetode...

Be sure to let me know how it goes with the HDMI connection!! 

BTW, fwiw the computer I am using is an iMac.
« Last Edit: April 03, 2013, 12:44:05 PM by shipsupt »
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shipsupt

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Re: Computer and CDP to DAC Connection Question
« Reply #4 on: April 03, 2013, 12:42:58 PM »
Quote from: anetode on April 03, 2013, 11:58:02 AM
What made you switch from optical out?

I'm an idiot audiophile, of course!   :)p12

I've been using optical for years and I've always been happy with it, but when I heard the dramatic improvement in SQ when I made the move to the NAD I got fixated on trying to get everything out of it I can.  That and I have a pretty long run from the computer to the DAC and I needed to do something about the bad cable run I had going in my listening room.  I have been on the fence regarding these converters and what real improvements they can make, but there were some good reports on this set up and the idiot audiophile in me was able to buy into the "reduce jitter" arguments in spite of the engineer in me still having some doubts. 

I'm just so happy with the sound this set up is giving me at this point that I'm not questioning it... at least for now.

I guess I could consider dropping the Audiophilleo out of the set up again, but if I do that I think I'd prefer to make that evaluation when I have the BHSE in the chain to make final comparisons.
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anetode

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Re: Computer and CDP to DAC Connection Question
« Reply #5 on: April 03, 2013, 01:26:03 PM »
HDMI audio is finnicky and jitter varies greatly based on implementation. Plenty of audiophile rants out there against it.

Look on the bright side: your simplest option is also the best functionally and will allow you to get some money back from selling the Audiophilleo  :)p17
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shipsupt

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Re: Computer and CDP to DAC Connection Question
« Reply #6 on: April 03, 2013, 01:40:38 PM »
Always look at the bright side...

What about the splitter option?  It should be no different than splitting the signal out at an RCA right?  Hang a single splitter off the RCA and feed one source at a time to the coaxial input...



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anetode

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Re: Computer and CDP to DAC Connection Question
« Reply #7 on: April 03, 2013, 01:52:08 PM »
Yup, a splitter should work just fine.
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shipsupt

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Re: Computer and CDP to DAC Connection Question
« Reply #8 on: April 03, 2013, 02:25:02 PM »
Of course, now you have me completely questioning my whole set up!   :-0
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DaveBSC

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Re: Computer and CDP to DAC Connection Question
« Reply #9 on: April 04, 2013, 05:24:36 AM »
I think I would try something like this first. For some reason, I could just be paranoid, but I feel like using a splitter with multiple S/Pdif connections would be problematic. This would convert your CDP to optical and avoid all of that.

http://www.amazon.com/C2G-40018-Coaxial-Optical-Converter/dp/B0002J2MV4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1365052965&sr=8-2&keywords=optical+to+coaxial+digital+audio+converter
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