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#1 Luddite ramblings.

Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2015 1:13 pm
by pre65
In my office the sound from the computer goes from 3.5mm socket to the amp input. Works OK but there is a low level buzz.

So, how to upgrade a bit ?

My computer is a "slim" case , so normal soundcards don't fit.

I have a couple of spare DACs, but no SPDIF output on the computer.

Would the easiest / cheapest compromise be a cheap USB DAC from Ebay ?

#2

Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2015 1:37 pm
by The Stratmangler
USB to SPDIF converter?

#3

Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2015 2:17 pm
by Mike H
Does computer have an earthed case?

I can get this a bit with the notebooks, it's caused by the SMPS mains adaptor and no mains earth wire. The solution is have earth lift resistors on whatever it's plugged into.

#4

Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2015 2:51 pm
by pre65
I found this on Ebay, looks cheap enough. :)

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271635665352? ... EBIDX%3AIT

#5

Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2015 9:56 am
by pre65
The USB connector on the above item looks remarkably similar to the one on my printer.

Is it likely to be the same ?

Link again.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271635665352? ... EBIDX%3AIT

EDIT.

Looks like USB 2 type B. :)

#6

Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2015 11:47 am
by Mike H
I was not aware that USB 1 or 2 affects the design of the connector.



Unless anyone else knows differently...


:D

#7

Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2015 11:59 am
by pre65

#8

Posted: Sat Apr 18, 2015 5:36 pm
by pre65
I got the "widget" USB - SPDIF converter in the post today.

I've plumbed it in and using my old AK4393 DAC, my computer sound quality has gone up quite a bit.

Well pleased. :D

#9 Re: Luddite ramblings.

Posted: Thu Feb 18, 2016 11:16 pm
by pre65
If I make my "spare" PC into a Vortexbox clone, would a CD optical drive be preferable to a DVD optical drive ?

My thinking was the CD drive being a slower speed might make it easier for the ripping.

#10 Re: Luddite ramblings.

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2016 12:58 am
by Mike H
If you just want to rip audio CD's then DVD drive is plenty good enough. If not over qualified!