The purely digital playback device is actually more IT technology than audio technology. This means that almost any computer can be used as a playback device. For these purposes, our converters also offer the option of connecting via USB inputs. However, for unadulterated music enjoyment, we recommend a proven specialist, a well-designed music server. This is because a computer – and a streamer is essentially nothing else – is first and foremost a high-speed computing machine that generates a lot of RF interference as “operating noise”. There are two ways in which this can spoil the listening experience: it impairs the clock quality, which is the key basis of DA conversion, and/or it scatters directly into the analogue music signals on their way from the converter to the loudspeaker.
The purely digital playback device is actually more IT technology than audio technology. Therefore, almost any computer can become a playback device. For this purpose, our dac-pre has a ddUSB connection option. For unadulterated music enjoyment, however, we recommend a proven specialist, a well-designed music server. This is because a computer – and a streamer is essentially nothing else – is first and foremost a high-speed computing machine that generates a lot of RF interference as “operating noise”. There are two ways in which this can spoil the listening experience: it impairs the clock quality, which is the key basis for DA conversion, and/or it scatters directly into the analogue music signals on their way from the converter to the loudspeaker, so one of the most important criteria for a music server is to avoid such repercussions. In addition to the direct influence path via the audio interface, the so-called secondary influence paths via radiation are also decisive. The emission of RF interference is minimised at the source of the mu-se by using low-power and therefore low RF-emitting hardware. High-performance CPUs such as those used in conventional computers are completely the wrong strategy for this application. In addition, the processors in our devices are housed in a tightly shielded casing and operated via a power supply unit that is specially designed to minimise high-frequency interactions with the power grid. As an alternative to the usual network connection via copper LAN cable, there is also the option for fibre optics. Apart from the mains cable – and here the shielded toroidal transformer ensures galvanic isolation – the device has no wired contact with other components of the music system if a dac-pre with ddUSB input is used. All in all, the best conditions for the best EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) and thus for unclouded listening pleasure.
One of the most important criteria for a music server is therefore to avoid such interference. In addition to the direct influence path via the audio interface, the so-called secondary influence paths via radiation are also decisive. The emission of RF interference is minimised at the source of the mu-se by using low-power and therefore low RF-emitting hardware. High-performance CPUs such as those used in conventional computers are completely the wrong strategy for this application. In addition, the processors in our devices are housed in a tightly shielded casing and operated via a power supply unit that is specially designed to minimise high-frequency interactions with the power grid. As an alternative to the usual network connection via copper LAN cable, there is also the option for fibre optics. Apart from the mains cable – and here the shielded toroidal transformer ensures galvanic isolation – the device then has no wired contact with other components of the music system. All in all, the best conditions for the best EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) and thus for unclouded listening pleasure.