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October 26, 2013, 01:22 PM #1Super Moderator
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Has anyone compared Thunderbolt, Firewire and USB interfaces for Sound Quality ? .......
Just curious if you've compared them and noticed sound differences. I guess I should add CAT 5/6 network interfaces as well.
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October 26, 2013, 01:51 PM #2Senior Member
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Re: Has anyone compared Thunderbolt, Firewire and USB interfaces for Sound Quality ? .......
+1. Curious myself...
Allen
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October 26, 2013, 02:05 PM #3Super Moderator
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Re: Has anyone compared Thunderbolt, Firewire and USB interfaces for Sound Quality ? .......
Thunderbolt has additional electronics at the plug ends for communication and housekeeping and wonder what the effect would be on music.
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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October 26, 2013, 02:37 PM #4Senior Member
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Re: Has anyone compared Thunderbolt, Firewire and USB interfaces for Sound Quality ? .......
So how would a Thunderbolt system be configured? A Mac serving digits over Thunderbolt into a Thunderbolt media player? Are there Thunderbolt players out there?
I think the Weiss Man media player supports Firewire FWIW.
Allen
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October 26, 2013, 02:59 PM #5Junior Member
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Re: Has anyone compared Thunderbolt, Firewire and USB interfaces for Sound Quality ? .......
USB is a shared bus, so every USB device you connect adds to the processing overhead of your computer. If you use an external storage device, it's best to use something other than USB (e.g. FireWire or Thunderbolt) and leave only your DAC on USB.
Thunderbolt is a subset of the PCI-E spec, so it has the same potential performance as your internal hard drive. I use a thunderbolt HDD for music storage and it's great.Good Listening,
Jin
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October 26, 2013, 09:41 PM #6Senior Member
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Re: Has anyone compared Thunderbolt, Firewire and USB interfaces for Sound Quality ? .......
NAS is another good way to have, no conflicting between DAC and Hard drive trying to sharing the USB port. Just make sure you have Gigabit network.
I know Mytek DAC sound little better with Firewire though.Trung
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October 31, 2013, 06:45 PM #7Senior Member
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Re: Has anyone compared Thunderbolt, Firewire and USB interfaces for Sound Quality ? .......
What works Excellent for me is using USB 3.0 for the storage device and the USB 2.0 for the DAC. These 2 USB ports do not share the same bus.
George
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January 15, 2014, 01:25 AM #8Member
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Re: Has anyone compared Thunderbolt, Firewire and USB interfaces for Sound Quality ? .......
Right now, I run a Mac Mini which is connected via USB to my DAC. I've tried playing my files off the internal hard drive, an external WD Firewire drive, and an external WD Thunderbolt drive. All 3 sound different, even though I use the memory play function of Pure Music. Go figure ! I liked the Firewire drive the best.
I also briefly compared this with a spare Mac Mini I bought second hand. That was better in every way on paper (faster CPU, 16 GB RAM vs 8 on mine, SSD drive). I didn't like the way it sounded. But to be fair, the previous owner was quite messy with his software, lots of redundant programs, a dual boot partition etc.
When I was using a Squeezebox to stream music, I wired it directly using Cat 5 ethernet to the router. There was distinct difference between two of the ethernet cables I had on hand.
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January 15, 2014, 09:32 AM #9Member
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Re: Has anyone compared Thunderbolt, Firewire and USB interfaces for Sound Quality ? .......
Heres a video of Steve Silberman from the 2012 RMAF explaining some basics of computer setup, and goes into the different port formats. I found it helpful as I'm about to take my first steps into the computer audio. Granted its over a year old … I think that equates to seven computer year.
Originally Posted by joeinid
https://audiofest.net/new/videos/com...r-home-stereo/Dave
... Dave's not here ...
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System: Mcintosh MC302 / Parasound P5 / Monitor Audio G60
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Matrix Reference II Interconnect / Unity Audio PC's
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
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Well, I want to share an experience about possible break-in... I have my k03-xd for about 1 year now and recently got into playing a lot of CDs (incl. SACD) which I might have done about 50 times...
My experience with the K-03XD