CAPS 3.0 v. Mac Mini plus Berkley USB

the professor

the professor

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Has anybody made the comparison between using the CAPS 3.0 versus using a Mac plus Berkeley USB then going into your DAC?

I've read almost unanimously that the CAPS sounds better than Mac but as I hate windows and I would rather use a BADA plus Mac. It's about the same money since I already have the Mac.
 
Mike did a comparison a little while back with a CAPS 3.0 vs a Mac Mini and the CAPS, according to everyone I know, says it's better. i am sure he will update this thread.
 
I read that comparison and I might have missed it but I guess my question is:

Does using the Berkely USB clean things up enough on the Mac Mini to equal the CAPS? I've read the Berkley works wonders.
 
I read that comparison and I might have missed it but I guess my question is:

Does using the Berkely USB clean things up enough on the Mac Mini to equal the CAPS? I've read the Berkley works wonders.
 
I never tried the Berkley, but its quite possible it would raise the level of the Mac mini. Is the two combined a better solution for the money? Maybe. The CAPS 3.0 carbon is reasonably priced and sounds noticeably better than my Mac Mini. It pained me to have to buy a Windows anything (I'm a staunch Mac guy), but admittedly, it is better. Much better.
 
Starting from scratch there is no doubt the CAPS is a better value. I'm just trying to avoid windows. Sigh
 
I've started the first part of my experiment.

I received a Berkley USB last night and after just playing it over night, using it in between my Mac mini and Emm DAC2X: it is definitely better than USB direct (via a 2 m WW platinum USB). This is using a new .5 m WW platinum USB and a new 1.5 m Shunyata zitron AES cable and I know that these cables take a while to be their best. I don't know if the Berkley needs any break-in. I should have all the misc pieces for a CAPS in the next week or two. So I'll be able to compare the two once I get everything put together.

I'll post my findings as I get things tested.
 
Can't wait to read what you find out. I'm using a Mini as my source now and was considering buying a CAPS unit this summer. I say "was" because the funds for the server just got re-directed towards a vinyl set-up. :D But there's always "down the road"!
 
Doug,

I know what you mean.

Jock,

Thank you. I am tempted to try the Berkeley unit myself.
 
Professor, I feel using a converter between the source and the DAC is the best for playback performance. That's why I use the Bel Canto REFLink Asynchronous USB Converter and connect it to the DAC via a AT&T ST Fiber optic cable the ultimate isolation conduit. With this setup noise floor does not exist. :D

audioseduction-012b.jpg
 
I found my CAPS Zuma to be better than my old Macbook. It wasn't exactly apples to apples though. I use the Zuma to play all files stored on a SAN with JRMC, which can play everything from RAM if you have enough. Last year when I did the comparison I just used Amarra on the Mac. I built the Zuma and made sure I maxed out the RAM at 32GB. Now that JRMC is available on Mac and Windows a comparison might be worth it again -- if only I still had the Macbook :( .

You have a couple of additional things that likely make the CAPS better than the Zuma:
1. USB 2 driver support is much better for DAC's (due to the manufacturers, not the OS developers) in Windows.
2. Power supply can be significantly upgraded with all the CAPS designs.
3. USB card can also be significantly upgraded with the SOtM cards -- which are pretty pricey.

Software is a wash -- JRMC is bitperfect and so are Audinirvana and Amarra. All bets are off if you're using the AES inputs rather than USB. Not sure about how that comparison would end.
 
the professor said:
I've started the first part of my experiment.

I received a Berkley USB last night and after just playing it over night, using it in between my Mac mini and Emm DAC2X: it is definitely better than USB direct (via a 2 m WW platinum USB). This is using a new .5 m WW platinum USB and a new 1.5 m Shunyata zitron AES cable and I know that these cables take a while to be their best. I don't know if the Berkley needs any break-in. I should have all the misc pieces for a CAPS in the next week or two. So I'll be able to compare the two once I get everything put together.

I'll post my findings as I get things tested.
Click to expand...

Have you had a chance to do any comparisons? I just ordered the BADA USB today.
 
Sorry to say I haven't.

I got the Caps up and running and it was sounding very good and then the next day I had a windows issue (who knows what it was) and decided that almost no matter how much it was better if it was better that it just wasn't worth the hassle. So it's been sitting there until I get the energy to dive into windows again. I do find the BADA USB to be a worthwhile improvement.
 
the professor said:
Sorry to say I haven't.

I got the Caps up and running and it was sounding very good and then the next day I had a windows issue (who knows what it was) and decided that almost no matter how much it was better if it was better that it just wasn't worth the hassle. So it's been sitting there until I get the energy to dive into windows again. I do find the BADA USB to be a worthwhile improvement.
Click to expand...

Bummer about the Windows hassles but good to hear about the BADA. Have you tried cables of different lengths on it? BADA is very specific about using 1.5m cables on both ends, but USB cables are said to be better the shorter they are.
 
You shouldn't be having any Windows issues. But it seems those CAPS' have something going on with them - you aren't the first one to complain.

Too bad you have those troubles, really. Because the Mac just can't keep up.
 
the professor said:
Sorry to say I haven't.

I got the Caps up and running and it was sounding very good and then the next day I had a windows issue (who knows what it was) and decided that almost no matter how much it was better if it was better that it just wasn't worth the hassle. So it's been sitting there until I get the energy to dive into windows again. I do find the BADA USB to be a worthwhile improvement.
Click to expand...

I feel your pain.
 
Actually from the very brief comparison the Mac mini w the BADA USB was very very close to the caps 3.0

The BADA makes a def difference
 
Using the BADA I switched from a .5 meter wireworld platimum to a 2.0 meter wireworld platinum and noticed very little if any dif. From what I read, the 1 meter length is the one you should def avoid. No clue tho.




asindc said:
Bummer about the Windows hassles but good to hear about the BADA. Have you tried cables of different lengths on it? BADA is very specific about using 1.5m cables on both ends, but USB cables are said to be better the shorter they are.
Click to expand...
 
E - in all seriousness - you should create "Big E Computers - computers made for Audiophiles".
Or "AudioE LLC".

It could be a home run!

There are two area IMO that are ripe for high end audio products - computer audio (rip/storage/playback all in one) and Audio Power Meters. Why can't someone make a slick looking box with BIG BLUE meters to show wattage/power usage? They had them in the 80's - heck I had one - then they disappeared. But they were Radio Shack and looked it.
 
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