Something I find to be of great interest. Paul McGowan Several days ago in another thread proclaimed USB to be the best connection! Do you think he would know a little bit about this? Of course we all know that Paul and Ted listen very differently, with different goals in mind. Paul, mainly for enjoyment I gather. Much like most of us? You can hook up a bunch of boxes, or you can enjoy the music, says I. My rather simple USB chain has any DAC currently made at a brick wall per it’s input abilities. This includes that of the Matrix.
I too feel USB is better if it is a very clean signal being fed in the first place. Which both of mine are. If one adheres to this, USB shall reign superior IMO. All the issues arise not do to USB itself but rather “garbage” sources. Your home PC is not a music server! One protocol does not inherently sound better than another. It is what is being “fed through the pipe”. I could demonstrate I2S sounding terrible as well. Am I going to trust this under $400 box over $40,000+ boxes? Which do you think has a cleaner signal? Justin case, it is being “managed” outboard nonetheless. Yes indeed, I too have some little boxes. In my USB chain.As mentioned in my above posts.
I am really not trying to argue the point. I am just throwing a point out here. Everyone is welcome to do as they please. If one feels the Matrix is the greatest thing since sliced bread, then so be it. I am just pointing out there is more than one ways to an end and that could even be revisited. Albeit most likely at considerably greater cost(USB). So therein perhaps lay’s the Matrix’ true attraction. Cost effectiveness at achieving the same goal. Perhaps.
I personally still prefer to do it “my way” (USB). Although I am certainly not telling anyone that they should not obtain their input signal any way they wish! If they build it, they shall come. First it was cleaning up USB, then Galvanically isolating it, then Ethernet, now this…What will be next? I personally do not buy into(or hear) all of this. I certainly hear Windom for instance however. I am speaking of in my own highly revealing system(s). A lot is in fact system dependent too. I just made that point.
I am primarily of the belief that one should keep the signal chain as simple as possible. The less conversion going on, the better IMO. Personally, I am not converting any formats here. If you are feeding a trash signal via USB, no doubt this will be leaps and bounds better. I, however am not. My USB noise floor is inaudible to mice perhaps. I have not asked them. Certainly to myself and other Humans that have heard it.
All I am saying is I may be the odd man out here. In my case there was really no sonic improvement to be had here. I am going to trade it for some LP’s or something. Please do not ask, I do not feel like selling it. As I can obtain full value in trade. I am not going to be “that guy” and just return it. However, in my case which granted may be unusual I do feel it would be warranted. I shall refrain from doing so however. It is certainly not their fault. Since in most instances, as applied USB usually does garner horrible sound quality. That is usually a given. Hence the advent of the myriad of these “boxes” to hit the market. Just not in my case perhaps. Actually, most certainly, without a doubt.
