audio over USB v. optical - Page 2

Zip-Lock · 02-06-2007, 01:45 PM

I think audio over USB is only going to get better. Windows Vista promises to do a much better better job of insuring quality with the new new Intel HD Audio Architecture, I think it's the way to go.

turbocad6 · 02-06-2007, 01:59 PM

my front pc uses an intel 915 chipset that includes intels hd audio onboard... this works on xp though, I thought that was more hardware than software... will it do anything different on vista other than allow multiple volume levels for each ind. app?...

Zip-Lock · 02-06-2007, 02:12 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by turbocad6

my front pc uses an intel 915 chipset that includes intels hd audio onboard... this works on xp though, I thought that was more hardware than software... will it do anything different on vista other than allow multiple volume levels for each ind. app?...

Not really sure, I know there is strict testing to ensure products that bear the new "Designed for Windows" logo meet the UAA design requirements which means that the audio over USB will work correctly unlike some prior sloppy USB over audio implementations.

turbocad6 · 02-06-2007, 02:18 PM

that's worth looking into... I did a bit of looking into intels hd audio, but not how it may be affected by vista.... or how usb audio could be affected..., I know they did some work with audio in general.... hmm...

RedGTiVR6 · 02-06-2007, 04:58 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by durwood

Ok I pose another question for you:

What do you want handling the processing? Were you thinking let the CPU handle it (currently what we have available with the VST effects) or do you want the DAC to handle it all?

I pose that the PC still do all of the processing.

My thinking is that if this works out, it can be an option for those of us who are serious about SQ.

I'm willing to do a good deal of leg work on it, but I want to do my research first.

I'm pretty sure we have 4 takers in this thread alone if it can be done. Though, who knows how long it will take....lol

Basically, I'm thinking it would be like a sound card and a DAC all rolled into one....if that makes any sense.

Only it caters to the CarPC market.

At first, it will be more of a personal project more than anything else. If it's successful, then I'll see about our other options.

RedGTiVR6 · 02-06-2007, 05:08 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by scott_fx

hey red,

you may want to contact Douglas; the guy who built the hpdac that i have. He designed and built that dac/amp with good results. maybe he could steer you the right way

can you give me his contact info or web page or anything along those lines? A PM or IM would be fine.

RedGTiVR6 · 02-06-2007, 05:10 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Zip-Lock

I think audio over USB is only going to get better. Windows Vista promises to do a much better better job of insuring quality with the new new Intel HD Audio Architecture, I think it's the way to go.

good to know!

RedGTiVR6 · 02-06-2007, 05:13 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Zip-Lock

Not really sure, I know there is strict testing to ensure products that bear the new "Designed for Windows" logo meet the UAA design requirements which means that the audio over USB will work correctly unlike some prior sloppy USB over audio implementations.

How do you think this would affect an external DAC? If all audio processing were to be done on a PC, then just the audio stream would be sent to the DAC, would something like this matter so much? Or is the HD audio chipset designed to improve windows audio in general? Meaning we would have a more true representation of the audio stream as it hits the USB cable?

mezz64 · 02-06-2007, 05:57 PM

This sounds like something I would most definitely be interested in. Looks like it's time to look over some schematics for DIY usb DAC's and figure out the best way to add more channels.

RedGTiVR6 · 02-06-2007, 05:59 PM

do you build or no?

scott_fx · 02-06-2007, 06:11 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by RedGTiVR6

can you give me his contact info or web page or anything along those lines? A PM or IM would be fine.

here is his website
http://www.ecp.cc/HPDAC.html

RedGTiVR6 · 02-06-2007, 06:23 PM

thanks!

proph · 02-06-2007, 07:23 PM

Hey Red,
Saer will chime in in a sec. He helped me bump the Silverstone DAC from 1v RMS to 3.5vRMS. He's local just so you know, this is exactly what I was talking about at the meet. I'm glad someone else sees the potential.

crabbdaddy · 02-06-2007, 08:00 PM

ok,

i have been reading HTPC setups and external DIY DAC builds until i am seeing stars..... so from the last few days of reading...
build a USB DAC non-oversampling mind you with I2S and tube buffer....

ok then throw in your source material... ripped using foobar or similar bit correct player/ ripper.. so many options.
it does look like most are pointing to I2S output to remove jitter. but whether its doable in a cost effective manner either usb or PCI is another story.
maybe build along the lines of turbo's thinking.. a pc for data and frontend and a separate unit (pc case etc) connected via usb with just a powersupply and DAC's with analog output.

turbo... im not sure of your need for multiple outputs. if its for 5.1 or mutliple channel audio source.. then seems you would have to decode that material which then leaves the DAC out of the picture correct? if its not for multilpe channel source material... then wouldnt the amp passthru work.. as on the alpine amps?

proph · 02-06-2007, 09:08 PM

So whats your goal here Red? Five 8v output, 1 input? I know others might have something different in mind.