Assuming the computer is build in a way to reduce interferences and noise and/or the audio equipment is located far enough (5m+), which would be the ideal way to build the source around it?
The pieces of the puzzle would be:
1) Computer with external firewire soundcard (I have already determined that the best so far is the RME fireface 800). It will play high-resolution master lossless files.
2) External master clock, such as apogee Big Ben. it must accept 24-bit/176.4 kHz. Needed? Waste of money?
3) A very good DAC. The most important piece, IMO. Here there are a few that I'm considering: APL DAC (coming in 3-4 months), Berkeley Akpha DAC (coming next month), and Acoustic Arts DAC-I mk4 (already available).
Plus something DIYed based on tda1541a (EC designs units are limited to virtual 20bits, which will create dithering playing 24bit files). It must accept 24-bit/176.4 kHz.
Comments? Suggestions? Ideas?
The pieces of the puzzle would be:
1) Computer with external firewire soundcard (I have already determined that the best so far is the RME fireface 800). It will play high-resolution master lossless files.
2) External master clock, such as apogee Big Ben. it must accept 24-bit/176.4 kHz. Needed? Waste of money?
3) A very good DAC. The most important piece, IMO. Here there are a few that I'm considering: APL DAC (coming in 3-4 months), Berkeley Akpha DAC (coming next month), and Acoustic Arts DAC-I mk4 (already available).
Plus something DIYed based on tda1541a (EC designs units are limited to virtual 20bits, which will create dithering playing 24bit files). It must accept 24-bit/176.4 kHz.
Comments? Suggestions? Ideas?