Computer Performance Can Make A Difference in DAC Performance

Elberoth said:

Talked to dCS people at lenght regarding the ST interface - according to Martin Reynolds 'the problem with optical interfaces is that you do not know what the light intensity in the fibre will be, so the receiver needs an AGC system (Automatic Gain Control). Such systems tend to be quite jittery due to the AGC circuit continually hunting for the best threshold setting.

In listening tests, the wired AES and SPDIF interfaces sounded better than either Toslink or ST for this reason. Both of these interfaces are transformer coupled (another way to galvanically isolate), although the SPDIF standard spoils this by requiring a chassis connection at both ends'.

I think a dual ST interface (with a separate ST line feeding clock signal back to the transport) should be the one least compromissed.

Click to expand...

The ST Glass fiber is excellent for RFI and EMI Immunity. Once the signal arrives at the DAC it is reclocked with the femto clock which sets next to the DAC chips. The rating for the clock is 70 femtosecounds RMS, 100Hz-1MHz. Bel Canto recommends to use the ST fiber interface to get best playback from their DACs. You need to come by to hear the results yourself. Just jaw dropping sublime clarity!