Forgive me if I've not found this information/discussion when I searched for posts here. I have read some posts regarding "noise," certain degradation to signal quality using a computer>USB>DAC. But the post I've read haven't given me the answers I'm looking for in terms of how to obtain the best, most pure signal to the DAC. I should state that my objective is this: 1) a temporary solution for improvement of the signal from my laptop to DAC; 2) Ultimate solution for Qobuz to DAC. Note: eventually, I would prefer to use Qobuz from my listening chair, not being tethered to a USB cable, but I'm fine with the USB tether. I know some audiophiles I follow use a Mac Mini that has been highly customized and optimized, and also use a carefully selected USB cable. They also use super-customized/modified DACs. But these guys have access to people who customize this stuff, audiophile EE's, etc., and I do not (at least I don't know any).
My system is Pass Labs preamp, Pass Labs amp, to DeVore 0'96 loudspeakers. I have added digital streaming to my vinyl setup, so I'm a entirely new to it. I subscribed to Qobuz and purchased a Topping D50-S. I stream (is "streaming" the proper technical term I should be using?) Qobuz on a new Thinkpad T490s, using an. off-the-shelf 1- meter USB cable. I do not know which sound "speaker" selection to use from among the three choices offered (Wasapi, Wasapi Exclusive, Direct Sound). And I don't know if any of these (or all) are good or fairly poor. I also realize that the Topping D50s may not be up to par with the rest of my system for the quality of sound ultimately want. But it is where I have begun. I'd be thankful if you would keep in mind my very low-level tech knowledge - you might lose me pretty quickly
My system is Pass Labs preamp, Pass Labs amp, to DeVore 0'96 loudspeakers. I have added digital streaming to my vinyl setup, so I'm a entirely new to it. I subscribed to Qobuz and purchased a Topping D50-S. I stream (is "streaming" the proper technical term I should be using?) Qobuz on a new Thinkpad T490s, using an. off-the-shelf 1- meter USB cable. I do not know which sound "speaker" selection to use from among the three choices offered (Wasapi, Wasapi Exclusive, Direct Sound). And I don't know if any of these (or all) are good or fairly poor. I also realize that the Topping D50s may not be up to par with the rest of my system for the quality of sound ultimately want. But it is where I have begun. I'd be thankful if you would keep in mind my very low-level tech knowledge - you might lose me pretty quickly
