I’m not sure if this is the right category, but I’ll post it here anyway.
I’m currently using a MacBook Pro 2019 as a streamer and playback device, from there the signal goes into a Topping D10s, which acts as a DDC for a Chord Qutest. Would it be advantageous if, for example, I used a separate streamer as a bridge and the MacBook was only responsible for the Roon core? I only stream lossless and don’t use upsampling as I find this softens the bass. My remaining components are an Audionet Pre1G3 preamplifier and ATC 100 active speakers.
The reason I’m even interested in this topic is because I had problems with my Chord Qutest. After some update it suddenly produced indefinable noises and the only way to get around this problem was to have a Topping D10s convert the USB signal into an SPDIF signal and then use the Chord’s coax input. In this constellation things are now running smoothly. In terms of sound, I can’t find any disadvantages to feeding the Chord with the data from a CD player. As a result, I looked into the matter and saw that Roon recommends separating streaming and core. That’s why I’m thinking about using a Cambridge CXN 100 as a streamer and only using the MacBook as a core. But if this doesn’t offer any sound advantages, I would of course like to save myself the effort. I hope I have made myself clear.
Unfortunately these issues are very device and setup specific - so it’s hard to know without trying it.
This type of issue is likely why roon recommend using a dedicated streamer.
I have had an issue with an RME ADI2-pro fed by USB from a macbook when using unbalanced outputs (some low level digital noise on the analogue outputs). The RME did not have galvanic isolation - and adding a usb isolator (RME’s founder recommended an Intona) fixed the issue. Feeding the same unit from a Ropiee Pi streamer there is no issue and I don’t bother with the Intona.
My google search indicates the Qutest does have galvanic isolation - so I wouldn’t expect there to be a problem - but you’ve tested it and you clearly do have an issue.
This is the sort of issue a streamer might help with - so you could perhaps pick one up on sale or return and try it with your Qutest.
The usual advice is if you don’t have an issue - don’t worry. But you clearly do have an issue - so it might well be a good solution.
Of course the SPDIF solution also works - so perhaps there is no problem unless you want to use the Chord at sample rates higher than SPDIF supports.
Modern DACS reclock the signal and are pretty insensitive to input jitter - so the old concerns about SPDIF don’t really apply. Plus the D10 SPDIF is very good anyway.
Hello Greg
Thank‘s for answering.
My next step is to use a Wiim Pro only as a digital bridge. I installed it yesterday and it works good. Now my problem is, that it shows me the Wifi signal is week. Next job is to get ethernet in the audio room. That’s difficult because I must go throug 2 big walls. Seems never to end.
Regards Rüdiger
