2 PC Jplay setup - how important is the control pc to the sound?

[tboooe]

I have a 2 pc setup (control and audio pc) using Jplay + Audiophile Optimizer + Fidelizer. At the moment, I am using a old Atom based Acer pc I had laying around for my control pc. The Acer is by no means optimized in terms of hardware though it is fed by a Keces linear power supply. It has a fan, noisy internal power supply, mobo usb, etc. I've been thinking about building a CAPS type control pc to replace the Acer. However, before I spend all the time and money into building a new pc, I was wondering how important the control pc is to the overall sound? Has anyone upgraded their control pc from something more modest? I would really appreciate hearing if you experienced an improvement?

[joelha]

I have a 2 pc setup (control and audio pc) using Jplay + Audiophile Optimizer + Fidelizer. At the moment, I am using a old Atom based Acer pc I had laying around for my control pc. The Acer is by no means optimized in terms of hardware though it is fed by a Keces linear power supply. It has a fan, noisy internal power supply, mobo usb, etc. I've been thinking about building a CAPS type control pc to replace the Acer. However, before I spend all the time and money into building a new pc, I was wondering how important the control pc is to the overall sound? Has anyone upgraded their control pc from something more modest? I would really appreciate hearing if you experienced an improvement?

 

The Controlpc matters.

 

Some time ago Marcin had suggested I get the JCAT Sata cable for my Controlpc. He assured me it would improve the sound.

 

Even though this purchase seemed counter-intuitive, I made it and he was right. The sound definitely improved.

 

Joel

[tboooe]

Thank you Joel. I appreciate the response. I know its impossible to determine but I am trying to figure out how much improvement I will get by building a dedicated control PC with high quality parts versus my current Acer. A new custom pc built will cost me around $1200 so I am trying to see if I can get more bang for my buck spending that money elsewhere in my system (DAC, Mutec clock, etc).

[joelha]

Happy to try to help.

 

In fact I have the Mutec clock and the new USB Mutec clock, both of which I recommend.

 

As for where your greatest bang for the buck will come, you're right, it's very hard to say.

 

Let's put it this way, between a new Sata cable, clock, or DAC, you'll likely get a nice return on your investment regardless of which direction you go.

 

Enjoy.

 

Joel

[mitkey]

I do have a control PC which I have swapped its supply from IC reg to discreet components in shunt , i.e. using On semicond BJT. different power supply changes the sound too on dual PC setup.

[tboooe]

I do have a control PC which I have swapped its supply from IC reg to discreet components in shunt , i.e. using On semicond BJT. different power supply changes the sound too on dual PC setup.

Thank you for your reply. I am planning my control pc build now.

 

BTW, I noticed in your sig that you have the PPA V3. I am going to get the V4 for my audio pc shortly. I would love to hear your thoughts on the V3. Did you have another USB card before? How are you powering it? What riser card or cable are you using? I am still using the USB from the mobo so I hope the V4 will be a big improvement.

[mitkey]

Thank you for your reply. I am planning my control pc build now.

 

BTW, I noticed in your sig that you have the PPA V3. I am going to get the V4 for my audio pc shortly.

 

> I am using V4 now for the USB out. I am also using OCXO for my H97M-E mobo.

 

I would love to hear your thoughts on the V3. V3 or V4 is just a difference in cable implementation.

 

> Did you have another USB card before?

 

> have not used any other.

 

How are you powering it?

 

> I have powered it with a variety of linear DC power supply, including teradak, hdplex and self made DIY power supply using ultra low noise reguators such as TPS7A4700 and LT 3042 (diyinhk). at the end, I found the LT 3042 board is best for both the USB and mobo clock.

 

What riser card or cable are you using? I am still using the USB from the mobo so I hope the V4 will be a big improvement.

 

> if you are using mobo USB, that will be BIG upgrade in sound performance. try a good power supply such as paul hynes, teddy or uptone.