The Dash For USB, HiFi.

[keith with the teef]

So, like most of us we like our music. I have for a very long time been chipping away at getting that nirvana sound.

HiFi is always floored by unnecessary noise.

Last week I made the decision to go for USB streaming as it appears to be mature now. In the past it also had its set backs.

I went for the Cambridge Audio CXA61. It uses the old USB 2.0 printer port for connection to devices and come with its own custom drivers for PC. I was curious as to whether Android would be supported as its a type of Linux and so got me a C/B for my Samsung.

I connected to my Samsung and one of my streamer apps acknowledged the connection to the CXA61 and astonishing sound quality in as no real back ground noised and no USB associated streaming errors of the past.

I then connected to my PC, custom drivers installed and the very same again. Incredible low noise floor.

As for whether I like the CXA81 is another question, the point here is if you are on the look out to get to HiFi nirvana then make sure you do not overlook the now mature USB streaming capabilities of some devices

[Wheels-Of-Fire]

It’s digital streaming however you look at it, it really shouldn’t introduce ANY noise.

[Ed P]

I agree with Wheels, I’d suggest that your other problems with background noise are wiring/connector related.

It may be that you can get better results with your old kit by changing out the connecting wires, and perhaps rerouting them through the same locations as you used for the USB wires. (the latter action may avoid a source of induced electrical noise, e.g. loops around some piece of electrical gear or even a magnet/speaker).  As you get the same improvements on both PC and TV then my bets are on the wiring and its connectors rather than the routing..

[Author]

Posts