I have a Griffin powerwave which is doing double-duty as a USB DAC (I'm not sureif it stays in digital realm prior to amplification) and amplifier. I am likely going to get a Clari-T but was curious if if I would do well feeding the Powerwave's analog output to the Clari-T. There has been a lot said about the virtues of battery powered DACs, so befor spending hundreds on a DacKit or dAck! I wondered; do USB DACs offer similar benefits?
obviously the DAC itself and its execution is a big variable (I am actually quie impressed with the powerwave's ability to handle the whole job), but, is the USB power source as clean as a battery?
another, much cleaner, option is to have Vinnie modify the Powerwave to be battery powered (amp portion) while still receiving the USB input directly. I shipped a powerwave to him to see what he has to say, so I'll have a better idea soon. just wanted to tap you guys' knowledge first
I hope I am being clear--here's a schematic....
current system:
Mac computer >>> USB powerwave (w/ DC Power supply)>>>speakers (currently Gallo a'Divas)
proposed system:
Mac Computer >>>Battery powered (Vinnie Mod) powerwave>>> speakers
Mac computer >>> USB powerwave analog out>>>Clari-T>>>speakers?
or Mac computer >>> USB to coax digital (Edirol UA-1D)>>>battery DAC>>>Clari-t>>>speakers.
