XXHighEnd

Which sounds like a better choice for low noise/good sound quality, an internal 1TB SATA HD or external USB IDE HD w/ a high-quality (Sigma 11) regulated linear power supply?

I know the internal will be faster, but it will also be sharing noise w/ the rest of the computer components from the PC switching power supply. The external I can hook up to a diy linear power supply that is top notch.

What do you guys think?

Hi,

Well, you should say that the external -separetely powered- situation must be the better. But will it really ? I mean, will it really make a difference ?
But what we do know is that the USB solution never will spin down. What we also know is that it will be in use for a longer time compared to the SATAII internal solution (think about 20 secs instead of 1 sec or so). What we can expect is that it's too slow to keep up with the (XX) needs. Or at least it will put constraints on all (you may need a lower Split File size setting in order to be in time etc.).
That you next need a day to copy that disk when needed, is another matter, and expected of coure. But still, it is no plus.

If you let spin down the internal disks after 60 seconds (and set copy to XX drive to Yes (which in some occasions does not work at this moment)), you my wonder what the real bother is. Of course, those first 60 seconds. But if stakes are really high you could let start XX after 60 seconds (although ... does that work ? hmm ... maybe I must change a few things, so that all the conversions have been taken place, and *then* this 60 second wait starts (btw, the little horizontal slider under the digital counter)).

All 'n all I wouldn't bother all that much. But that's me. I am not really into these matters.
Btw, I think it is doubtful whether the linear PSU for the external hdd can "do" anything for SQ.

Maybe others have other/better argumentation ?
Peter

wushuliu,

What about eSATA instead of usb2 with seperate psu setup, they sell seperate casings with psu, also both connections: usb2 and eSata are available.
 :)

Its not about the a seperate psu on the hdd, its about getting them of the psu that powers your mobo (and soundcard!)
But will it matter for SQ, I think not, but its just a smarter set-up.
Also think about when updating your music hdd, when you have a seperate audio pc, external hdd can be handy.
I have AHCI working that alows hot-swap and hot-plug, i can "drop" any hdd (no OS) in my sytem in secs without rebooting.

Roy

With eSata ??
Tell me !! ... :aggressive:

Yes, ofcourse, esata=sata, usb it doesnt matter, drop disc in system and it will be there in secs.

I got myself a 15euro docking station with psu to watch my hd-movies, i chooce from my vERy big list a movie,
see on what hdd it is and drop it in the docking station, usb2 is fast enough too.
works flawless, esata just the same, just faster.

But how, that depends on mobo i guess, and recent bios update, also proper raid drivers.
I think i got it working by updating the bios a long time ago.
Gigabyte again and again, haha

a little add-on, if you have not such a big music collection, better get a laptop hdd for eg. samsung 1TB,
they are faster at starting up the disc from off mode.
This can save time and troubles in xx.

Next january they release even a 2TB laptop drive, together with a 4TB normal disc.

5400rpm is fast enough anyway.