We used to do PC Audio. I say that like it’s a bad thing, because it is.
PCs (motherboards with multiple busses running Windows, Linux, Mac are all in this boat) are notoriously noisy environments, electrically and mechanically. There’s usually one super-powered processor. Gigabytes of RAM. Often a spinning disk drive, and a spinning fan or two to keep things cool.
Each of these components create electrical noise internally, dumping some of that noise onto your mains. Each of these components contribute to vibration, another breeding ground of signal noise. And some of these, like fans – even extremely slow ones – and HDDs create actual audible noise.
So just filter it out, right?
No thanks.
Because filters are less than perfect. They don’t filter 100% of the noise and 0% of the signal. And they are yet another electrical (or mechanical) component which imparts their own signature on the signal.
How about not making the noise to begin with?
That’s our philosophy, and it permeates everything we do.
- Ultra clean power supplies mean less noise for local regulators to filter.
- No fan means no wind noise and less vibration.
- No HDD means no whining HDD noise, less vibration and less electrical pollution.
One day we may release Audio Quality PC Components – think linear powered music server with cloud backup so you won’t risk losing your collection. We won’t make PC Quality Audio Gear – think noisy computer parts in an audiophile-grade network player or streamer or DAC.