All:
I am in the process of designing and building my own music server and have since learned about an entire segment of hifi where these USB to SPDIF adapters can really make a mid to hifi DAC shine when being fed from a computer. Many of the better companies in fact claim these can elevate a decent DAC to better than vinyl performance.
Some specific companies and units I have studied Include the three units from Bel Canto, OFFRAMP 5, Yellowtec PUC2, REGEN, SoTm, Audiophilleo, Berkeley Alpha and many many others.
The main philosophy behind these gadgets is that until one breaches roughly the $3,000 price range, nearly any DAC will be significantly improved with these devices; as the thinking is their USB implementations are not as good as the more mature SPDIF technology for audio. SPDIF can take many forms: Digital Coax, AES/XLR, optical, i2s, and BNC seem to be the most popular. All high quality DACS will have one or more of these ports in addition to the USB input.
I am currently using an M2TECH HiFACE TWO BNC USB/SPDIF converter with my Bryston BDA-1 DAC and have also learned actually many manufacturers use its xmos chips in their internal USB portions of the DAC Chassis!
However, I have also learned this interface is on the lower end and that significant sonic upgrades are to be had by moving to a more costly but better implemented design.
I also ideally do not want to spend $1800 on the Berkely Aplha... As I would rethink just purchasing a modern DAC for similar cost in a year or so when USB technology catches up to SPDIF..but maybe that point is further off ... Who knows.. Hence my exploration into this possible upgrade.
Anyone have experience in this area? Any recommendations?
Best Regards,
Ron
All:
I am in the process of designing and building my own music server and have since learned about an entire segment of hifi where these USB to SPDIF adapters can really make a mid to hifi DAC shine when being fed from a computer. Many of the better companies in fact claim these can elevate a decent DAC to better than vinyl performance.
Some specific companies and units I have studied Include the three units from Bel Canto, OFFRAMP 5, Yellowtec PUC2, REGEN, SoTm, Audiophilleo, Berkeley Alpha and many many others.
The main philosophy behind these gadgets is that until one breaches roughly the $3,000 price range, nearly any DAC will be significantly improved with these devices; as the thinking is their USB implementations are not as good as the more mature SPDIF technology for audio. SPDIF can take many forms: Digital Coax, AES/XLR, optical, i2s, and BNC seem to be the most popular. All high quality DACS will have one or more of these ports in addition to the USB input.
I am currently using an M2TECH HiFACE TWO BNC USB/SPDIF converter with my Bryston BDA-1 DAC and have also learned actually many manufacturers use its xmos chips in their internal USB portions of the DAC Chassis!
However, I have also learned this interface is on the lower end and that significant sonic upgrades are to be had by moving to a more costly but better implemented design.
I also ideally do not want to spend $1800 on the Berkely Aplha... As I would rethink just purchasing a modern DAC for similar cost in a year or so when USB technology catches up to SPDIF..but maybe that point is further off ... Who knows.. Hence my exploration into this possible upgrade.
Anyone have experience in this area? Any recommendations?
Best Regards,
Ron