Driverless USB DACs

[Labarum]

I don't see how these can be up to much without drivers that prevent Windows resampling.


Surely XP needs ASIO drivers and Vista WASAPI?

OS X should be fine.

What am I missing

[Filterlab]

I guess it depends on what the standard audio USB output is configured to. I've never used MS for audio output so I'm not sure what the interface is like, but given that Windows appears to need drivers for everything to operate to its full potential, I'd imagine a "driverless" USB DAC wouldn't be much cop. With OSX it's different (as you've hinted at) due to Apple core audio, but I wouldn't like to guess at the level of quality on a Windows platform.

[sastusbulbas]

What about Media Monkey or such?

[trailer]

I'm looking for a portable USB headphone DAC/amp. This is just to take with me when I'm away to improve the quality of listening from an XP laptop (no SPDIF out) through a pair of Westone UM-2's.

I have been looking at the Trends Audio UD 10.1 and the Carat HD1V.

Anyone any thoughts as to it would be a worthwhile shot in improving the sound?