usb to spdif conversion

[kenworthy100]

I currently have an Audiolab m-dac and want to try hi-res 24/192 downloads via usb, can someone recommend a usb to spdif converter that will work with the Audiolab preferably around £90-120? All help and thoughts appreciated

[Stratmangler]

M2Tech HiFace2

[brian2957]

Bit over your budget John but very good nonetheless. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Musical-Fidelity-V-LINK192-24bit-192kHz-asynchronous-USB-to-S-PDIF-converter-/221350880379?pt=UK_Computing_Sound_Vision_Audio_Ca bles_Adapters&hash=item33898a647b

[roob]

HiFace 2 sets the bar at the sub£150 mark.

[r100]

maybe the TeraLink. I have one but I cannot say if it is better or worse than any other converter. It only goes up to 92k though but is in your budget. You can get it from ebay, amazon etc for around 90 $ or less

http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2011/05/teradak-teralink-x2-usb-audio-converter/

[kenworthy100]

Thanks for the responses, looks as though the hiface 2 or vlink would be good solutions.

[Ammonite Audio]

I have this one (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gustard-U10-Native-32bit-384k-USB-Spdif-Converter-0-1ppm-TCXO-XMOS-Inside-/251431966012?pt=US_CD_Players_Recorders&hash=item3a8a83553c), and it is very, very good. It supports ASIO which, for some reason that someone else might be able to explain, sounds consistently better than other computer core audio options. It is a true audiophile bargain.

[kenworthy100]

Thanks Shuggie certainly looks interesting and very well constructed, how long did it take to ship over and what dac are you using it with?

[Ammonite Audio]

It took less than 2 weeks, including its diversion through HM Revenue and Customs and Parcelforce for import duty payment. I use it with a Beresford Bushmaster Mk1 for headphone duties only, via optical; and simultaneously with my Lyngdorf TDA2200 digital amplifier via RCA coaxial. I had a HiFace Evo before, and this thing, in my system, is in a different league. The fact that it has its own built-in PSU is a bonus.

[AlfaGTV]

I have this one (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gustard-U10-Native-32bit-384k-USB-Spdif-Converter-0-1ppm-TCXO-XMOS-Inside-/251431966012?pt=US_CD_Players_Recorders&hash=item3a8a83553c), and it is very, very good....

+1!
I'm using my Gustard with a MacMini and using the AES/EBU output to feed my DAC, sounds terrific! :)

[Darren Cotter]

Hi All

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but as an owner of a Caiman dac that has a USB input, would there be any improvement in sound quality if I went this route?

Regards

Darren

[Stratmangler]

Hi All

I don't mean to hijack this thread, but as an owner of a Caiman dac that has a USB input, would there be any improvement in sound quality if I went this route?

Regards

Darren

Your Caiman can play files up to 24/96 resolution over the SPDIF and Toslink connections.
The USB won't play 'em without there being some resampling first, so if you have 24/96 files playing over the USB they're being mangled resampled to start with.

[AlexM]

I am interested - I have no issues with 24/192 playback via either Toslink or SPDIF with my Cambridge 851C, but they so sound quite different. The USB 2.0 on the Cambridge input sounds the worst to me by far, but I do wonder if this is the USB receiver or the Async USB playout from the PC (or something else). The SQ ranking to my ears is SPDIF, Toslink USB when using the SB Touch with EDO as a source.

That seems like a reasonable price for the Gustard, and I do like the integral power supply as I am drowning in wall warts. LOL, you have to love the product names the Chinese come up with sometimes!!! :lol:

Regards,
Alex