bronzeage
12-11-2015, 10:21
I have dived into the whole computer-as-a-source thing lately, mostly due to running out of space for CD storage.
My first forays were less than great, I just did not take to the sound of USB direct into Rega Saturn-R DAC section.
I had a Behringer UCA202 lying around (at one point, used it at work for headphones, before they took away USB inputs!), so thought I would try its dac analogue output for a laugh. Pretty rubbish compared to the Rega i.m.o (sorry to any 202 fans).
Noticed it had an optical output, so tried that - woah!
Suddenly, streaming services that were off-limits now sounded as good, if not better, than the CD player - even at 320K! Tried various 'CD quality' streaming from Qobuz/Tidal, but I actually preferred the more full bodied sound of 320K, which probably makes me look a bit sad, but there you go.
I was quite happy with all this, until I tried to play some hi-res files - but the 202 can't send above 16 bits.
So I thought I would give Stan's little box a go - at £47 delivered, and with good reviews, it was worth a shot.
Now, using the same (glass) optical cable, I can't say it sounded much different. But the coaxial output? To my surprise, that was different, in a better way, I guess I can only describe it as clearer, less soft, but not in a harsh way.
Played around with different driver settings - up-sampling 320K streams to 24 bit /192 has a curious effect, a very noticeable drop in bass, but sort of cleaner sounding. Could not live with the loss of bass, so tried 16 bit 88 then 176. Seems to be a good compromise.
True 24 bit files, that come from good masters, sound just fine, but not enough difference for me to pay extra for.
So, if you are looking for a cheap, but high quality, way to get SPDIF output, I can recommend the Async-1.
My first forays were less than great, I just did not take to the sound of USB direct into Rega Saturn-R DAC section.
I had a Behringer UCA202 lying around (at one point, used it at work for headphones, before they took away USB inputs!), so thought I would try its dac analogue output for a laugh. Pretty rubbish compared to the Rega i.m.o (sorry to any 202 fans).
Noticed it had an optical output, so tried that - woah!
Suddenly, streaming services that were off-limits now sounded as good, if not better, than the CD player - even at 320K! Tried various 'CD quality' streaming from Qobuz/Tidal, but I actually preferred the more full bodied sound of 320K, which probably makes me look a bit sad, but there you go.
I was quite happy with all this, until I tried to play some hi-res files - but the 202 can't send above 16 bits.
So I thought I would give Stan's little box a go - at £47 delivered, and with good reviews, it was worth a shot.
Now, using the same (glass) optical cable, I can't say it sounded much different. But the coaxial output? To my surprise, that was different, in a better way, I guess I can only describe it as clearer, less soft, but not in a harsh way.
Played around with different driver settings - up-sampling 320K streams to 24 bit /192 has a curious effect, a very noticeable drop in bass, but sort of cleaner sounding. Could not live with the loss of bass, so tried 16 bit 88 then 176. Seems to be a good compromise.
True 24 bit files, that come from good masters, sound just fine, but not enough difference for me to pay extra for.
So, if you are looking for a cheap, but high quality, way to get SPDIF output, I can recommend the Async-1.