wanted: Spdif / USB converter

[WESTLOWER]

wanted: Spdif / USB converter
what do you have?

[bronzeage]

I have a Beresford converter, older model though, think works with Linux and up to Windows 7. Maybe check with Stan if it can be updated, £10 plus postage if you like.

[WESTLOWER]

thanks Marcus, i am using a relatively budget unit at the moment and want to try and see what I can get in the upper price brackets
Appreciated though

[Domg]

Hi Adam, I have a SoTM DX HD USB-to-S/PDIF Converter that is no longer being used. Could do for £125 incl. UK postage. I paid £160 five years ago. It came with original box, but that got left in my office and would have to follow post lockdown -assuming it’s still there 15 months!
Dom
https://www.sotm-audio.com/sotmwp/english/portfolio-item/dx-usb-hd/

[Lawrence001]

I tried a Singxer and it was very good. Unfortunately it wasn't compatible with my early Zen or I'd have kept it. Mine was the SU1 but the SU2 and higher may be even better.

[twotone]

A Topping D10s can be used as a SPDIF Usb convertor, they're about £100 new.

[Lawrence001]

A Topping D10s can be used as a SPDIF Usb convertor, they're about £100 new.But would it be better than what the OP already has? Maybe if we knew what that is it would help yield appropriate suggestions.

[twotone]

But would it be better than what the OP already has? Maybe if we knew what that is it would help yield appropriate suggestions.

Looks like it's one of these Lawrence and also looks pretty expensive.

SW1X Audio Design USB-SPdif

https://sw1xad.co.uk/product/sw1x-dac-2/

[Lawrence001]

Looks like it's one of these Lawrence and also looks pretty expensive.

SW1X Audio Design USB-SPdif

https://sw1xad.co.uk/product/sw1x-dac-2/

Ah yes of course missed that. I wouldn't call that a budget unit assuming it's on a par with his valve DACs. Maybe it's not on the same level though.

[bumpy]

Ah yes of course missed that. I wouldn't call that a budget unit assuming it's on a par with his valve DACs. Maybe it's not on the same level though.

I’m a little bemused at this. I had the early USB to spiff converter from SW1X and the only one to improve on it was the USB II Signature which I now use. None of the SW1X products are below par or particularly cheap and almost all production goes abroad where there is a healthy demand. Slawa is currently developing a full range of amplifiers.

[WESTLOWER]

The original spdif/usb box was the SW1X early example Slawa made, unfortunately Dr. Slawa said he's not in a position to support,
fix it or indeed even look at it anytime soon, or in the foreseeable future. Hence the look out for something else decent..
But effectively as he won't look at it it is dead as the PC no longer recognises it.

[Lawrence001]

The original spdif/usb box was the SW1X early example Slawa made, unfortunately Dr. Slawa said he's not in a position to support,
fix it or indeed even look at it anytime soon, or in the foreseeable future. Hence the look out for something else decent..
But effectively as he won't look at it it is dead as the PC no longer recognises it.Could it be a driver issue eg. W10 has updated and no longer recognises the DAC?

[WESTLOWER]

No I don’t think so as the Mac laptop also no longer sees it

[Edward]

Well I have some knowledge of Adam's situation, having supplied him with two Windows 10 based streamers.

The SW1X converter has performed brilliantly and then suddenly it stopped working. Probably something quite simple (maybe a blown USB interface). Sh*t happens, no big deal. Life is like that. Adam has done all reasonable tests - including as he says using a mac - but also different cables etc.

But the idea that the manufacturer can simply refuse to look at the item even when out of warranty is just not on. Very short sighted on the part of SW1X. I for one will be very hesitant even looking at SW1X products. I wonder why SW1X seemingly don't give a stuff for its past customers? Perhaps there are other factors at play here?

Looking at Clartes, the relevant company that SW1X operates through, the deficiency on shareholders funds has increased to £33k from £20k in the year ending June 2020. Tough times.

[bumpy]

Sorry Edward, but your last two sentences are defamatory. I respectfully request they are removed.

SW1X is a fledgling business, dedicated to improving sound quality for us all. As such, like any other similar business it could be easily damaged by such random assertions.

[Lawrence001]

Thanks for the update Edward that sounds frustrating. I know a few big manufacturers have walked away from repairing their old equipment in recent years but that usually involves a takeover by a new company or the use of SMD boards they can no longer source.

One of the benefits of buying from a cottage industry type builder is because of the personal after sales support you usually get but that doesn't seem to be the case here.

Having said that there may be personal issues involved I'm not aware of and I'd prefer not to put down a well respected designer without knowing all the facts, and it sounds like Adam is getting somewhere with the repair so hopefully it will all be sorted and giving good service again soon.

[Edward]

Sorry Edward, but your last two sentences are defamatory. I respectfully request they are removed.

SW1X is a fledgling business, dedicated to improving sound quality for us all. As such, like any other similar business it could be easily damaged by such random assertions.

Thanks Chris

Yes on reflection perhaps a bit strong. I watered my post down.

E

[bumpy]

Looking at Clartes, the relevant company that SW1X operates through, the deficiency on shareholders funds has increased to £33k from £20k in the year ending June 2020. Tough times.


Slawa is dedicated to improving SQ in every way he can. He is not content to assemble off-the-shelf components and thereby accept the limits of what that can achieve.

I have personally seen his R & D efforts with transformers including the purchase of exotic metals for the cores and home winding of the bobbins. He has also had to design and commission a full range of layout boards and caseworks. This kind of stuff does not come cheap and represents a substantial outlay initially which no doubt will effect the bottom line.

I would turn the observation about profitability on its head and ask the question "How happy would we be, seeing a fledgling Company making huge profits at its customers expense?"