Hiface 24/192k USB to spdif converter

[jkeny]

I'm listening to this through HD650 headphones directly connected to the ESS DAC's outputs, no caps, etc needed (the ESS DAC outputs 2V rms with no voltage bias). Everything sounds wonderful right through the frequency range - very much like we heard on the QUAD ESL 989 speakers last night. The datasheet recommends a load >5Kohm but is not complaining with the HD650's impedance of 300ohm.

The vol in foobar cannot be turned up full as it's painful but I can't help think that digital vol control is not the best idea in the world (it doesn't seem to have any detrimental effect here, maybe because the system operates in 24bit mode even on 16bit material?).

But my idea to kill two birds is to put a nice LDR vol control (fixed 27kohm R + shunt LDR) on the Vouts of the DAC bringing the DAC within it's comfort zone & dispensing with digital vol control.

Shane, I don't know the Caiman so I can't answer you

Edit: BTW, the HiFace & ESS DAC both handle 24/192