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RE: " class compliant DAC "

A class compliant DAC doesn't need proprietary drivers.
These DACs will work with the generic drivers as supplied
by the particular operating system.

The class compliant DACs usually work "plug'n play" under OSX,
Android, Linux and Windows (up to 96kHz).

Before buying a DAC, you need to check with the manufacturer or community, if the device is Class Compliant.

Advise:
Never buy a device that runs on proprietary drivers only!
No matter how great the reviews seem to be!
As soon as there are issues with the driver (sooner or later)
you'll be left alone.
Usually you can't avoid proprietary drivers on multi I/O ProAudio devices, which allow complex routings and settings. If you can't get around a ProAudio device make sure to have some kind of long term support perspective. There's no better company then RME when it comes to long term card support!!!

Under Windows many Class Compliant DACS will run up to 96khz sample rate
without proprietary driver.
I'm not sure if you still need a 3rd party driver to get samplerates >96khz going after all these years.


Then there are certain DACs which are "very close" to be "Class Compliant".
Such a device used to be (still is??) e.g. the NAD M51. It'll be recognised e.g. by a Linux system. Everything looks OK. But there won't be any sound. NAD implemented very minor features that makes the generic driver to fail. (As a hacker you can fix this.) You better avoid these devices as well.


Cheers

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