Computer Audio Asylum

RE: Which USB DAC?

24.16.170.87

In Reply to: RE: Which USB DAC? posted by David Shapiro on May 26, 2007 at 20:13:24

If you want the most flexiblity and highest sound quality, you should go with a seperate PC audio interface and DAC. In the USB area, the EMU 0404USB is fairly inexpensive and can output 24/96 to the SPDIF. You can then match this up with your favorite DAC. I prefer the tube DAC sound and am using a very inexpensive Lite 68 (upgraded Siemens CCA tubes), until APL has revised their 5910ci (this unit can be ordered with a special SPDIF input) with their new tube output boards.

If you want the best PC audio you need to go beyond USB and go with a true Pro Audio solution. I have had good success so far with the RME Fireface (using the firewire interface), and the EMU 1616M with it's own CardBUS (pcmica type 2) interface. The down side of using the USB has been well documented in this forum.

The Firewire achieves a standardized higher output (esp the 800), and less clocking issues. Both of the above mentioned solutions can output 24/192 or 24/176 to the SPDIF. The Lite DAC and the APL will allow that high resolution input with no trouble.

The difference in sound, at especially 24/176, is dramatic. One note - you will need the highest performing PC to handle output at this resolution (at least an Intel core 2 duo T7400 laptop of Core 3 Duo 6400 desktop). I prefer the laptop route for the low fan noise and convenience, although low noise desktop solutions are available. Much more powerful processors are on their way from AMD and Intel by years end.

I have done alot of experimentation recording my LP collection at the various resolutions and 24/176 seem superior to all other levels - including 24/192. A big improvement over 24/96. The ADC converters in the EMU are the best AKM made (AK5394 ADC). The sound quality is amazing! Very hard to tell the difference from the actual LP and the digital recording. In foobar using SRC you can upsample 16/44 to 24/176 for a signifcant sound improvement, very close to DVDA or SACD.

The other advantage to having a seperate Pro audio interface and DAC - the need for constantly improving drivers. Most Pro Audio companies have teams updating and improving there drivers (EMU just released VISTA beta versions for the 1616M).

This approach - using seperate pro audio/ DAC solutions give you flexiblity in the future, by allowing you to change interface without having to replace the DAC. You get the added benefit of the ADC solution to recording vinyl if you chose. The intergrated boxes won't give you that feature.

As for clocking issues, both of these boxes give you the option of clocking internally or clocking to the DAC. The EMU uses a internal crystal clock with very low jitter. The RME uses and even more elaborate solution called Steady Clock. Here is a very interesting link if yuou want to read more.
http://www.rme-audio.com/english/techinfo/steadyclock.htm

I have a fairly high end system and the results I'm getting now from my PC are close to exceeding anything I have heard digitally, my analogue sound still rules, but the differences have narrowed dramatically. With addition of the new APL DAC/player and it's new SPDIF technology I'm hoping to exceed vinyl.

Hope this helps!

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