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RE: Sound quality from the USB Dac?

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In Reply to: RE: Sound quality from the USB Dac? posted by AudioNoteKits on October 01, 2012 at 08:31:41

I was under the impression that the Hagtech converter wasn't as good as other ones available. Brian, I'm sorry if that's misinformation. I tried using USB from a laptop computer and didn't care for it, but I didn't use the ASIO style driver and it wasn't a dedicated computer so maybe that was the problem.

I have the Kit Dac 2.1b being fed from Squeezebox Duet S/PDIF and it sounds really good.

Follow Ups:

RE: Sound quality from the USB Dac? - Bones13 11:58:45 10/01/12 (3)
I use a Stello U3 for converting the USB from my computer to an AES/BSU SPDIF input to my ANK DAC 4.1, I use the coax SPDIF for my CD input.
Most of the current USB-> SPDIF converters will go way above the 18/96 that my AN digital board will take, but the asynchronous USB is worth going for.
Most of my computer audio is CD quality (16/44.1) but I have some downloaded 24/96, which play well on my system.
To my ears, getting the modern asynchronous USB connection is worth it.

Edits: 10/01/12
- RE: Sound quality from the USB Dac? - Happy Camper 17:16:14 11/10/12 (2)
  Brian,
  
  Time to come out of the dark ages and give us a better alternative to computer sources. A logictech converter for a $2k+ kit that's fed power from the USB is not pretty. An Asynch USB to I2S feed sure would be nice.
  - RE: Sound quality from the USB Dac? - astrostar 13:09:29 12/19/12 (0)
    Hi Guys
    I am not sure I agree with the consensus of this thread. I can see it may be winding folk up that a great USB solution is not in the kits. BUT this technology is moving so quickly it is almost impossible to offer that I would think on a cost / product dev to be possible for such a small company as AN Kits.
    
    I am cool with the kits without the USB, leaving me / others to find the USB to SPDIF converter to suit my budget and system. It also allows buying in stages (converter later) and building a computer streamer bit by bit.
    
    The other thing it seems to me, is there are very few great DACs out there offering similarly great USB input for 3K US or less. Ok, we can all list dscPucini and others, but they are crazy money. Bsisdes, if you spent all that, maybe you would start thinking what else the money had gone into on other input types you were not to use.
    
    In a way, I see the AN DACs being kits, as a buy to suit your pocket and system requirements. You get a great DAC for low cost (have to build it granted) and can then add more system functiuonality later to suit your needs, i.e. like a PC with extra memory, cards, HDs, and software.
    
    The other thing I have read from many DAC manufactures, is it can be beneficial to have the USB and clocks OUTSIDE the box, so reduce RF and noise. And lets face it, tubed gear or SS gear can cause RF if it's all squashed into a tight case.
    
    Now, my problem is which USB -SPDIF do I get (or can afford?)....
  - RE: Sound quality from the USB Dac? - astrostar 12:54:43 12/19/12 (0)
    vv

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