Can anyone tell me about Val Labs NOS Dac's?


I have a relatively high end, high resolution system and am considering going to a computer based music server. Building a server with a touch screen is not that big a deal. My problem however is getting files off the computer to my sytem. I want to run standard redbook CD @44.1 khz ( a considerable part of my collection) and also some high rez downloads.

I have been considering an Ayre QB-9 USB dac, but they are pricey. I have heard good things about the Val Labs Dac.
Can anyone tell me how they might stack up?

If I understand the Val Labs correctly they are not an upsampling dac and most dac's are limited to 48K on USB

Thanks,
Dale
dale_harder

Showing 1 response by dale_harder

Thank You Mattzack2.

I really appreciate the in-depth report. These little $200 DAC's sound pretty good.

We have quite a bit in common. Our systems are similar. I am using highly modified Antique Sound Labs DT200 Hurricane mono blocks coupled with Conrad Johnson front end. I also have the dedicated dual 30 amp lines and seperate grounds. I use PS Audio power plants too, for everything except the amps.

While my system is pretty good for now, and my tubed CD player is also a 24/96 upsampler, so the sound is not too bad,... I just want to get into higher resoulution than I currently have. I use my system not only for musical enjoyment but also to assist me in the design and development of the speaker systems we currently sell. I produce the worlds only "true" Walsh drivers. If your interested, you may see our offerings at www.hhr-exoticspeakers.com

While building a computer system with a touch screen interface is not all that difficult, getting my high rez files off the computer is proving a little more of a pain than I had hoped.

I thought USB would be a good choice because it is so easily adapted. Unfortunately, it has so many inherent issues, such as limited to 24/96 and some jitter, unless you use the Ayre QB-9. Still that is only a 24/96 USB Dac with a big price tag.

Then I decided that I would go to SPDIF, or I2S more options, more bandwidth for later growth, but still lots of issues. I guess I could go ready made server with lots of options if I went to a PS Audio DAC, but $3K is still more than I can spring for now.

I guess what I am really saying, is that I need to find a good solution that will allow me to grow, without having to constanly experiment and change and tweak, etc. and afford me maximum resolution to assist my business goal of producing better speakers. Don't get me wrong, I love to tweak my system too, but it does take time.

Of course, I need to do all of this on a budget, LOL, since biz is not all that great these days with the poor economy. Something I am sure all of us Audiophiles are facing, as well as WAF.

I am currently assembling a virtual system I hope to have on line today or tomorrow. Your input is greatly appreciated.

As always,...Good listening.
Dale