Coax to Optical Converters Anygood?

Just saw this and even though a bit late in the piece I thought I'd add my 2 bobs worth. I recently bought a dual core anti-mode. I love it and find it to be a very significant improvement as a DAC over a Musical Fidelity M1 and even my beloved CAL system 1. It is a very good DAC and the DSP room correction is brilliant (at least in my room). I overcame the limited digital input (single toslink) issue by using a Behringer SRC 2496 ultramatch pro (a real audio bargain although a bit ugly). It has three digital inputs (optical, RCA and aes/ebu). This works very well as an upsampler and I run my Teac VRDS 10 via an active digital RCA cable into it. In my opinion the upsampling improves the sound and the behringer allows me to plug my USB interface into the system via the optical input for HiRes computer audio (i don't use the usb input on the dspeaker). The dual core (with latest firmware) handles the 24 bit 96khz signal its optical input without any issues. One surprising thing (to me at least) is the quality of the ADC of the dual core. I am, at least for now, running my turntable via PS audio phono stage into the dual core too and it appears the benefit of the room correction outweighs the limited downside of the Analogue to digital conversion (I need to further evaluate this to see if this holds up in the long term). I wasn't expecting this when I bought the dual core as I was using the ps phono stage direct into my power amp (Leak St20) and loved the brilliant transparency this gave me.

Anyhow, after all this, my advice is use a behringer with the dual core and enjoy the improved sound from CD as well as providing extra inputs.

Hi Ginov,

Thank you for the lead on the Behringer SRC 2496. I looked into buying one, but most dealers in the states are sold out. The new shipment should arrive sometime in the next couple of months, so maybe then. I received my Dual Core on July 27th. There were delays in the release and limited distribution.
I'm using a MSB Digital Director that is working as my coax to optical converter. I like the unit and it runs off a 12v supply same as my CD transport and Dual Core. I have only had the unit hooked up for a couple of days and I'm vey impressed with it too. My transport has dual coaxial outputs and this has made for a fun comparison to my Buffalo 32s dac. I can switch between the Analog and SPDIF inputs on the D/C to compare the two. No clear favorite yet, I want to give the D/C dac a chance to run in for a while. rodge827atcomcastdotnet If you want to compare notes. My info can also be found on the Audio Circle Forum.
Thanks again,

Chris

Hi Rodge827

You're welcome. I'm glad to have been helpful. There isn't much commentary out there on the www on the dual core as it's such a new product. I was drawn to it through reading a guest editorial in TAS by Robert Greene. He comments about the need to address room interactions to get the best out of any system, regardless of cost. I tend to agree after hearing a friends DEQX-based DSP active system that is very impressive.

Good luck with the Behringer. I look forward to hearing what your thoughts are when you get the D/C settled in and will email you.

I'm not familiar with the Buffalo dac.

The dual core ADC is good and i' m sure you are already aware, but be mindful in your comparison that your other DAC is also undergoing an extra round of digital to analogue conversion compared to the D/C!

Have fun

Cheers
Ginov

Ginov,

I found out about the Dual Core from US distributor Tim Ryan of Simplifi Audio. I had purchased a Dspeaker Antimode 8033s from him, and before the D/C came out he offered me one at a prerelease discount. The 8033s impressed me so much that I took the plunge on a D/C, and I'm very happy I did!

The Buffalo 32s Dac is a DIY kit from Twisted Pear Audio. I purchased mine from the original owner/builder about a year ago. The 32s was TPA's first dac board with the ESS Saber 9018 chip. They have since improved with the Buffalo 2 and now 3.

I have been listening to the Dual Core Dac more than the 32s, so as to get a better grasp of the sound quality it produces. The best that I can describe the differences is an apples to apples comparison. Both apples taste (sound) wonderful, but in the end only one will win me over. I'm leaning more and more towards the D/C dac with it's pure uncolored sound. Every dac I have had in the past "flavored" the sound a bit, the D/C dac is a whole new experience, and refreshing at that. :-)

Best,
Chris

Hi Chris, I sent you a pm. Let me know here if it went astray.