As to the Q of interfaces
it hinges on the DAC IMO.
I use J river MC 12 & iTunes a little. J Rivers GUI allows a lot of flexibility. As much as anyone might need, and far more than most ever will. Thru it I can select any sound card on the pc or connected to it. I can up sample std 16/44 48 files to 24/96 192, PROVIDED a card/DAC is connected somehow which supports those numbers too. Theres a considerable bit more versatility in other areas but for here, thats good.
My BC DAC3 only does 24/96 via std inputs. 16/44 via USB. Das eet. Does a fine job in each area, sans up or over sampling, and does not use the Asuync path for USB which enables the DAC possessing that tech to make the personal confuser respond as slave to it rather than the adaptive USB avenue eg., BC DAC3.
So I tried a lot of combinations. Yep
even an RME hammer Fall.
limited results precluded me from going forwad with the RME pci card.
I ran various media players with innumerable file formats & bit rates, variable and constant. Lossy and Lossless. Bought the DE ASIO driver which runs specifically via USB, and does sound much improved over what Windows or itunes, or others drivers allow for
For a USB nly into an adaptive dac, that $70 FIX MAY WELL SUIT SUFFICIENTLY. It is quite good.
I had an old SB Live USB card about and hooked it in
USB > SBL 24/96 > XV2 IC to BC D3
. Betterment was heard.
Well if a $50 SBL card + the DE ASIO driver were that beneficial, try another, I thought.
I almost went all in on a Lynx
but felt I should try to keep the investment for now, modest. I bought an Audiophile 192 M Audio card. It allows you to use the 192s clock or an external one. I set to the ext card/DAC.
I optimized the xp home unit I use for playback thereafter.
Ive now little more than the occasional curiosity bug fueling my designs on upgrading, or to further replace things in my system. Im certain Im into the dominion of diminishing returns and the expense for sincerely noteable gains is going to be a mite costly. From this point going forward. Without such investment, it would likely become more a sideways move.
Truth be told, Im not missing much, if at all
and am pretty dog gone pleased
So Id reckon you ought to investigate ALL the imputs and interfaces available to you in whatever DAC you choose, aside from those dedicated USB DACs where you have no choice.
PS.. there is something to the notes on lengths of digital cables too
USB & to a lesser degree, coax. Stay under 10ft on USB if possible. The audible difs are noteable, but reside along side each other marginally. Shorters better though
just not always feasible.