2. digital
  3. 131176-102693

SPDIF to USB Converter?

Hi Everyone.  I have the inverse situation from the one that I see discussed in many threads.  I have an Anthem pre-amp/processor which has an SP/DIF output but no USB output.  I am interested in using this to rip my LP's for use in portable audio, but none of my computers have an optical input (all the old ones have died), so I have been searching for a SP-DIF to USB converter (I can;'t find anything on the used market, which would be fine for this use).  If I had a Wayback Machine, I could go back about 10 years and find a slew of them and my computers would probably have the inputs as well.  I wonder if anyone has a simple (i.e. cheap) solution; I am capable of a certain amount of DIY if needed.  At some point I will invest in a simple A/D converter, but it seems like a waste to have an A/D already in my system and not use it. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
acarl720
xrayz
105 posts
 
I doubt these are what you want, but I don't think a simple converter like you want exists
http://www.thewelltemperedcomputer.com/HW/SPDIF-USB.htm
https://www.amazon.com/Creative-Sound-Blaster-System-Preamp/dp/B004275EO4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid...


billbartuska
83 posts
 
"I doubt these are what you want, but I don't think a simple converter like you want exists." - nor should it ever exist.

SP/DIF is unidirectional while USB is bidirectional. It's like getting a water line to gas line converter for you house. The converter will "work" but your oven will fill with water and flammable gas will come out of you faucets.
acarl720 OP
2 posts
 
Thank you, Xrayz, for pointing me to a product that does (a little more) than what I want; it does exist.  It does the SP/DIF to USB conversion with minimal fussing around according to the reviews.  Now I can decide if this converter is best or if I want to spend a little more money for a dedicated, reasonably priced A/D converter like the Schiit device, which would eliminate a sort of kludgy cabling scenario.
More to discover