Substitute for Waveterminal U24

I think there are way too much credits given to "USB DAC".

Other than the low end USB DACs which actually use USB DAC chips, many "USB DACs" are just "regular" DACs with USB interface built-in.

There are certainly theoretical advantages in a tightly coupled USB interface, versus an external USB/SPDIF box. But a DAC is still a DAC. The DAC chip and the analog output stage are still crucial factors in producing the sound.

I don't want to give the impression that the Cosecant is anything less than excellent. It is, in fact, fantastic. All audio gear involves trade-offs. The Cosecant's seems to be maximum musicality at the expense of strict neutrality. In this way, it is a lot like a single end triode amp: a solid state amp will have more slam and extension, and measure much better, but a solid state amp will never approach the palpable realism that makes a SET amp so enjoyable to listen to.

With regard to whether the M-audio sounds as good as the HagUSB, I really don't know because I've never heard the M-Audio. That said, this might be a situation where simpler is better. The HagUSB only converts USB to s/pdif. The M-audio has pots and switches which, at its price point, may not be beneficial to the signal passing through it. Maybe someone will do a head-to-head comparison.

On the issue of whether a USB DAC can be superior to a s/pdif dac, all I can say is that the Cosecant is the most musically satisfying DAC I've had in my system (and I've had a few). I think it is a very well executed product. It will be interesting to see what competition it has a year from now, as I-pods fuel the interest in computer based music systems.

hi all. steev -- i'm wondering if you are still using the hagUSB, and if you are still pleased with it after a couple months. also, if any pc users have snagged one, have you been able to get it working with the "asio4all" asio drivers?

another query: is there any significant benefit to using a USB transport with AC powere as opposed to one that is powered by the USB bus itself? (e.g. m-audio usb audiophile vs. hagUSB)