Well the increasingly heated debate here suggest to me that this puzzle still isn't solved.
I am still frustrated and confused as to why we cant export bit perfect WAV files from a well built custom computer into an audiophile DAC and otherwise FORGET all these cheapo sound cards, crap power supplies, jitter inducing processes and arcane acronyms built that I associate with mass produced plastic computers.
As this is supposed to be an "up to the minute" thread...please do continue.
Anyone?
Does the Benchmark DAC work well for this now? Or does it need "mods"? WHy does it need "mods"?
Is the Zanden "pricey like hell" because it is some weird tweako hand made limited production voodoo product and/or one of the few in the world that happens to have IS2?
Are the bigger manufacturers of DACs not listening? Why wouldnt every DAC maker in town be thinking that the world is starting to use hard drives for music and maybe it might be worth a second thought and the extra 50 cents to add an IS2 output to their 5 figure high margin DACs?
I rarely like digital music of any kind, so this set up is more for convenience and archival purposes than trying to outperform my Rockport reference turntable.
Again, if anyone knows how to export a WAV file bit stream into a reasonably priced decent performing DAC without a lot of extra steps and garbage, either electronically or scientifically, or placing a special order to some garage manufacturer who never answers his phone, please let us know.
Cheers
Cwlondon