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USB-S/PDIF Converter or USB DAC?

I've decided it's time to use a music server with my main system. I currently use one (iBook) with my headphone system with the Grace m902 headphone amp with built-in USB DAC. I intend to get a new Intel iBook when they are released (March/April).

I currently have an unused Wavelength Audio S/PDIF DAC that I could use with a USB-S/PDIF converter (such as Empirical or Red Wine Audio) or get a USB DAC (WA Brick, Stello, ???). Is a dedicated USB DAC preferred over the hack USB-S/PDIF converter route?
budrew

Showing 4 responses by drubin

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drubin
3,267 posts
 
Does anyone have any experience or opinions about Toslink to coax converters (maybe it's an adapter and not a converter)?
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drubin
3,267 posts
 
5M is the maximum length.

There's a great web site called "Google" where you can find out things like this or, it seems, just about anything.

Not sure what you mean about timing.
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drubin
3,267 posts
 
>wirless USB hub

What does that mean, exactly? Is it a separate USB network (with the hub as access point and wireless-enabled USB receivers or devices communicating with the hub) or part of an 802.11x network?
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drubin
3,267 posts
 
Thanks. I think I get it. This could solve a major problem for me, which is how to locate a laptop at my listening position and feed a DAC across the room without running a physical cable. I'd stick one of these hubs near the audio rack. I wonder if the frequency this thing operates at will pose any problems to an audio system.
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