USB/SPDIF converter and DAC combinations

Bhobba, Have you experience with the Offramp 3? Thanks

Hi Mesch,

If you already have the BDA-1, why not get the new BDP-2 as your USB to SPDIF upgrade? The reviews so far have been very good.
My fingers are itching to pull the trigger for the BDP-2 but unfortunately, if I run it to my Esoteric K-01, I can only max out the hi-res at 24/96. So to get 24/192 and DSD capability, the new Marantz streamer plus hi-res capable DAC would be a better choice for me.
Cheers!

I have a LOT of experience with USB converter and DAC's, having owned and heard quite a few.

The best is the Off-Ramp, then the Audiophellio, with the Audiophellio being the better value, but there is zero doubt the Off-Ramp is clearly and obviously better.

I have owned a WFS and fed by its internal USB it was pretty ordinary I have to say - cold, analytical with slight sibilance issues, but fed by the Off-Ramp virtually all the issues gone - still on the analytical side for my tastes but to the point I would say its a personal preference thing - and the detail can be a bit overpowering - but a very good DAC that way.

Still if you are looking to spend the money to match that sort of system I would look at the two best DAC's I have ever heard - a Playback Designs via DSD (its not as good via PCM - but via DSD its supreme) and the Phasure DAC via PCM.

Neither requires an external converter - the internal converters of both are top notch.

Thanks
Bill

I'm very happy with the iLink, which I got cause I also use
their iUSB. Other ones to consider are the Halide Bridge and
Bel Canto Reflink range.

Thanks to those who have responded. I have recently purchased a BRYston BDA-1 knowing I will not be using the USB input. Remain interested in USB/SPDIF upgrade. Will let you know what improvement I find over the PS audio.

I also have a DL III. My dream USB converter is an empirical audio offramp, my second choice is the JKSPDIF MK III, link here: http://www.johnkenny.biz/home-1/mk3-hiface
The reason I like the JKSPDIF unit is it's quite an elegant solution, it's battery powered, the power circuits are isolated from the audio section, and the battery re-charges from the USB port on your computer. No wall warts. I am currently running a Vlink 192, and I'm pretty happy. I wanted to get off the merry go round for a bit, so I'm taking a break from equipment purchases and just buying music. I have also looked at the audiophelio, and the anedio U2 unit.

IFi Audio a division or Abbington Music Research has just released the ILink. It is a USB/SPDIF coax and optical converter. The product is very new, but the whole Ifi line is getting great reviews and I'm sure the iLink will follow suit.
Don't let the prices fool you into thinking that they are cheep. Every piece performs well above it's price point.
I have the iPhono and couldn't be happier.

http://ifi-audio.com/en/iLink.html

Good luck

Thanks Mordante. I have found this site after i posted this thread. I am considering the audiophellio2 and then upgrading my DAC.

I have no experience myself in USB/SPIF converters but:

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f6-dac-digital-analog-conversion/15-usb-spdif-converters-shootout-15327/

I have seen more then one shoot-out between some converters. Maybe they are of some help.