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USB - SPDIF on Eastern Electric DAC

I've recently gotten the upgrade bug and am looking to replace the stock USB input of my EE DAC with an asynchronous converter. I've tried a few USB to SPDIF converters, namely the Halide Design
Bridge, and the Stello U2 (which isn't asynch) fed into the RCA SPDIF input of the DAC. I've been having
some issues with the sound dropping out suddenly every 30 seconds or so
with both units. This doesn't happen at all when I use the stock USB
input, but does happen in both the RCA and BNC inputs when fed by the
USB->SPDIF converter. At first I thought it might be because I was using
a long USB wire, and the USB-> SPDIF converters (both being passive
devices) weren't getting enough current from the USB port. However, I put a 1 amp powered USB hub into the equation and also tried shorter USB
cables, but am still having the same problem. Have anyone ever heard of this problem or know of any remedies? Also I am using a macbook pro with OSX 10.6.4 and itunes if that helps. I'm thinking of trying either the musical fidelity V-link or ART legato, but am wary that these will have the same problem. Has anyone had any luck with any usb to spdif on this dac. Thanks, greatly appreciated.

Ron
linaeum66

Showing 3 responses by cwlondon

cwlondon
1,210 posts
 
This is a newsflash for me.

I have been thinking I am long overdue to upgrade to a DAC with a USB input of its own.

But actually, an external USB to SPDIF converter might outperform the device's own USB input?

Now I know why we are all neurotic in this hobby.

Sorry I have no clue on the answer, but in another thread someone suggested a powered USB hub should be avoided, although it seems to work fine for me.
cwlondon
1,210 posts
 

It would be very helpful if someone might shed more light on which of the asynchronous USB to SPDIF converters offer the best value per dollar:

Bel Canto?

Behringer?

Hagerman Tech?

Musical Fidelity?

Art Legato?

Wavelink?

Any others?
cwlondon
1,210 posts
 
Linaeum66

This is great news, especially if older DACs without USB inputs are depreciating more rapidly?

Because it seems to me that the manufacturers are not afraid to ask a hell of a lot more for the latest generation of USB DACs than a $169 premium to their non USB capable predecessors?

If the V-link + older DAC might sound even better, I will be ordering several USB to SPDIF converters soon and look forward to scouring the digital classified ads.
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