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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
tgrisham
1,291 posts
 
As stated above (and probably before your post came through), the Hiface has worked for me.

The only way you will know if an asynch USB will sound better is to buy it and try it. Also, you should be aware that Steve N. of Empirical Audio (see post above) sells the Off-Ramp, an asynch protocol USB converter for $799. This would be in addition to the DAC you already have. The Hiface sells for $200. Only you can tell if the difference is worth it.
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?
daffyd54
7 posts
 
Try the Audio-GD Digital Interface, I like it better than the stock M2Tech HiFace
dallasjustice's avatar
dallasjustice
27 posts
 
I have personal experience with Wavelink and Off-ramp v4 with Ultraclocks and monolith battery. I sold the wavelink. The EA is far superior via spdif or I2s. I doubt there's any better USB to spdif/i2s converter out there.
linaeum66 OP
60 posts
 
PROBLEM SOLVED!! I just purchased a musical fidelity V-link and it works perfectly. Definite improvement over the stock USB input and perhaps even more importantly it works with my EE dac and doesn't have drop outs. As others have mentioned above, as did the guy from morningstar audio, the Sabre DAC is very sensitive to jitter from its inputs. The Stello U2 and the halide bridge have too much jitter for the EE DAC to work properly, if at all. Don't waste your time purchasing either or any other high jitter devices if you have the EE DAC. The V-link has virtually zero jitter and hence works like a charm. I've also heard from others that the hiface works as well with the EE DAC. I'm assuming that other very low jitter devices like the wavelength, off ramp, and audiophileo will also work, but haven't tried them. Let me know if anyone has tried any of these with the EE DAC
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