The April Stello u3 is awesome...but only offers rca/coax out (i.e. no opt)...for a cheaper soltion...I found the musical fidelity v link to be better than others to my ears. |
I would recommend Peachtree Audio |
Audiophilio 1 or 2
Anedio U2
Jkenny Ciunas converter
Emprirical Audio Offramp
All of the above are my current dream team |
I use the Berkeley Alpha USB converter and am quite happy with it. I get sound that seems a worthy alternative to my LP rig. |
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I really like the v-link, but it's discontinued, but you can find new product on eBay.
Regards. |
The V-Link serves well and is inexpensive. I bought a Link II on AG for $70. I find several on E-bay at $100 or less. I have an Audiophilio 2/Purepower in my main rig. That combo is better however at ~5x the price on the used market.
The V-Link represents great value. |
If I needed one, I would try the Empirical Audio Off-Ramp. It has lots of features and options. If you don't like it, they give a full refund. |
The Gustard U12 saw a lot of Audiophilleo users jump ship, about $180 on slow boat from China. Does a nice job with the Metrum Octave. Past $1k its time to get a newer DAC with integrated asynch USB |
Yes Zd, if I had the resources i also would like to try the Off-Ramp. But then again, I might also be upgrading my entire system.
I agree with David, if one was to spend Off-Ramp type $$$ a newer DAC may be in order.
Not knowing more about Ramys budget, intent on use, and his/her system, it is hard to make a recommendation as to what might be best. |
I use a Gustard U12 into my Audio-gd Master 7's BNC input and I am pretty happy with it. I wouldn't mind trying the Empirical Audio Off Ramp as well, but I have a few more things that are higher priority in my audio chain. |
Hi, the V-Link 192 is still readily available on Amazon for less than a hundred bucks. It's a cheap and fantastic solution. |
"07-16-15: Mesch
Yes Zd, if I had the resources i also would like to try the Off-Ramp. But then again, I might also be upgrading my entire system.
I agree with David, if one was to spend Off-Ramp type $$$ a newer DAC may be in order.
Not knowing more about Ramys budget, intent on use, and his/her system, it is hard to make a recommendation as to what might be best."
Take a look at the OP's system. It looks like he can easily afford the off ramp. |
The Bel Canto REFLink and uLink both work very well.
***Bel Canto dealer disclaimer |
Im using Gustard U12. Great for the price. Others to consider:
Melodious Audio MX-U8
Tanly Audio
Yellowtec PUC2
Audiobyte Hydra z
Berkeley Alpha USB |
I had a Berkeley Alpha USB for a few years. I read about the tube buffer output stage in the Lampizator USB Transport, which is actually a USB-to-S/PDIF converter, and I wanted to try it. After playing them side by side for a few weeks, I decided to sell the Berkeley. I've been using the Lampizator for 8 months and I am very happy with my decision, but it's not cheap.
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The Lampi USB Transport is something to treasure. I've owned one for a couple of years now. Recently I purchased Uptone Audio's REGEN to see what all the fuss was about and see if it could make USB sound as good as the USB Transport. The short answer, no. The USB Transport brings more body and soul to USB but still not up to the USB Transport's standard. Next experiment? REGEN into the USB Transport. The verdict? The addition of the REGEN made the Lampi Combo of The Big 7 and USB Transport sound even more natural and musical.
I love what the Big 7 can do with DSD. I've experimented with jRiver converting PCM to DSD. This combo does sound very good. I hope to soon try HQ Player.
So what do I find myself listening to DSD or PCM?
If the choice was USB DSD vs PCM I'd choose DSD.
But throw the Lampi USB Transport into the mix, I'll take the trio of the Lampi Big 7, Lampi USB TranspOrt, and REGEN anytime.
Lampi DAC owners, if you haven't heard your GG, Big 5, 6, & 7s, and Model 4s without a Lampi USB TranspOrt you haven't got the most out of your DAC yet. |
Ramy
I am not sure the Meridian Explorer 2 is the "best usb converter" I have not listened to it, however I did recently read an article on TAS by Robert Harley that May interest you in your search for a usb converter.
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/beyond-high-resolution/ |
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I second the Bel Canto REF Link as well. Use the ST Fiber output if your DAC supports it. You may want to see what options the Cable Company lending library has to try. Good luck. |
