Conversion of USB to SPDIF externally does not necessarily kill the sound. I believe some of these converters are better than others though, and like all gear, a bit system dependent. These do give you the most flexibility with choosing a DAC.
I believe any USB DAC that converts the USB to SPDIF instead of directly to I2S is probably not worth your time. To my knowledge this leaves the Wavelength Audio DAC's and the Benchmark (which I just learned from this thread that is converted to I2S -- I did not know that before) Any others?
Also, regarding the Benchmark. I believe the charge that it is too clinical/analytical sounding was levelled in its introduction (first year or so) and I believe in recent iterations they have corrected this (this is just from my reading, not my experience though). Either way though, there are legitimate WEB retailers (Audio Advisor, Audio Revelation, etc.) whom allow you a 30 day trial. So, there is really no excuse not to demo in your own system. You may even be able to find a dealer who will let you hear Wavelengths stuff on trial as well -- That is the ONLY way to know for sure.
I am still trying to sort all this out myself. I love my Attraction DAC and have yet to hear another DAC that I like better. So, for me, I am trying out USB to SPDIF converters until I can find the one that works best in my system.
I believe any USB DAC that converts the USB to SPDIF instead of directly to I2S is probably not worth your time. To my knowledge this leaves the Wavelength Audio DAC's and the Benchmark (which I just learned from this thread that is converted to I2S -- I did not know that before) Any others?
Also, regarding the Benchmark. I believe the charge that it is too clinical/analytical sounding was levelled in its introduction (first year or so) and I believe in recent iterations they have corrected this (this is just from my reading, not my experience though). Either way though, there are legitimate WEB retailers (Audio Advisor, Audio Revelation, etc.) whom allow you a 30 day trial. So, there is really no excuse not to demo in your own system. You may even be able to find a dealer who will let you hear Wavelengths stuff on trial as well -- That is the ONLY way to know for sure.
I am still trying to sort all this out myself. I love my Attraction DAC and have yet to hear another DAC that I like better. So, for me, I am trying out USB to SPDIF converters until I can find the one that works best in my system.