USB DAC or USB to SPDIF conv. + non USB DAC?

Just to add to Restock's post.....all Wavelength DAC's can be ordered with 24/96 capability. Yet, as far as I know, that is as high as USB will go for now anyway.

Yet, with a good soundcard or through firewire, sample rates can go as high as 24/192. And, there's downloadable music available at the highest sampling rates.

I can not think of any better choice than MHDT Paradisea Plus USB Dac for your budget.

I don`t the Brick can be order with 24/96, but its a great sounding dac as is.

Greg

Yep, you're right, the Brick cannot yet be ordered 24/96, although I'm sure that is in the works.

Hey, Restock - any idea why/how the Benchmark and the Cosecant can do 24/96 via USB while the less expensive USB DACs can't?

Actually the EMU0404USB soundcard can do 24/96 for a around $230.

Otherwise, it depends on the USB-SPDIF conversion chip most DACs use for their USB input. Furthermore, some DACs are non-oversampling and plain limited to 44.1 or 48KHz sampling rates (e.g. Wavelength Brick and MHDT DACs).