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Coax SP/DIF to USB..thoughts?

I now have a DAC ( I like this DAC a lot, so it is not getting replaced) that only uses a CoAx input and does not have the ability to input USB. Many streamers seem to utilize just USB as their output. There are a few USB to SP/DIF cable converters out there, but I have not heard any of these cables, nor do i know anyone who has. For those who have heard this type of conversion, is this a good way to go? 

Personally, i prefer the SQ of a CoAx cable to most all of the USB cables i have heard. Thoughts?

128x128daveyf
vthokie83
886 posts
 

Depends on the quality of the streamer in my experience. I currently use a BlueSound Node 130 (With LHY LPS) with various USB cables, to a Denafrips Iris DDC, and then I2S Audioquest Vodka 48 8K/10K HDMI cable to a Denafrips Pontus II DAC. The sound improvement of this stack is impressive for such a low cost combination, with each upgraded component adding to the SQ.

That said, I've borrowed a couple of streamers (Aurender N10 and N200) that were amazing and much better than my set up, and I suspect that the iris is not needed....but those are $6,000 streamers or there abouts. I am currently saving the funds to upgrade to the usual suspect streamers (Innuous/Lumin/Aurender)

daveyf's avatar
daveyf OP
2,875 posts
 

@vthokie83   Agree that the quality of the streamer is important. Although, IME the ability and quality of the DAC is actually a lot more important. Seems to be about 20% for the streamer and 80% for the DAC. 

ghdprentice
7,047 posts
 

My experience is that ultimately the sound quality is about 50-50. While at lower levels the DAC makes a bigger different as the quality goes up the difference equalizes and really high end sound requires both at the very highest level. My streamer is actually more expensive than my DAC.

daveyf's avatar
daveyf OP
2,875 posts
 

If you place a great sounding streamer with a marginal DAC, you will not be that happy, OTOH, if you place a great sounding DAC with a marginal streamer, this will still be very satisfying. At the highest level, it all matters, but my ratio still applies. Cabling and connections matter as well. So does all of the set-up and upstream/downstream gear. BTW, what to you is the 'lower levels'?? 

treynolds155
184 posts
 

@daveyf 

I'd try an Aurender UC100 converter, at $700 it's not cheap but you may be able to get one used. I use their UT100 usb to fiber converter and it works just great. 

I'm not going to argue the pros or cons of USB sound quality, I just don't like it due to it losing connections between equipment if I jump around tracks too quickly. Every other SP/Diff connection I use simply locks onto the signal.

Best of luck and enjoy that DAC.

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