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Seeking lower cost alternatives to Berkeley Audio Design Alpha USB converter

I am looking for a USB to optical audio converter.
The Alpha USB from Berkeley Audio Design is an external asynchronous USB to S/PDIF (or AES) interface. It's strictly a D to D converter accepting USB digital audio input and delivering digital audio output.
That's the type of product I'm looking for. However, at $1,895 the Berkeley Alpha USB is far more expensive than most similar products I've seen. Some of these products sell for less than $100.

I'm on a budget. Can anyone recommend one of the lower priced alternatives to the Alpha USB from Berkeley Audio Design?
lowoverdrive
soix
10,163 posts
 
I guess it depends on how critical performance is, but the Singxer SU-6 looks to be of good quality and is quite a bit cheaper than the Berkeley at $690.  Best of luck. 
erik_squires
16,675 posts
 
Lots of them. 

If you can find them, one of the best budget DACs was the Parasound ZDAC which AFAIK is now out of production, but a fine DAC.
mgrif104
395 posts
 
The Schiit Eitr does the same thing (USB > SPDIF coax and works very well.  

I bought one a couple of years ago but it’s now retired as I went to streamers and DACs that are better w/ USB.  I hadn’t planned on selling it - because i forgot about it, but can sell it if you’re interested. Or, you can probably by a new one from Schiit for very reasonable.  Mine is in like new condition.  Please PM me if you’re interested..  
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