I use a Berkeley Audio Design Alpha USB interface because my DAC does not have a USB input. It provides better sonic performance than the Fiio K3 from which I upgraded.
What Digital to Digital Converter Do You Use? Why?
I have an iFi Zen Stream and am considering using a digital to digital converter to convert the iFi's USB to i2s into the May Holo DAC.
I guess the question that arises is if this approach is sonically better than USB directly into the DAC.
So, who can offer some advice based on personal experience? Yes, I do realize that your DAC and streamer differ from mine.
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+1 @jackd HOLO DAC’s are designed with USB as the favored input. With KTE versions they designed further enhancement to that input. Also, any power riding on the USB cable is nulled before galvanic isolation. |
I always stay away from converters. Add extra stuff to the signal path is always a bad thing. I use what is native. Which input is better is always dependent on the output device and the input device. USB has recently added to the list of legitimate inputs. It was originally a computer thing and not associated with high end audio. Was added as folks with computers started using them as streamers. They are now becoming main stream. |
- 37 posts total