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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
daveyf's avatar
daveyf OP
2,835 posts
 

@ghdprentice   I think what you said makes a lot of sense. What connection and cable do you use from your Aurender? I believe your model has the option of all three connections, AES, Coax or USB. I would think the AES or Coax would sound better than USB. Interestingly,well respected models from Innuos only allow for USB, and I think that USB is perhaps a downgrade to Coax or AES...maybe not for their gear??

mitch2
3,691 posts
 

The type of cable or the cable itself is not generally the issue but rather the designer's implementation of the connection interface at both the source end and the receiver (i.e., DAC) end.  Isolation, grounding, power, and more all make a difference.  As an example, JCAT makes a USB CARD XE selling for $909, which is said to be an excellent USB interface when properly implemented.  The point is, rather than generalize one type of cable/connection being inherently better than another, use what sounds best with your specific gear.  If you like your DAC, and it only accepts a coax (S/PDIF) input, then make sure your streamer/server offers a good coax output, or use a commensurately capable converter or DDC.

soix
8,718 posts
 

The type of cable or the cable itself is not generally the issue but rather the designer's implementation of the connection interface at both the source end and the receiver (i.e., DAC) end.

+1 @mitch2 

ghdprentice
6,390 posts
 

OP,

Yes my Aurender has all three… I use the AES.
 

Actually it has lots of additional outputs… even dual AES. 

vthokie83
645 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)

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