reliable DDC


I'm in need of a good DDC for a DAC that only takes SPDIF input. So I need USB > SPDIF. I own a Gustard U18 and it's working, but I've read a lot of stuff about reliability problems with Gustard or Chi-fi in general. The only other audiophile level DDC I know of is the Denafrips, also Chinese. Are there any audiophile level DDCs made elsewhere in the world (say, USA?)

 

magon

@magon 

"Regarding reliability with ChiFi, I have a Gustard x20 pro. The display has paritally failed. I also read some threads online about similar display failures in their headphone amps or preamps, and in the case of a headphone amp, a failure of the volume control relays."

So, because Gustard has quality issues, you feel free to paint all Chinese products with that brush? Sounds like you have an issue with China.

@tony1954 Whoa, you're projecting. I'm bringing up a concern that I've encountered all over the forums. If it's not reality, then it's not.

While the MC3+USB isn’t cheap, it’s made in Germany.   For owners of R2R DACs that can only do 24/192 it will accept up to DSD256 and sample rate convert to 24/192.  It can also simultaneously output across all outputs with each digital input. Let’s say you have two sources plugged in one via USB and one via Coax.  If you select the USB you will get output on TOS, coax 1, coax2 aes 1v pp, and AES.  If you aren’t using USB inputs , it can output via USB to your PC and any Coax or TOS , AES input will appear as USB out.  
 

Also if you have an input that you want to sent to two DACs at the same time you can.  Your primary and a headphone / DAC.    It has a lot of cool features, it has an internal clock , can be a word clock and has a 10m input that I use with it and my CD transport.  

Here is a USB to S/PDIF converter for sale that was made in USA.  The Sonicweld Diverter (link) was well-regarded for sonics.  Here (link2) is some general info and if you do a web search, you will find several reviews.