Does this dac exist?

Bryon,
Back to your original post - If you want to use computer software, then you either have to
a) install a sound card with i2s output
b) use a USB to i2s converter - there are several of these, then feed the i2s signal to the DAC of your choice.

In my opinion it is better and more practical to place your computer next to the USB DAC (pref with async protocol like Empirical Audio's) and control the computer remotely.

I use a Mac mini, controlled via screen sharing from another computer, feeding a USB DAC, both are placed on my hifi rack.

Steve/Alex - Thanks for your observations. It always amazes me the extent to which technologies are determined by institutional momentum, short term market forces, lack of cooperation and planning, etc.. Computer audio hasn't quite emerged from the era of kludges. Having said that, I love the ease of use in my computer audio setup, and would never go back to discs. I just wish technologies would progress a little faster in this area.

03-17-11: Audioengr
You should definitely go for an adaptive USB interface with low-jitter clocks however.

Steve - Did you mean to say "asynchronous" USB here, or are you recommending adaptive USB?

Sirotseta - Thanks for your advice. Mac mini + USB dac close to the computer + screen sharing is how I'm leaning at the moment.

Do you happen to know if the Mac mini can be controlled by an iPad?

Bryon

Bryon,

You're welcome!

Do you happen to know if the Mac mini can be controlled by an iPad?

Yes, I like iTeleport for remote desktop with PC and Mac.

Best,
Alex Peychev

"Steve - Did you mean to say "asynchronous" USB here, or are you recommending adaptive USB?"

I meant to say Async, not adaptive. I have abandoned Adaptive, closeout items only. Async is more expensive and requires 2 clocks to support all sample-rates, but it's worth it.

This market is advancing so quickly that I was surprised to see new DAC's being debuted at CES that were still adaptive 24/96....

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Bryon,

Just to add to Alex's reply.

If you use iTunes or music player that dock to iTunes such as Pure Music or Amarra, you can use the free Apple's Remote App for iPad to control it.

To take full control of another computer on iPad, I use "Screens App".

Fidelia has its own ipod interface. Audirvana can be controlled by apple small white remote, and also by Rowmote App over wifi.

I used to be a transport nut, and really thinks that transports sounds as different as DACs do. Now I'm converted, and use only Mac mini as transport via async USB. It's better than my (older) Esoteric and Theta machines. The only thing spinning in my rig now are vinyl.