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Wired or Wireless DAC?

B60R / B&W DM630i
I'm auditioning an Audioengine D2 for the weekend. For $600, it is a Plug & Play device that does what it says. I have no complaints about setup or ease of use.
My question is, as my amp is about 30' (wired, 15' LOS) from computer, wouldn't I get better bang for the buck with a long USB and a higher end DAC (used)?
Please give any/all suggestions for DACs/USB cables/etc as I had stalled out for over 10 years and had no idea digital had come this far!
alienqueen
alienqueen OP
17 posts
 
Yes, thank you for the data. As it is close to (over) the limit and I am looking for Best Bang for the Buck, I was wondering if I am bending over nickles to pick up a penny?

Someone may have run a long USB and is able to report results, is my hope.
sfar's avatar
sfar
1,758 posts
 
I don't have any experience with a USB run that long but it would be easy enough for you to try it and see how it works for you.

Monoprice sells really well-made cables at very good prices. The longest standard USB cable they sell is 15 feet. To go longer than that you'd need an extension cable or an active cable. For a total of about $10 plus shipping it would be worth a shot.

A factor in your setup decision may be that an 'audiophile' grade USB cable at that length is going to be pricey. Cardas and Audioquest, for instance, make 15' cables in the $300 range. Of course, you may not be an adherent of cable voodoo.

As I said, though, I don't have any experience with USB at that length and can't advise how it will sound but if that's the simplest solution I'd experiment with the inexpensive cables.
alienqueen OP
17 posts
 
I ended up purchasing the D2. It was Plug & Play and I have been able to move on (J River, WAV v FLA v AIFF, etc)
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