What Does A USB to SPDIF Converter Allow?

Is it only to connect between your computer and DAC or can you also use it with your transport and DAC?

foster_901-03-2013 4:23pm

foster_9 OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,638 posts 01-05-2013 at 04:32am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Thanks for the info.
doggiehowser Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 672 posts 01-05-2013 at 05:59am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete If you already have a good quality DAC (or CDP with DAC inputs) but either a. the DAC didn't have a USB input or b. the USB input was an older (synchronous) system or only ran up to 48kHz or 96kHz a good USB-SPDIF interface will allow you to continue using your favorite DAC but upgrade the USB connectivity Not all USB-SPDIF interfaces sound the same though. The good ones I have heard are the Wavelink HS and the Offramp 4 (now in v5). My friend likes the Bel Canto REFLink a lot too. The Berkeley Alpha USB is also highly rated. I have not heard the last two so can't proffer any real recommendations.
audioengr Details Discussions Posts This discussion 3,282 posts 01-05-2013 at 06:47pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete If you already have a USB DAC that also has a S/PDIF input, you can usually improve the performance by using a good outboard USB to S/PDIF converter. Most USB DACs have poor implementations of USB interfaces. A good 1.5m long S/PDIF cable is required. The better the cable, the better the result. Also, the better the power supply for the USB converter, the better the result. Steve N. Empirical Audio