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ESI Audio Dr. DAC nano - USB to S/PDIF interface

I'm looking for a USB 2.0 to S/PDIF interface, and I came accross the ESI Audio Dr. DAC nano:
http://www.esi-audio.com/products/drdacnano/

These are my requirements for a computer interface:

(1) connects to a Windows computer (most likely running Windows 7) via USB 2.0. No PCI cards, no firewire... must be USB 2.0.

(2) has bit-perfect S/PDIF (or AES) output. It could be coax, optical, XLR (for AES), whatever kind of connection, it doesn't matter. But it needs to be bit-perfect S/PDIF (or AES).

(3) support for 24 bit / 96 kHz stereo files.

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with the ESI Audio Dr. DAC nano. I used to own a WaveTerminal 24/96 PCI soundcard made from this company, and was pleased with it. So that's a good starting point, but I'd really like to hear from someone who has used this specific product before I buy one.

Or alternatively, if anyone has any other recommendations for a different product that fits my needs (as outlined above), that would be great to hear as well.

Thanks,
Jason
jasonsobel
cmalak
681 posts
 
Jason...the only other thing i can think of are the HRT Musicstreamer USB DACs which support 24/96 digital formats but they are standalone DACs not converters and they got solid reviews (http://www.musicstreamer.co.nz/).

My sense was that you wanted to use a USB to S/PDIF converter to use with an existing DAC. Here is a resource that might be useful: http://thewelltemperedcomputer.com/HW/USB_DAC.htm

The other resource that might be useful are the forums at the Computer Audiophile website: http://www.computeraudiophile.com/

Hope this helps Jason. Good luck with your search.
cmalak
681 posts
 
Jason...finally, i just remembered this review at 6moons.com for the Stello U2 (april Music) but it's for $349: http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/aprilmusic5/u2.html

Ofcourse there are more expensive options like the Off-Ramp from Empirical Audio and Sonicweld Diverter 24/96 USB to SPDIF converter which got a Positive Feedback Brutus award recently.

I am all out of ideas for you Jason :-)
daffyd54
7 posts
 
First post!
I'm looking for one of these as well and came across two new USB>SPDIF converters that provide 24/96 for very reasonable prices:
The Musiland Monitor 01 USD 24/192 USB to SPDIF is available from Tam's Audio on the 'bay as well as other vendors but he posts regularly on Head-Fi and DIY Audio and seems to have a good rep. The converter has garnered a lot of praise and costs just under $80.
It is currently being challenged by a product from M2Tech, the hiFace USB interface which is now being distributed in the US. It's just come out and has a few very positive reviews. Unlike the Musiland, it slots right into your USB port and is around $150. Hope this helps
jasonsobel OP
29 posts
 
Cmalak - thanks again for all your input. Indeed, I would like to continue to use my existing DAC, because I really like the synergy that my components have and I don't want to go changing anything. It seems like there are fewer choices here than I would have anticipated, but it also looks like I've got some more forums/reviews to read through as well.

and Daffyd54, thanks for that info as well. I'll read up on each of those devices.
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