I got the USB DAC per everyone's sugguestion BUT..


Oh well, I got the V-Dac..., but am returning it. There's a limitation on most of these DACs out there that they will only take a max of 16bit 48khz sample rate through USB. It is definitely the case for this V-DAC. I also called Emotiva and they said the USB will limit the bit depth no matter what brand I use because most high-end DACs don't have a 3rd party driver. I tried to stream a Vinyl rip at 24bit 192hkz with the V-DAC and it wouldn't play no matter what. I also tried without the USB Cable, using "pass through" from on board sound to the DAC through a coaxial cable. but was unable to get any sound. Any of you ever gotten a DAC to operate at 24/192 under Windows 7?

Thanks.
angelgz2
this is odd - I have a Burson HA-160D and it plays 24/192, 24/96 files just fine via the USB output of my Macbook Pro laptop. No third party driver but I am using Decibel for playback and not Itunes.

These are HD files from 2L and LessLoss.
Old thread, probably well known by now, but VDAC II has an improved USB interface built in runs 24/192 very well and reports say it is better than the VDAC. I've been using an inexpensive Musiland Monitor 02US, it runs 24/192 on all inputs including USB, incredible value. I'm going to try to compare it to a VDAC II and/or a Schiit Bifrost in the near future.
The HRT Streamer II and II+ USB DACs do 24/96 at attractive prices. The II is an especially good deal. At a somewhat higher pricer, the Musical Fidelity M1 DAC has gotten a lot of good reviews and it does 24/192 USB input, although the output is limited to more like 24/96 (drops off signficantly in the 40 KHz range). People seem to like the Schiit Bifrost but I have never heard one. I believe it does 24/192 on USB. Not sure where the Bifrost output drops off in frequency. Some people have reported that it is more on the analytic side. THe HRT is more "musical".
The Schitt Bifrost uses asynchronous USB 2.0 for 24/196however it does not up sample. Great value for the money