Firewire DACs?

I just bought the Apogee Mini-Dac about 1 week ago. I was previously using the PS Audio Digital Link (USB).
The Apogee required more work to set up, but it wasn't very daunting. There is an increase in 3 dimensionality of the soundstage compared to the USB. Cost was $1000.

"....But USB is....TERRIBLE. Just listen."

You're very fortunate to have been able to audition all of them in your system to make such an encompassing statement.

That has simply not been the case with my dB Audio Labs Tranquility DAC.

Timztunz,

You have a great looking room, there. I haven't heard all of the USB Dacs, but I have heard many. I have also done extensive research with the USB protocal since, well, the beginning. I fault its inherent limitations, specifically it's transmission method and taxing of the cpu. I have not yet heard the Tranquility yet. It has gotten rave reviews and was also a best of show at RMAF. I am certain it sounds excellent in your system. I am at a point where I have just abandoned the interface. Perhaps if I ever hear this dac, I will change my mind. The best USB DAC I have heard so far is the Ayre, which I thought sounded thin, not too great in the dynamics and just didn't bring the emotion home. Again, I fault the protocal, not the hardware. Enjoy your beautiful system.

Cerrot,

Thank you for your kind words. And my goodness, talk about a beautiful system! The only thing more beautiful than the view of your system is your view of "the view".

M-Audio makes a firewire 410 that you can still get for around 300.00. They also make a new 600 model that costs around 400.00 retail. For the money both of these interfaces/DAC's have excellent sound quality. Obviously, you can do better but it will cost much, much more.

These both have 8 analog outs too so you could do multichannel out or even active crossovers.

check out this site:

http://www.home-speaker.net/diyhometheaterspeaker.html

If you read down through that page it eventually discusses firewire DACs. It works really well. This is the type of setup I use with active digital crossovers. That site helped me do it.

mikal