Use asynch. USB converter with inboard DAC?

I think that's a good idea. I'm probably going to do it that way myself. If you call Cable Company, they may have some units to lend you before you commit to a purchase.

Thanks for the feedback, Zd. I actually have a 1st gen Musical Fidelity V-Link that I use with their V-DAC (also 1st gen.) for streaming Pandora etc. Wasn't sure if the newer DACs still needed that asynchronous help managing feed from the computer. Guess I'll be doing some A/B 'ing.

External USB converters will ALWAYS beat built-in USB interfaces in DACs. This is simply because the power supply for the master clock is independent and usually higher quality, achieving lower levels of jitter. Some converters have upgrade optional power supplies thqt mqke a big difference too.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

Hi Steve, just curious why you think external USB converters will ALWAYS beat the internal USB of DACs. Isn't that a rather overly broad statement to make? Don't get me wrong, I don't know either way but you are implying that any USB converter would be better than the built in USB of even high end DACs like Luxman, Berkeley, etc?

"10-05-13: Tboooe
Hi Steve, just curious why you think external USB converters will ALWAYS beat the internal USB of DACs. Isn't that a rather overly broad statement to make? Don't get me wrong, I don't know either way but you are implying that any USB converter would be better than the built in USB of even high end DACs like Luxman, Berkeley, etc?"

That's a good question. Does that apply to digital front ends where everything is made by the same company? (a full dcs stack, clock link Wadia, Esoteric separates - products like that)