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USB to DAC questions

Well, yes I have gone through many stages of what route I think I want to go for my new system... coming all the way from using a Zune for a player.

Now, from doing some reading on here, it sounds like the cheapest way (im on a super budget) to get great sound from my computer is to either go with a squeezebox or run USB to a USB-DAC. I was sold on the squeezebox... but it looks like I could pick up a used DAC for about the same price and have superior sound quality. Err, a DAC would beat a squeezebox in full a/d mode, right?

Alright, so I feel loaded with questions about a computer hookup that I didn't see any clear-cut answers to...

First, when we are talking about hooking up a USB-DAC with a USB cable... are we talking about just running the cable straight from one of the built-in motherboard USB ports... or are we talking about running it out of some additional hardware like a sound card with USB out. From what is sounded like, it was just one of the stock USB ports... but I need to make sure of this.

Second, most people here seem to favor MAC to output their USB signal from. Buying another computer would be WAY out of my budget. I am planning on running it from my workstation PC which is running XP because all my editing programs in Vista ran terribly. Yet, dual-booting to Vista just to have good audio would be ok as I already own a copy. So... just to be clear, there would be a big difference between XP and Vista when running USB out? It would be ideal to NOT have to dual-boot... but I will if there is that big of a difference. Also, has anyone been able to compare Vista sound with Mac sound?

Third, can someone elaborate on the difference between a NOS DAC and an over-sampling DAC?

Fourth, how would the Outlaw RR2150 receiver with a built-in USB DAC compare to a separate USB DAC paired with a separate amplifier?

And the last that I can think of for now... Does anyone have any opinions of the Musiland Md-10 DAC? I only ask because there is one listed on here in the classifieds at a price close to what I want to pay.

Whew, ya that was a loaded posting. I hope you guys can help me out with these questions. Thanks a ton.
djembeplay
sailor720
24 posts
 
i have a musiland md-10 and run it with an optical in from an airport express, coax from a dvd player and usb from a computer straight into an amp. it shounds very good, although i think it will sound better with a preamp to bypass the volume control. for $200 its a great buy, however if you dont have an amp the outlaw could be a better solution as i have heard good things
djembeplay OP
179 posts
 
Hey Sailor, thanks for the input. Based on all the reviews I have gathered thusfar and what I read about different models and the difference between NOS and over-sampling, I seem to be settling nicely on the idea of picking up a Scott Nixon USB DAC. I like the idea of only having the one port I need, USB, and keeping the circuitry minimal as well. Converting straight from USB to I2S sounds advantageous too.

So, now I have another question - How long can I run a USB cable? From where I have my workstation hooked up now I am guessing I would need about a 30 foot run... which may be a bit too long, but I'm not sure if it matters or not with USB... I also don't know if there are any USB cables made in this length. I'll go see if I can find any.

I am ultimately planning on picking up a cheap laptop, but I'm thinking that may not be an immediate purchase.
ckorody
643 posts
 
USB standard is 15ft. (Get the Belkin gold plated - nice cable)

From there you can add USB multipliers or better yet add a Opticis USB fiber optic cable and go as far as you want - but the rig will cost you about $150 with an improved battery pack which is out of scale at this time

I have not compared Scott's stuff and the Benchmark. If you are DYI able the kits are probably a good way to go
djembeplay OP
179 posts
 
Hey, wow alright thats good to know that I should be able to run this cable about 30ft... there wont be any loss, right?

Would there be a difference b/w a fiber optic and a standard USB at this length?

Its confusing b/c... I understand loss with analogue cables and fiber optic cables, but how could there be with a digital data connection? It seems like as long as those numbers get there ok.. it would all be the same... no?

I actually read a bad review on Scott Nixon's DACs just now... which turned me away. Then I started looking into the Paradisea+... Based on reviews in forums here and scattered about different websites... it sounds ridiculous. I think I might go with this one (I have changed my game plan about 40 thousand times as I progress with my research). Any off-hand opinions on the Paradisea+?
ckorody
643 posts
 
I wouldn't take one bad (or good) review on anything too seriously. As noted I have no first hand experience with Nixon's gear - but I can tell you for sure that when it comes up for sale, it flies off.

You might check headfi dot com and the Audio Asylum PC Forum

Here is the thing to keep in mind about USB. USB not only carries data, it carries power from the computer to the peripheral. That's why the cable is only good for about 15 feet before you need a repeater.

The Opticis, being fiber does not carry power. Instead you add a power pack at the end. Most of us like to replace the standard wall wart power pack with a 5v USB battery to avoid any possibility of switching noise from the power supply. You can listen then decide.

I for one think that the Opticis sounds better, though this is a subject of some debate. (And I have never A/Bed with a 30' USB repeater rig) What cannot be debated is the ease of working with it and the total electrical isolation it provides between computer and DAC.
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