Experience with the USB to AES

I think this might be better and under $200:

http://www.goodsound.com/equipment/blue_circle_usb_thingee.htm

Why not just get a decent soundcard to put in your computer that outputs AES like the Lynx AES16?

Thx Dlcockrum. I just remembered that Steven Stone reviewed the USB Thingee in the last edition of TAS and elicited quite a response from the manufacturer on his comments about the DAC performance of the Thingee. He did mention that it worked just fine as a USB to S/PDIF converter. Thx for the reminder.

Jtinn...i want to use my existing HP laptop as transport (which cannot accomodate a sound card) vs. my desktop system which is in another room and I don't want to mess around with 30ft+ of wiring from my desktop to my audio rig. I recognize that that is a preferable method because you can take full advantage of high-rez file formats with a sound card like AES16 as opposed to being limited by the USB protocol which I guess is limited to 24/96. Good luck with PD by the way and thanks for the thought.

Yeah, I saw that review. Let's just say "opinions vary". Regardless, he did "unequivocally recommend the USB Thingee if you need to transform a digital musical stream from USB to coaxial S/PDIF, TosLink, or AES/EBU". I thought that was what you were looking for.

A slightly cheaper alternative could be the HagUsb (USB to AES/EBU) from Hagermann

Regards
r walter