USB or PCIe options for outputting SPDIF or AES

[zydeco]

I’ve got a Lite Audio DAC-83 (24/96) and am after advice on good options for feeding this via it’s AES/EBU or S/PDIF inputs from a CAPS V3 music server. My budget is <$1,250 – with their being some nervousness in spending in this area given the rapid changes in technology as well as potential the differences will be subtle at best. I’ve had great success with a Lynx L22 PCI card in a HTPC so would consider their AES16e card but it seems as if technology has moved on to USB-based converters. The obvious USB-converter option looks to be Audiophilleo 2 + Pure Power but am interested in whether new offerings (e.g., SOtM dx-USB + super clock + mBPS2 or Bel Canto Ref Link) have an advantage. Any advice on both the magnitude of differences in this space, and specific, offerings would be greatly appreciated.

Zydeco

 

[JackD201]

I used a Halide Bridge from MBP to the SPDIF input of my Accuphase for a long time. It doesn't break the bank. Can be had for less than 300 bucks second hand.

 

[Elberoth]

15 USB/SPDIF converters shootout

 

[dcc]

I use the HiFace Evo combo and I am very pleased with it.

 

[zydeco]

15 USB/SPDIF converters shootout

Thanks – the thread is a great read and was the motivation for the AP2 + Pure Power being my default answer. Local dealers are pushing the Bel Canto Reflink but, reading between the lines, it seems as if this is great via ST Fibre to their DAC but perhaps not as good for other DACs. Have you heard the SOtM dx-hd + super clock + mBPS2 stack?

Zydeco

 

[Elberoth]

No, I didn't have a chance.

AP2, JK and from what I read also the BelCanto uLink are sensible choices without breaking the bank.

 

[amirm]

That was a great review in the other forum Adam!

I have the Audiophilleo 1/2 and Berkeley and agree that the former is also an excellent choice given its much lower cost.

In all cases, my preference is for USB. If you go with PCIe, you always need to be tethered to a desktop. Berkeley folks have tested their USB bride against the Lynx and they say it surpasses it. I have a Lynx that I have not used for years .

 

[microstrip]

15 USB/SPDIF converters shootout

Very nice work. Any hope to read something similar in the near future - even testing only the few winners - using a Vivaldi DCS?

BTW, do you know if using a BADA USB-SPDIF converter you can listen to DSD native files with the Vivaldi?

 

[Elberoth]

microstrip - I went with the MSB DAC IV Plus Signature. My sig on CA is not up to date.

I have never checked the DSD over USB protocol compatibility of the Berkeley, as I have no DSD files at present.

 

[microstrip]

Adam,
Did you keep the BADA? I heard good things about the MSB - do you know what is the difference between the Signature Plus and the Diamond Plus?