[socrates63]

Is HagUSB compatible with Windows Vista? I assume so since it doesn't have proprietary drivers, but I searched and couldn't find this info. The HagTech web site lists Windows XP but not Vista.

[hagtech]

Beats me.  I would be absolutely shocked if it wasn't, though.  A search at the TI site for the PCM2704 chip might turn up some clues.  Has anyone here tried the combo yet?

jh

[GHM]

My USB Converter uses the same chip. It works just fine with Vista Ultimate. You shouldn't have any problems.
I've been doing some listening trying to decide which configuration sounds best. Pretty tough...so far I'm thinking the combination of  KS:USB DAC  in Foobar plus the 16 bit/44.1 kHz output through sound devices in Vista yield the best sound. Check the two boxes in the Vista's sound devices>>USB DAC properties>>speakers properties> advanced . THE FIRST BOX STATES "ALLOW APPLICATIONS TO TAKE EXCLUSIVE CONTROL OF THIS DEVICE". THE SECOND BOX" GIVE EXCLUSIVE MODE APPLICATIONS PRIORITY".

The sound seems a little more realistic over using the 16 bit/48kHZ output or using DS:USB DAC output in Foobar. I find using the SRC to up sample to 24 bit/48kHz sounds very nice also. I also turned the buffer length in Foobar's output device down to 100ms.

Nothing written in stone though. You'll have to experiment and decide for yourself.

[socrates63]

Thanks for the replies.

What I find most appealing about the HagUSB is the transformer isolation. I presume this should mean that I should hear no noise from the headphone jack? With other USB sound devices that I've used (Micro DAC, M-Audio Transit), I hear noise from my laptop coming through the analog out. Forgive me but I'm pretty much a newbie when it comes to audio electronics.

[hagtech]

Aha!  You bring up a good point.  The headphone output is NOT isolated.  That's fine for headphones, but not if you use it as an analog feed into your system.  In such a case, the computer and audio ground get connected.  That is not always bad, just sometimes. 

jh