[kitten]

Hi folks, wondering whether anyone has had any experience with USB to SPDIF converters with RWA gear?

Many of these have come onto the market recently. Interested in both asynchronous (e.g. Ar-t Legato) or adaptive (e.g. Sonicweld Diverter) designs - don't really want (and do not think this is the place) to get into a debate about which approach is best or whether these converters are even a good idea generally, just your experiences with Vinnie's products please. Are the Isabella and her siblings immune to these  -- or do they actually result in a worthwhile sonic improvement? FWIW, I don't hear a difference between USB directly into my Isabella and CD transport > SPDIF > Isabella so it's not a case of raising PC playback to be on a par with CD, it already is for me. So, can use of a converter with Vinnie's gear allow PC playback to surpass a CD transport is I guess what I'm wondering....

[adamaley]

You might get better response at Computer Audiophile. I read about the diverter over there, and they have a fair share of Red Wine Audio users there. Never heard of the Ar-t Legato. Good luck.

[wilsynet]

I used the Empirical Audio OffRamp 3 w/superclock4 and the BPT battery power supply and to my ears it certainly kicked it up a level versus the standard USB input of the Isabella/Isabellina.  A meaningful and significant level for me.

On the other hand, it is either worse or no better with the stock M2Tech.

Your mileage may vary, but I think some of the more expensive USB to SPDIF converters are very good indeed.

JKeny's mods for the M2Tech have intrigued me for some time.

[kitten]

You might get better response at Computer Audiophile. I read about the diverter over there, and they have a fair share of Red Wine Audio users there. Never heard of the Ar-t Legato. Good luck.

Thanks adamaley, I will check this out.

Your mileage may vary, but I think some of the more expensive USB to SPDIF converters are very good indeed.

Hi Wilson, thanks for the feedback. Based on your experience I think I'll give one or two of these a try and listen / decide for myself.

What type of cable did you use between the OffRamp and Isabella?

Greg

[wilsynet]

A very ordinary coaxial cable from Blue Jeans Cable.

[Vinnie R.]

A very ordinary coaxial cable from Blue Jeans Cable.

The Blue Jeans Beldin 1694A "Brilliance" digital cable (with 75-ohm BNC plugs) is very good and priced extremely well! 

http://www.bluejeanscable.com/store/digital-audio/index.htm

Best regards,

Vinnie

[kitten]

Done! Many thanks

[kaka]

Hi folks, wondering whether anyone has had any experience with USB to SPDIF converters with RWA gear?

The advantage is that you can play material at 88, 96, 176 or 192 via a suitable USB converter, while the Isabella tops out at 48 via the USB input.

I have used an Empirical Audio Offramp3 into an Isabella, but I prefer attaching a volume controlled dac to my poweramps without using a preamp.

[Socrates7]

Check out the Legato at: http://www.analogresearch-technology.net/LEGATO.html. Best I've found for Redbook audio. Great stuff.