Firewire vs USB DACs?

JohnR · « **on:** 21 Mar 2012, 02:30 pm »

Hello, does anyone have any experience comparing Firewire vs USB DACs? Does Firewire not have innate issues like USB, or is it just not talked about because hardly anybody has a firewire DAC?

Crimson · « **Reply #1 on:** 21 Mar 2012, 02:35 pm »

John,

I have two of each flavor. The USB ones (Wavelength Brick and Cosecant) happen to be tubed, but no issues whatsoever with the FireWire units (RME Fireface and Apogee Mini). Both kinds work flawlessly. No drivers to load.

JohnR · « **Reply #2 on:** 21 Mar 2012, 02:47 pm »

Does that mean the choice of interface is irrelevant?

jtwrace · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 Mar 2012, 02:54 pm »

I've had several USB dacs including the Wavelength Cosecant, Crimson and Valab. I currently have the Metric Halo LIO-8 which is FW and have no issues whatsoever.

Remember that most pro audio guys use FW dacs...

JohnR · « **Reply #4 on:** 21 Mar 2012, 03:00 pm »

Sorry, perhaps "issues" was the wrong word

I was referring to discussions of async USB, the use of outboard USB-SPDIF convertors, etc.

I'm less interested in whether they work "without issues" and more in whether there are differences in sound quality - all else being equal of course........

Crimson · « **Reply #5 on:** 21 Mar 2012, 03:33 pm »

Do they sound different? Sure. That's why I have 4 of them. Is there a signature Firewire or USB sound? I don't really think so. Just like anything else, it's all in the implementation.

planet10 · « **Reply #6 on:** 22 Mar 2012, 03:06 am »

I have 4 USB DACS and a couple firewire DACs. I like the Firewire based Edirol FA66. If i had the cash i'd get a Metric Halo.

dave

Thanksgramps · « **Reply #7 on:** 18 Apr 2012, 08:27 pm »

Has anyone determined the lowest jitter output from a Mac Pro (2008)? I have USB on the front, the back, toslink, firewire. Shopping for a dac, so my options are open, and I'd like to look for ones that can take my best output (assuming I don't go server, like PS Audio).