[audioengr]

USB to S/PDIF coax converters for PC audio from Empirical Audio

We have been tinkering with these converters for some time and have decided to offer them as products.  We now use them daily ourselves.  It is a true audiophile method to transition from CD's to PC audio.

We are initially offering three versions to determine what price-point and performance audiophiles are interested in:

USB Off-Ramp - $800 - (Superclock2 & external power supply)
USB Freeway - $500 - (External power supply)
USB Expressway - $350

Here are some features in common with the three USB converters:

- USB to S/PDIF Coaxial converters
- Based upon the M-Audio Transit board
- All have lower jitter than the stock Transit converter
- AES/EBU versions also available for Off-Ramp and Freeway.
- Each has a short S/PDIF coaxial cable permanently attached with strain-relief
- Each comes with a software driver
- Each comes with an 8 foot USB cable
- All will pass 16/44.1kHz, 24/96kHz, MP3, AC3 and iTunes unmodified files
- All three USB converters will outperform the best Transports you can buy, particularly with 24/96kHz or iTunes playback.
- No other cables required, just a PC with a USB 1.1 or 2.0 interface and a DAC with a coaxial S/PDIF input.

The Transit is not recommended for use with Apple computers at this time.

The playback with these adapters is no less than amazing, particularly with 24/96 or iTunes.  Using the computer to do the upsampling seems to be far superior to using hardware.  No Transport can even come close to this playback quality, IMO.  Much more focused, sibilant-free and more dynamic.  The best players, Foobar2000 and iTunes player are available as free downloads and the ripper of choice, EAC, is also a free download.  The links for these are listed on our website.

Here is the USB Off-Ramp:


Included is the Software driver CDROM, 8 foot USB cable and a universal AC adapter (all voltages)  

Read more about these USB converters on the "Computer Audio" page of our website:

http://www.empiricalaudio.com

We will be demonstrating the USB Off-Ramp in our room at THE Show in Las Vegas during CES,  St Tropez, room 1203.

[TheChairGuy]

Steve,

Except for the lack or wireless remote, is this now your preferred method of CD playback? Better than 7700 + P3 and/or MSB Gold Link/Power Supply?

Also, does Foobar output a 24/96 signal or does the Transit card upsample it?

[mcgsxr]

Hmmn, I imagine that with the right s/w a remote should be no problem - I have a remote for my pc, and can play movies, music etc, and control it.  Now, if I move the two nearer, I can really leverage the two...

[audioengr]

Steve,

Except for the lack or wireless remote, is this now your preferred method of CD playback? Better than 7700 + P3 and/or MSB Gold Link/Power Supply?

Also, does Foobar output a 24/96 signal or does the Transit card upsample it?

Yes, this is the best.

Foobar upsamples it.  The card does not upsample.

[JoshK]

Does anyone know how long the USB protocol allows for?  Wondering if you can drop a USB cable from another room to the transit.

[audioengr]

USB is 5 meters without buffering.  If you add a HUB, this can be 15 meters at least.

[vpolineni]

steve,
 you don't need to use a hub.  if you use a usb active cable, you the signal will not degrade in any way:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=12-116-123&depa=0

[audioengr]

steve,
 you don't need to use a hub.  if you use a usb active cable, you the signal will not degrade in any way:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=12-116-123&depa=0

Thanks, this is really cool.