[I.Greyhound Fan]

I am looking for recommendations for a C&C usb to SPDIF or Optical converter so I can use my old AVA hybrid DAC in a system for my basement.

Cost should be under $100.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Larry

[WGH]

Apologies for immediately going above budget but I don't think you could get a better USB to SPDIF converter in your price range. That old AVA Hybrid DAC deserves the best.

The WaveIO is state-of-the-art board which was originally used in the well regarded DDDac NOS DAC
https://luckit.biz/

99 EUR - $112.92



Asynchronous USB interface:

    Bit perfect audio streaming from the USB host (optimized for playback)
    USB Audio Class 2.0 support with fall-back to USB Audio Class 1.0
    Low latency (round trip as low as 3miliseconds)
    16 to 32 Bit-transparent reproduction
    44.1 to 384 kHz standard sample rates supported
    Option for self- or USB bus-powered applications

USB and digital audio outputs:

    Mechanically enhanced gold plated USB-B connector
    Second multiplexed USB data input port available for off-board connection
    Isolated I2S output using Giant Magneto Resistive (GMR) isolators from NVE
    Non-isolated I2S port by means of 6GHz U.FL. mini BNC sockets
    Two 75Ω isolated and non-isolated SPDIF outputs
    All I2S and S/PDIF outputs can work in parallel

Hardware and layout:

    4-layer gold-plated PCB with 1/2/2/1 oz copper thickness
    Two 70µm copper layers are used for uninterrupted GND / GND & PWR rails
    Careful layout to preserve signal’s integrity and keep the noise to minimum levels
    Seven linear low-noise regulators bypassed by extensive decoupling networks
    There are NO SMPS regulators present on this board
    Three LP5900 LDOs (6.5µVrms) powers the oscillators & surrounding sensitive logic
    High quality parts including OsCON SVP electrolytics & NP0/C0G caps
    Two ultra-low phase noise japanese made oscillators (NDK – NZ2520SD type)
    WaveIO is the first Asynchronous USB interface for Do-It-Yourself (DIY) market – and not only –  adopting the NDKs famous NZ2520SD oscillators, starting back in 2012 year
    We are offering the NZ2520SDA clock upgrade option for WaveIO

WaveIO in custom case with LED display, the builder used the J9 header

The J9 Header are for sample rate LEDs and additional signals:
L1 = 44.1 kHz
L2 = 48 kHz
L3 = 88.2 kHz
L4 = 96 kHz
L5 = 176.4 kHz
L6 = 192 kHz
L7 = Host Active
L8 = Audio Streaming.
Host Active is ON when the card is plugged into the USB port and is recognized.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Thanks, but I am not looking for DIY at this point in time.  However, I will consider it later in the winter.

[Phil A]

I use one of these in a secondary system (barely has seen use as it may get used a few times/year) - https://wyred4sound.com/products/dacs-converters/%C2%B5link

My Hegel H190 Integrated Amp/DAC/Streamer (in that secondary system) only does 192kHz.  I had a DAC in there (still have it but not using it currently) and always debate selling the DAC or the USB converter as the system doesn't see tons of use but have not gotten around to it.

[mhconley]

$40

https://www.amazon.com/Douk-Audio-Converter-Interface-PCM192Khz/dp/B085XPRSGM/

Martin

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I use one of these in a secondary system (barely has seen use as it may get used a few times/year) - https://wyred4sound.com/products/dacs-converters/%C2%B5link

My Hegel H190 Integrated Amp/DAC/Streamer (in that secondary system) only does 192kHz.  I had a DAC in there (still have it but not using it currently) and always debate selling the DAC or the USB converter as the system doesn't see tons of use but have not gotten around to it.

Let me know if you want to sell the Wyred.  This is actually for my son's system in the basement that he has taken over.

The Douk looks like it could work although I don't like the micro usb as I have had a few break fairly easily.

These look promising but there is very little info and rare or no reviews-

https://www.smallgreencomputer.com/products/usb-to-spdif-converter?variant=11873626948

https://www.amazon.com/Coaxial-Convertor-ASIO-%EF%BC%88Excellent-Shielded-Magnetic/dp/B07R8138XL/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=hi-fi&qid=1577361746&s=electronics&sr=1-1046&linkCode=sl1&tag=amazon0defc-20&linkId=0f0f899a9ccefe0bf840b6f07b0df53e&language=en_US

[WGH]

The Douk Audio looks interesting.

I saw a Hagerman Hag USB on US Audio Mart for $40
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649545988-hagerman-hag-usb-converter/

I have one that I use in my shop stereo. The Hag USB is older, has a warmer NOS sound and doesn't do hi-res.
But it does have standard full size USB and SPDIF jacks.

Input USB 1.1
Audio Data Rates 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz
Output Impedance 75 ohm (S/PDIF)
Headphone Load 32 ohms
S/PDIF Amplitude 0.5Vpp (75 ohm termination)

[pinkfloyd4ever]

I'm not sure if this would quite make the $100 requirement, but maybe look for a used Schiit Eitr?

[I.Greyhound Fan]

I'm not sure if this would quite make the $100 requirement, but maybe look for a used Schiit Eitr?

I have been looking for one but the cheapest I found was $159.

I will give it another week and see if anything pops up on the Schiit or Wyred.

[Phil A]

I have been looking for one but the cheapest I found was $159.

I will give it another week and see if anything pops up on the Schiit or Wyred.

Look at HifShark too - e.g. https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=usb+to+spdif+converter

I can be talked out of the Wyred for around $200 shipping to the US and PayPal fees included.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

Look at HifShark too - e.g. https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=usb+to+spdif+converter

I can be talked out of the Wyred for around $200 shipping to the US and PayPal fees included.

I have been following that.

[fbny71]

I'm not sure if this would quite make the $100 requirement, but maybe look for a used Schiit Eitr?

There were four Eitr(s) in the closeout section of Schiit's website: https://www.schiit.com/b-stocks ...until I bought one...now there are three!

[fbny71]

$40

https://www.amazon.com/Douk-Audio-Converter-Interface-PCM192Khz/dp/B085XPRSGM/

Martin

I tried one of those and I also tried one of these:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R8138XL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I liked the Douk Audio one better, but I have a Schiit Eitr on the way and expect that one to be better still!

But, damned if this one doesn't look awesome!

https://www.cherryamp.com/usb-to-spdif-converter

[I.Greyhound Fan]

There were four Eitr(s) in the closeout section of Schiit's website: https://www.schiit.com/b-stocks ...until I bought one...now there are three!

Thanks for the heads up .  I just placed an order.  I hope it works with my older AVA Ultra plus hybrid DAC.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

The Schiit EITR works great, better sound than I expected.  It brought new life to an older DAC that still sounds great.

Thanks again!

Larry

[fbny71]

The Schiit EITR works great, better sound than I expected.  It brought new life to an older DAC that still sounds great.

Thanks again!

Larry

Totally agree...loving mine too!

[glynnw]

My Schiit EITR is now on Trading Post.  Good timing.

[fbny71]

My Schiit EITR is now on Trading Post.  Good timing.

Where were you last week!

Good luck with the sale.