New USB DAC

kfr01 · « **on:** 12 Dec 2005, 01:46 am »

http://www.silverstonetek.com/products-eb01.htm

Has anyone heard anything good or bad about this device?

audioengr · « **Reply #1 on:** 12 Dec 2005, 07:24 pm »

Quote from: kfr01

http://www.silverstonetek.com/products-eb01.htm

Has anyone heard anything good or bad about this device?

It's USB powered. What's the point in having an external converter that's USB powered?

kfr01 · « **Reply #2 on:** 12 Dec 2005, 07:35 pm »

So you think the better options are either:

1) internal soundcard using analog outs
2) internal soundcard using digital out
3) external converter using something other than usb power

???

I'm not trying to be flip, just trying to understand your post.

Here's the thought. Most inexpensive internal soundcards are not adequate. Something like your Freeway device looks wonderful, but is too expensive for me, especially considering the fact that I'd also need a DAC.

An external converter using usb power is less expensive than something like an RME card, yet removes the DAC from the noisy environment of the computer.

Kill two birds with one stone. No need for USB--> SPDIF converter and I also get my DAC.

You think the silverstone solution would fail miserably because it runs on USB power?

tigzstudio · « **Reply #3 on:** 12 Dec 2005, 07:39 pm »

lets just say.. the company's main market is the computer case and home theater PC case. They probably didnt appropriate a huge amuont of funds for R&D, or even use very top end internal components for a dac.... I could be wrong...

but I think they are targeting pc enthusiats more then audio enthusiats. so be prepared for a sound that will just sound a lil better then your turtle beach or audigy sound cards.

Now take what I say with a grain of salt, its just my opinion, never listened to the product.

they have some nice looking computer cases tho!

kfr01 · « **Reply #4 on:** 12 Dec 2005, 07:42 pm »

Quote from: tigzstudio

lets just say.. the company's main market is the computer case and home theater PC case. They probably didnt appropriate a huge amuont of funds for R&D, or even use very top end internal components for a dac.... I could be wrong...

but I think they are targeting pc enthusiats more then audio enthusiats. so be prepared for a sound that will just sound a lil better then your turtle beach or audigy sound cards.

Now take what I say with a grain of salt, its just my opinion, never listened to the product.

they have some nice looking computer cases tho!

Oh, I agree. Silverstone is not an audio company. I wasn't hoping for an Emperical Audio Freeway + Benchmark DAC-1 contendor. Just a very cheap solution to the PC out problem for a second system. I was more curious about the product than anything. I thought maybe someone would know what DAC chip they are using or have some personal experience with the device.

albee · « **Reply #5 on:** 12 Dec 2005, 09:48 pm »

Looks to be a 16 bit/non oversampling box! Cool . . . or not.

audioengr · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 Dec 2005, 06:36 pm »

Quote from: kfr01

So you think the better options are either:

1) internal soundcard using analog outs
2) internal soundcard using digital out
3) external converter using something other than usb power

???

I'm not trying to be flip, just trying to understand your post.

Here's the thought. Most inexpensive internal soundcards are not adequate. Something like your Freeway device looks wonderful, but is too expensive for me, especially considering the fact that I'd also need a DAC.

An external converter us ...

external converter using something other than usb power

Read this white-paper that I wrote on the subject:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue22/nugent.htm

rosconey · « **Reply #7 on:** 13 Dec 2005, 07:04 pm »

it cost 99 bucks who is going to try one-i dont have any clue about putting my music on my puter so it wont be me

kfr01 · « **Reply #8 on:** 13 Dec 2005, 07:16 pm »

Quote from: audioengr

external converter using something other than usb power

Read this white-paper that I wrote on the subject:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue22/nugent.htm

Great resource! Thank you.

kfr01 · « **Reply #9 on:** 13 Dec 2005, 07:39 pm »

Steve:

How do you feel about higher end professional sound cards such as this:

http://www.rme-audio.com/english/hdsp/hdsp9632.htm

Thanks!

audioengr · « **Reply #10 on:** 13 Dec 2005, 09:45 pm »

Quote from: kfr01

Steve:

How do you feel about higher end professional sound cards such as this:

http://www.rme-audio.com/english/hdsp/hdsp9632.htm

Thanks!

I've modded a few of these. They turn out good, but like I say in the paper, there is very little space to do it right, the power supplies are limited and noisy from the computer. Better to get it outside the PC box.

mca · « **Reply #11 on:** 18 Dec 2005, 04:21 pm »

Sounds like it's worth a shot at 99 bucks. No one thought the SI amp at 20 bucks would be worth a shit, either.
If I can find a place to buy it, that has a decent return policy, I may try it out on my PC headphone setup.