[EDS_]

Hello Folks,
I'd like to buy a DAC that will allow me lots of input flexibility, gotta have a USB input, the PS Audio rig seems nice.http://www.psaudio.com/products/digital_link_iii.asp

What others should I consider?


Thanks

[boead]

Try this:
http://www.audioreview.com/USBTDcrx.aspx



I have one too, I added Scotts better power supply and I use a nice power cord with it. Want to try it? You would have to pry it out of my cold dead hands.[/QUOTE]

[EDS_]

Try this:
http://www.audioreview.com/USBTDcrx.aspx



I have one too, I added Scotts better power supply and I use a nice power cord with it. Want to try it? You would have to pry it out of my cold dead hands.

[/quote]

I like Mr. Nixon's gear too. However, I need USB and optical inputs-sorry I should have been more clear.

[boead]

I like Mr. Nixon's gear too. However, I need USB and optical inputs-sorry I should have been more clear.

I spoke to Scott about one with digital-in also. He said the design won’t allow for both I2S and optical. Scott said he just puts two DAC’s in the same chassis (one USB/I2S the other SPDIF) with a cost being about $1000 but in a nice metal case. He feels USB is superior for computer based audio. He makes a tube DAC with digital inputs too and they have interchangeable power supply’s.

I used a California Audio Labs 24/96 tube DAC with my PC for a while. I tried a few digital output devices, settled on an M-Audio DIO with a glass optical cable. I think the USB Scott Nixon sounds better and it was a lot cheaper.

Why do you want digital inputs too?

[EDS_]

I like Mr. Nixon's gear too. However, I need USB and optical inputs-sorry I should have been more clear.

I spoke to Scott about one with digital-in also. He said the design won’t allow for both I2S and optical. Scott said he just puts two DAC’s in the same chassis (one USB/I2S the other SPDIF) with a cost being about $1000 but in a nice metal case. He feels USB is superior for computer based audio. He makes a tube DAC with digital inputs too and they have interchangeable power supply’s.

I used a California Audio Labs 24/96 tube DAC with my PC for a while. I tried a few digital output devices, settled on an M-Audio DIO with a glass optical cable. I think the USB Scott Nixon sounds better and it was a lot cheaper.

Why do you want digital inputs too?

Hi boead,
I think computer based audio sources are poised to dominate. Soon, I think and hope, we will be able to alternate between music and movies from the same laptop/pc/remote hard drive source-at significant price v. performance advantages over our current CD spinners. Therefore, DACs accepting optical or coax digital and USB may well be useful for a long while. Secondly, I'm curious if a solid-modern-reasonably priced DAC will improve the output from my Cary CD-303 (5 yrs. old) and my Oppo DVD-970HD. The PS audio rig seems very well engineered plus it will accept almost any germane signal.

Thirdly, my McMormack MAP-1's ARM device derives 5.1 content from two channel sources (I do not use a center channel yielding 4.1). Anyway-I've tinkered with building a 2c music/multi-channel music/HT system for several years. A DAC with USB might help me a lot.


Thanks for your help and Merry Christmas if appropriate-Happy Holidays either way!

[boead]

If you already have a good DAC then you can always get a USB-to-SPDIF converter.

$125 for the Hagerman.
http://www.hagtech.com/hagusb.html



The Scott Nixon has a unique sound because its an NOS (None Over Sampling) DAC and Scott uses absolutely NO digital filters. On paper this can be a bad thing but in reality it sounds amazing, very natural or musical.
The Scott Nixon is NOT the only NOS DAC available; these devices sprung up a few years ago and have slowly caught on.

The Monica2 is an NOS DAC
http://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/monica2_e.html

DIY’s
http://www.ecp.cc/5687_module.html

I believe Audio Mirror makes one too.



Merry Christmas! And Happy New Year.

[tvad4]

I believe the MHDT Lab Constantine DAC also has a USB input.

Sold on E-Bay by MHDT Lab, the maker of the Paradisea DAC.