[musicman06]

My compiled list so far (in random order):
---------------------------------------
Trends UD-10.1 USB Audio Converter x 2704
Fubar III USB DAC x 2702
HagUSB x 2704
Blue Circle USB Thingee + ?
Keces DA-151 USB DAC x 2702
Super Pro DAC707 **CS-8416 24-192kHz
Devilsound DAC **2707
Zero DAC 24 BIT/192KHz CS8416 OPA2604
KingRex UD-01 USB DAC x 2702
diyparadise USB Convertor **2707
Musiland  LILO *PCM3010/CS8420 24-bit 192 kHz
DDDAC 1543 MK2 2707 1543 tent

Any others? Looking for opinions or personal preferences. You can see chipsets are listed, so yeah I've done considerable research. 

Just looking for a reasonably cheap unit to connect my non-usb Paradisea+ (with Bendix Redbank 6385 tube) to the computer via USB. Already using the coax connection from the computer to my NuForce processor as this is a home office type room setup. Alternatively, I could move from the current DAC to a USB DAC (including options like the MK2 listed above) and skip the extra connection, but not planning on a pricey DAC upgrade currently. I kinda like the Paradisea synergy in my otherwise all SS system. 

On a somewhat related note could also use a jitter removal/suppression device between the CD player and DAC which is connected via toslink. Again this would be at a price point below that of the Paradisea ($500) to keep things sane. 

[BradJudy]

The chipset listings are inconsistent.  Some list the USB receiver (like the 2704), but others list the DAC chip and not the USB receiver (like the DAC707 which lists the DAC and opamps - it uses a CM-108 for USB input). 

BTW: The Zero DAC doesn't have a USB input.  Some sellers are including a basic USB to digital audio device with the purchase, but that's a separate item. 

Listing the bit depth and rate isn't appropriate since all of these DACs are limited to 16/44(48) when using USB. 

Naturally there are a ton more products since you didn't include any of the commercial USB soundcards. 

[pardales]

Of the ones on your list, I have used the HagUSB and the Trends and found both to be excellent. I only used them from USB-SPDIF conversion.

[hi5harry]

You might consider the Empirical Audio Freeway 2. I know it's not cheap, but it would allow you to use the dac of your choice and the sound is VERY close to the Off Ramp Turbo 2.

[WGH]

I use two different USB DAC's, the HagUSB and a M-Audio Transit. When I did a comparison the M-Audio sounded thinner than the HagUSB.

I use the HagUSB to feed a Van Alstine Insight DAC, the combo is frightfully good.

The Transit has functions not normally found in a USB converters:
A play and record function with a stereo analog/optical digital input (1/8") and 24-bit/96kHz USB audio.
The main output is Toslink which may account for the difference in sound I heard so your DAC will also need a Toslink input.

The primary reason I like the Transit is because the TOSlink optical digital output allows AC-3 and DTS pass-through. I use the computer for movies and I can send a digital AC-3 signal to my processor to get a true Dolby digital 5/1 surround sound in my home theater 25 feet away in the next room. The ATI Remote Wonder does all my remote functions for movies.

Wayne

[musicman06]

The chipset listings are inconsistent.  Some list the USB receiver (like the 2704), but others list the DAC chip and not the USB receiver (like the DAC707 which lists the DAC and opamps - it uses a CM-108 for USB input). 

BTW: The Zero DAC doesn't have a USB input.  Some sellers are including a basic USB to digital audio device with the purchase, but that's a separate item. 

Listing the bit depth and rate isn't appropriate since all of these DACs are limited to 16/44(48) when using USB. 

Naturally there are a ton more products since you didn't include any of the commercial USB soundcards. 

True enough. Those bits of info are just notes I've tacked on while researching the options. They aren't necessarily relevant or as you say consistent. I got lazy with this post and just copied that list from notepad.

Thanks for the heads up on the Zero DAC. Didn't catch that.

Also, I'm aware of the soundcard option I just haven't found one that I like. The M-Audio Transit seems to be about the best at present. Please do share if you have another preference.

[musicman06]

You might consider the Empirical Audio Freeway 2. I know it's not cheap, but it would allow you to use the dac of your choice and the sound is VERY close to the Off Ramp Turbo 2.

Thanks, I'll look into that. I'm familiar with EA and have read a number of Steve's posts on the various audio forums. Just not real sold on the value.

[satfrat]

http://www.cryo-parts.com/pclink.html

The Pop/Pulse USB DAC might be another unit to be looking at. There's multiple inputs that give you a choice of USB 2.0 input support 16 bit 48 kHz or SPDIF input and output 24-96 KHz. I personally use the Trends UD-10.1 as a USB transport but I'd love to compare it with the Pop/Pulse,,, strictly out of curiosity as I'm totally happy with my cryoed Trends.

Cheers,
Robin

[bbaker6212]

Other sound cards some people like...

ESI Juli@
M-Audio Audiphile
e-mu 1212m