Best USB DAC?

jtwrace · « **on:** 7 Dec 2008, 03:10 am »

I'm thinking of buying a MAC mini and using a Wavelength USB DAC.

What are your thoughts? Anything "better"? Or anything else I should look at?

I currently own a Resolution Opus 21 CDP so I want this setup to replace that. hopefully.

Thanks-

Tyson · « **Reply #1 on:** 7 Dec 2008, 03:14 am »

Doesn't the mac have an optical out? Why not just use that, then you've got more DAC options.

jtwrace · « **Reply #2 on:** 7 Dec 2008, 03:28 am »

Quote from: Tyson on 7 Dec 2008, 03:14 am

Doesn't the mac have an optical out? Why not just use that, then you've got more DAC options.

Yes, it does. Wavelength DAC or.......? My goal is to replace my Opus 21. So I need as good or better sound from this setup. Possible?

pardales · « **Reply #3 on:** 7 Dec 2008, 03:35 am »

If you want USB then Wavelength is worth your consideration and so is the Red Wine Audio Isabella. What is your price range and associated equipment?

Crimson · « **Reply #4 on:** 7 Dec 2008, 06:02 am »

Wavelength is one of the first manufacturers to introduce asynchronous USB dacs. Nothing else comes close, IMHO, when it comes to USB. In this instance, the dog is, indeed, wagging the tail.

jtwrace · « **Reply #5 on:** 7 Dec 2008, 02:46 pm »

Quote from: pardales on 7 Dec 2008, 03:35 am

If you want USB then Wavelength is worth your consideration and so is the Red Wine Audio Isabella. What is your price range and associated equipment?

I don't have to use USB....I'm here to listen to recommendations.

I just have been told that the Wavelength is really good.

jtwrace · « **Reply #6 on:** 7 Dec 2008, 02:47 pm »

Quote from: Crimson on 7 Dec 2008, 06:02 am

Wavelength is one of the first manufacturers to introduce asynchronous USB dacs. Nothing else comes close, IMHO, when it comes to USB. In this instance, the dog is, indeed, wagging the tail.

That's kinda what I was told but just want to be sure before I invest that much money. Do you use one? If so, which?

Thanks

TomS · « **Reply #7 on:** 7 Dec 2008, 03:45 pm »

You should also check out the Ultra Fi Systems iRoC and new MusicStream USB DACs shown at RMAF. http://www.ultrafiaudiodesigns.com/. It uses some of the Empirical Audio USB technology internally and seems well thought out.

Empirical Audio also had their new Overdrive DAC which is probably quite good though getting up there in price.

avta · « **Reply #8 on:** 7 Dec 2008, 04:23 pm »

jtwrace: Check this out. It's not usb but I imagine this dac will outperform most others and it's very affordable. Ebay item 300268743886

alexd · « **Reply #9 on:** 7 Dec 2008, 04:56 pm »

Hello,
take a look at this web site: www.3d-audio.com

BradJudy · « **Reply #10 on:** 7 Dec 2008, 05:55 pm »

Another option is to add USB support to whatever DAC you want using a USB->SPDIF (or I2S if your DAC supports it) device. They range from the simple (like the M-Audio Transit, HagUSB or Trends UD-10) to the fancier and more expensive (like the Empirical Audio Off-ramp/Freeway). I noticed that BelCanto recently released a USB-SPDIF device that can do 24/96 natively http://www.belcantodesign.com/news_usb_link.html (the Empirical Audio ones can as well IIRC).

It might not be the cheapest option to get a USB DAC (might be for those who already have a DAC they like), but it provides flexibility.

alexd · « **Reply #11 on:** 7 Dec 2008, 10:12 pm »

Well, USB to SPDIF converter would not be optimal solution, it will add significant jitter to USB audio.
But it is an option if this is the only way for you to connect your computer to your stereo system.

Crimson · « **Reply #12 on:** 7 Dec 2008, 10:43 pm »

Quote from: jtwrace on 7 Dec 2008, 02:47 pm

Quote from: Crimson on 7 Dec 2008, 06:02 am
Wavelength is one of the first manufacturers to introduce asynchronous USB dacs. Nothing else comes close, IMHO, when it comes to USB. In this instance, the dog is, indeed, wagging the tail.

That's kinda what I was told but just want to be sure before I invest that much money. Do you use one? If so, which?

Thanks

Brick v2 (v1 is not async), and am getting ready to bite the bullet on a Cosecant v3.

BradJudy · « **Reply #13 on:** 8 Dec 2008, 12:09 am »

Quote from: alexd on 7 Dec 2008, 10:12 pm

Well, USB to SPDIF converter would not be optimal solution, it will add significant jitter to USB audio.
But it is an option if this is the only way for you to connect your computer to your stereo system.

You'd have to check with each USB DAC company, but I'd wager that many are just doing internal USB-> SPDIF without any additional jitter reduction or reclocking. Not everyone, but many.

wilsynet · « **Reply #14 on:** 8 Dec 2008, 04:32 am »

The current contenders are probably:

Wavelength Cosecant
Wavelength Crimson
Empirical Audio Overdrive
Red Wine Audio Isabellina
Bryston BDA-1

All of these convert USB to I2S and there is no intermediate conversion to SPDIF.

Some pros and cons with the Cosecant versus the Isabellina.

Cosecant: An incredibly strong reputation. Asynchronous USB is state of the art in jitter reduction. Choice of oversampling or non-oversampling DAC module. Handles hi-res formats.

Isabellina: SPDIF, TOSLINK and USB inputs. Battery power means you're off the grid and no need for power conditioning. Low 100 ohm output impedance makes it easy to achieve synergy with a wide range of pre-amplifiers and integrateds. Not known as a traditional DAC vendor.

Being a happy RWA customer, I'll happily recommend to you the Isabellina. RWA has a 30 day return policy so you have nothing to lose but the cost of shipping. And Vinnie is great guy to deal with.

Srajan of 6moons compared the Isabellina DAC section of the Isabella to the Raysonic CD-168 and Opera Audio Reference 2.2 and declared it squarely competitive. But he declined to compare it to his higher priced CD players because they were awaiting repair after damage during shipping. You might want to send him a note to see if he's had a chance to do a comparison against his reference CDPs yet.

Wilson

Mariusz · « **Reply #15 on:** 8 Dec 2008, 07:24 am »

I'll second the audition of RWA recommendation.
Own both Consonance Droplet 5.0 and Isabellina DAC (build-in my Isabella pre) for a while now.
RWA DAC is more then competitive in comparison. aa
Isabella pre with DAC option is one of those products which fulfill my cravings and search for excellent digital reproduction and preamp section. With selected chip, SET and PP amps, I am also set with amplification for my personal needs. Speakers are the last piece of the puzzle but that seems to be solved by custom SD speakers that I am building.

There are probably other great DACs out there, so take your time and see what fits your preferences and budget.
And do not forget that it is all in the synergy and there is no "ONE" best, fits all product which will guaranty you the desire performance.

Vinnie offeres - free in home 30 days audition
You should at least take advantage of this offer and if it is not what you're looking for - simply return it.

Good luck
Mariusz

jrebman · « **Reply #16 on:** 8 Dec 2008, 10:16 am »

I'll third the RWA Izabellina. A fantastic DAC that does come scarily close to analog reproduction. I've also got an MHDT Havana on the way, so we'll see how that stacks up even though it will be for the second system.

A well implemented NOS DAC works for my gear, rooms, and listening tastes, so take that into consideration.

-- Jim

jtwrace · « **Reply #17 on:** 8 Dec 2008, 01:58 pm »

Quote from: jrebman on 8 Dec 2008, 10:16 am

I'll third the RWA Izabellina. A fantastic DAC that does come scarily close to analog reproduction. I've also got an MHDT Havana on the way, so we'll see how that stacks up even though it will be for the second system.

A well implemented NOS DAC works for my gear, rooms, and listening tastes, so take that into consideration.

-- Jim

Jim,

Please post results on how the MHDT compares to the RWA Isabellina. PLEASE.

jrebman · « **Reply #18 on:** 9 Dec 2008, 04:45 pm »

Sure -- will do. It will take some time of course, but I'll do it when the time is right.

I will say MHDT was really responsive and the entire transaction from inquiry to shipping took only a couple of days. I could even see it later this week.

-- Jim

jtwrace · « **Reply #19 on:** 9 Dec 2008, 05:02 pm »

Quote from: jrebman on 9 Dec 2008, 04:45 pm

Sure -- will do. It will take some time of course, but I'll do it when the time is right.

I will say MHDT was really responsive and the entire transaction from inquiry to shipping took only a couple of days. I could even see it later this week.

-- Jim

Looking forward to it..