USB to Coaxial/Optical

[vberch]

I'd like to update my office setup (Corda Aria AMP/DAC -> Ety ER4S) starting from a DAC. I've looked at DAC's with USB input but was wondering if there is another way.

Is there a devise that can convert USB to Coaxial or Optical without sacrificing sound quality?

[trinkus79]

There sure is.

Trends UD-10
New Trends UD-10 USB Audio Converter [audiojunkies]

I have never personally used it, but my roommate has it hooked up to his media PC going to a Benchmark Dac-1 and it sounds great. Not to mention it's $200 cheaper than buying the Benchmark with USB support.

[CyberTheo]

I wonder if all devices that converts USB to optical or coax out are equal in quality.

[1UP]

Also HagUSB and Edirol UA-1EX.

The HagUSB and Trends should be comparable as they both use the PCM1704 and similar implementations.

[diego]

I've used the UD-10 and it is great. I also believe, as 1UP says, that it is probably similar to the Hagusb. The UD-10 is more expensive but it has optical, rca, bnc and balanced digital out.

[monolith]

You should also consider the Behringer U-Control UCA202. USB to optical for $30, and (as far as I've read) bit perfect.

[upstateguy]

Add the Blue Circle Thingee and the Transit to the list.....

USG

d-_-b

[HeadphoneAddict]

Travagans Green accepts USB input only, and has 4 outputs - Coax S/PDIF, Optical S/PDIF, 1/8" headphone or line out, and 5 watt/channel speaker out. I like mine, even did a review. REVIEW: Travagans "Green", "Red" and "White" with "Colors" thrown in for good measure. - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio

[cconnaker]

Originally Posted by CyberTheo

I wonder if all devices that converts USB to optical or coax out are equal in quality.

The short answer is no.

Check out Empirical Audio. Steve Nugent designs some very solid components including a converter that accomplishes the goal of this thread.

[glitch39]