Schiit DACs (Bifrost and Gungnir down, one to go)? The information and anticipation thread. - Page 7

Ah. I'm new to computer audio.  My application Audio MIDI Setup show a rate selection up to 192 so I'm confused.

Really? Mine just shows 96, but if you have 192 then you could just plug one of these in:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002JFN1A/ref=s9_bbs_gw_d0_ir02?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1Q649E3ZRM9XFZNTB1FD&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846

Also I did a quick Google and I found this:

http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/Trouble-192khz-output-new-Mac-Mini-Benchmark-DAC1-HDR

It's confusing. Evidently the hardware is capable of 192 but the OS is limiting the sample rate to 96. My usb-coax converter is 96 on my Mac so I haven't tried 192, but the unused digital (optical) audio out only goes up to 96 in my midi setup app. I am current, 10.6.7 with all updates.

Apple: "The headphone / line output jack accommodates digital optical audio output, analog audio output with a 24-bit, 44.1-192 kHz D/A converter, digital audio output up to 24-bit stereo and 44.1-192 kHz sampling rate and supporting encoded digital audio output (AC3 and DTS)."

I think the usb on the Mac is fine, if I was to convert it would be from usb to coax. Toslink may be limited to 96k anyways, according to that CA thread I linked to so I would stick with the usb for now, your w4s should be quite capable and Macs are known for having decent usb audio.

You could get a silver usb cable if you subscribe to such things 

As long as there's a solid 24/96 USB support, it can have optical, coax, FW, XLR, pixie dust, the works. But USB is absolutely essential, as it is indeed the most ubiquitous bus there is, and not everyone has the other options on their systems.

MrScary - Changing the sound card isn't an option for everyone.... laptops, all-in-ones, mini PCs, etc.

Jason - 

My $0.02 is that simple, solid 24bit/96KHz USB is better than Schiit having to deal with drivers and all the associated issues, cross-platform compatibility, etc.     Building the USB input section on a modular card is a great idea for future-proofing, but is that realistic on the lower end models while still keeping costs down?  I could definitely see that in the higher end product.  I think having 24/96 over USB with the option to go higher via optical, coax and whatever other format you're thinking of (AES/EBU?) covers the largest overall base.

     -Mike

Sabre32 IMO. 

MrScary - Changing the sound card isn't an option for everyone.... laptops, all-in-ones, mini PCs, etc.

Jason - 

My $0.02 is that simple, solid 24bit/96KHz USB is better than Schiit having to deal with drivers and all the associated issues, cross-platform compatibility, etc.     Building the USB input section on a modular card is a great idea for future-proofing, but is that realistic on the lower end models while still keeping costs down?  I could definitely see that in the higher end product.  I think having 24/96 over USB with the option to go higher via optical, coax and whatever other format you're thinking of (AES/EBU?) covers the largest overall base.

     -Mike

It's nearly June! 

I think I'll be getting a Valhalla with my first paycheck from my new job.  Then I'll likely grab the cheaper DAC right off the bat.  It's definitely time to move up from the FiiO's...