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Best USB to SPDIF under 250$ - Page 3

post #31 of 33
1/16/12 at 11:55pm

I think they are probably very similar in sound, and the V-link is almost half the price.  I've definitely read of people preferring the v-link.  If I was going to pay $175, I'd go with the MDHT Bridge - dual chips, looks good - but who knows? Haven't read any reviews as of yet. I may get both and compare evil_smiley.gif

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post #32 of 33
1/30/12 at 9:17pm
Thread Starter 

I actually ended up buying AVU's V-Link for 80$. At that price it's pretty tough to beat.. anyway got it in the mail today and im listening to it. I must admit I was pretty skeptical at first, was not sure it would be an upgrade over the X-FI COAX OUT. Well, im happy to say it's a clear upgrade. The difference did not jump out at me right away, but as the music played they became obvious. "cleaner" "blacker" "less sibilant" "bass impact" "bass resolution" "less fatigue" I noticed all of these things. Im not sure if it's Jitter reduction, or just getting the sound card out of the loop. As so many today claim that Jitter is a solved problem and has no effect on sound quality. I don't know about all that, perhaps so, but there is a clear audible difference between these two, whatever the reason may be.

 

edit: perhaps one of the more significant changes i forgot to mention. PRAT.. much better.


Edited by MikeW - 1/30/12 at 9:19pm
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post #33 of 33
2/2/12 at 8:19pm

don't have much to compare it with. previously i was using a straight usb connection, which i have often read is not ideal. i am definitely happy with the sound i am getting using the v-link. in connection with it, i am using an audioquest usb cable, monster spdif (85% off retail on amazon) and a/c powered usb hub. prior to purchase, i spent some time reading about the v-link and v-link ii, but other than a nicer case, was not sure how the ii was supposed to be any better.

 

my plan is to rip all of my non-classical (about 15% of my collection) to my computer and continue to use my cd players for the remainder. so computer-based audio really is only a small portion of my listening.

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