Theoretically, one could use an SPDIF coax output with a converter cable (Coax to XLR) to plug into AES. But there are some limitations and it not always works. I will try to gather here all of the devices that I could find that could act as a good USB bridge with as many different digital outputs opitions as possible, concentrating on AES support.
From the cheapest to the most expensive.
1. "USB Digital interface Xmos Xu308" DU-U8 - generic alibaba(express) device sold under different names, the cheapest I could find. Rough price $100.
Example here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/hif...506.html?spm=a2g0s.8937460.0.0.64b52e0efiu11c
2. "Nvarcher USB To SPDIF AES OPT" another noname device. Looks like it is a bit higher specced?.. Rough RRP around $130.
Example here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/-/4000107317394.html?spm=a2g0s.8937460.0.0.64b52e0efiu11c
3. "USB Digital Interface SPDIF Coaxial AES" another noname device. Has a screen price is around $150-200. It looks a bit different from the two above, even higher specced.
Example here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003029098732.html?spm=a2g0s.8937460.0.0.64b52e0efiu11c
4. Matrix Audio X-SPDIF 2 Digital Converter. The first "branded" device in the list. Power supply unit not supplied and not required, it is definitely an asynchronous data transfer device. Not 100% sure of the ones above. Price around $430.
5. Topping U90 USB Bridge. Very advanced device with multiple digital outputs working simultaneously. Rough price guide around $600.
There was some device from SMSL but I could not find it quickly.
If there is any other good device that you know I could add it to the list. Selecting between Matrix and DU-U8 (first on the list) I selected it, because I am not sure what I am getting for triple the price of Matrix.
Big side question is: are all of these devices capable of accepting audio stream via USB from android devices? My Nvidia Shield as a source worked via USB with all devices I tried it with. But will it work with any/all of these?..
From the cheapest to the most expensive.
1. "USB Digital interface Xmos Xu308" DU-U8 - generic alibaba(express) device sold under different names, the cheapest I could find. Rough price $100.
Example here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/hif...506.html?spm=a2g0s.8937460.0.0.64b52e0efiu11c
2. "Nvarcher USB To SPDIF AES OPT" another noname device. Looks like it is a bit higher specced?.. Rough RRP around $130.
Example here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/-/4000107317394.html?spm=a2g0s.8937460.0.0.64b52e0efiu11c
3. "USB Digital Interface SPDIF Coaxial AES" another noname device. Has a screen price is around $150-200. It looks a bit different from the two above, even higher specced.
Example here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003029098732.html?spm=a2g0s.8937460.0.0.64b52e0efiu11c
4. Matrix Audio X-SPDIF 2 Digital Converter. The first "branded" device in the list. Power supply unit not supplied and not required, it is definitely an asynchronous data transfer device. Not 100% sure of the ones above. Price around $430.
5. Topping U90 USB Bridge. Very advanced device with multiple digital outputs working simultaneously. Rough price guide around $600.
There was some device from SMSL but I could not find it quickly.
If there is any other good device that you know I could add it to the list. Selecting between Matrix and DU-U8 (first on the list) I selected it, because I am not sure what I am getting for triple the price of Matrix.
Big side question is: are all of these devices capable of accepting audio stream via USB from android devices? My Nvidia Shield as a source worked via USB with all devices I tried it with. But will it work with any/all of these?..
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