MirandaX
100+ Head-Fier
- Joined
- Dec 4, 2001
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(This isn't an April fool's posting, BTW.)
I just ran across a new DAC that might be a really good match for computer users, and perhaps others as well. The Waveterminal U2A uses exactly the same 24-bit D/A chip as the ART DI/O (the chip is from AKM Semiconductor) as well as the same sampling chip (from Crystal Semiconductor). Unlike the ART DI/O, it doesn't have "hot" outputs, so you don't have to buy a 9v->2v attenuator cable that could potentially hurt the sound. It also has an extra USB input, for optional connection to a computer. The computer interface is just 16-bit PCM, but there's a slightly more expensive model (Waveterminal U24) that handles pure 24-bit PCM.
Here's a link: http://www.minidisco.com/minispecs/egosysu2a.html
Basically, like lots of others, I've been considering the ART DI/O, but I need a DAC that I can hook up through the USB port of my laptop, and there are no good (under $250) USB devices with coax S/PDIF outputs that don't automatically resample 44.1kHz audio to 48kHz. (The Creative Labs Extigy doesn't count; it gets consistently terrible reviews by real people.) It seems like this new Waveterminal DAC is a godsend. Also, being able to use my favorite interconnects rather than attenuator cables is another major plus.
Does anyone have any experience/information about this DAC?
I just ran across a new DAC that might be a really good match for computer users, and perhaps others as well. The Waveterminal U2A uses exactly the same 24-bit D/A chip as the ART DI/O (the chip is from AKM Semiconductor) as well as the same sampling chip (from Crystal Semiconductor). Unlike the ART DI/O, it doesn't have "hot" outputs, so you don't have to buy a 9v->2v attenuator cable that could potentially hurt the sound. It also has an extra USB input, for optional connection to a computer. The computer interface is just 16-bit PCM, but there's a slightly more expensive model (Waveterminal U24) that handles pure 24-bit PCM.
Here's a link: http://www.minidisco.com/minispecs/egosysu2a.html
Basically, like lots of others, I've been considering the ART DI/O, but I need a DAC that I can hook up through the USB port of my laptop, and there are no good (under $250) USB devices with coax S/PDIF outputs that don't automatically resample 44.1kHz audio to 48kHz. (The Creative Labs Extigy doesn't count; it gets consistently terrible reviews by real people.) It seems like this new Waveterminal DAC is a godsend. Also, being able to use my favorite interconnects rather than attenuator cables is another major plus.
Does anyone have any experience/information about this DAC?