[Pariah1]

I think I'm down to two DAC choices after a few weeks of research.

My choice between these two depends on whether or not USB (Thingee) is better than a digital out (Beresford).

I've read about advantages/disadvantages of each, but what I'm really worried about is if the generic soundcard that came with my computer will affect my digital out on my computer, if it will output internal noise through the digital out and then into the DAC. As far as I know a USB DAC is not supposed to have this problem of internal noise. I'd hate to spend the same amount of money on a DAC that will have background hiss and hum because of it's digital hookup that another DAC will not have because it uses a USB hookup.

So what has the better chances of providing "black" sound, USB or digital out? As far as I know both of these DACs are pretty black.

TIA!

 

[TopPop]

See if you can find a used Keces DA-151...

 

[Pariah1]

Thanks, but I'd rather not go used, I've got burned before so...

Your opinion on USB/Digital out?

 

[TopPop]

I can't say how a sound card digital out would fare against USB, since I haven't tried one, but I can say that the USB sources that I've used (Trends UD-10.1, Keces DA-151, Keces DA-152) have all been very quiet.

 

[Pariah1]

K, thanks. I'm still considering the Trends too...

Is there any advantage to having a powered DAC over one just powered by USB? Is that enough power? I will be using a seperate amp for speakers/headphones anyway.

 

[Maniac]

USB devices powered from USB bus is usually limited in dynamics and higher noise floor. IMHO rather than spending the money on cleaning up USB's bus power, it is usually easier to just drop down the same amount of money for an independent power supply.

 

[Pariah1]

It's all so complicated! I suppose I could get a powered USB hub if there wasn't enough power...

 

[Maniac]

USB is limited to 5V and 500mA by spec, but usually it's not the quantity of power, it is the quality of power that's making the difference.

 

[Pariah1]

Well the Thingee is supposed to be very efficient so I suppose that is good. I'm torn between these two...