[buddy39914]

I can't seem to find the answer.

 

[kingoftown1]

It does over SPDIF, but not usb.  Google's a crazy thing.

 

[buddy39914]

so, is there anyway that I can play my 24bit music files on my computer through my amp?

 

[thrand1]

Sure is- all you need is a USB to SPDIF converter. Here's one example for around $190: http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MFVLINKII . There are other (potentially cheaper) options out there, just search around- they are becoming a very popular product in the computer audio field. Connect a USB cable to one end of the converter and an SPDIF cable to the Headroom Desktop amp/DAC, and you should be good to go!

 

[buddy39914]

Thank you 

 
Which is better, or how is it different:
http://www.amazon.com/Musical-Fidelity-MFVLINK-V-Link/dp/B004PH03GU
from 
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MFVLINKII
 
 
Also, just curious, would this even work?
http://www.halidedesign.com/bridge/
 
One more thing, if I connect my turntable to my amp through RCA cables (only output), and play my vinyls,  will it play at full quality? Or is it limited like USB is to 16bit/44.1kHz

 

[steel108]

I can't understand why there is a need for a USB to S/PDIF (I could be an idiot). My desktop's mobo has an S/PDIF (Asus P8P67 Pro); I just assumed I could connect a DAC to that, am I wrong? I bought an S/PDIF and Toslink (Which I know works) just in case though.....
 

 

[thrand1]

Quote:

Thank you 

 
Which is better, or how is it different:
http://www.amazon.com/Musical-Fidelity-MFVLINK-V-Link/dp/B004PH03GU
from 
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MFVLINKII
 
 
Also, just curious, would this even work?
http://www.halidedesign.com/bridge/
 
One more thing, if I connect my turntable to my amp through RCA cables (only output), and play my vinyls,  will it play at full quality? Or is it limited like USB is to 16bit/44.1kHz

I think the only difference between the V LINK "I" and the II is the II has an upgraded power supply, so by all means go for the "I" if it saves some money! The Halide Bridge would be another solution- I have no experience with that product, but it does use the Streamlength USB code developed by Gordon Rankin, one of the original innovators when it comes to USB DACs.
 
If I understand your turntable question correctly, yes it will play at full quality. When you connect via RCA, the source component (the turntable) does the decoding process so you will not be limited.
 
When you connect two components using coaxial/SPDIF, you are using those cables as a "transport" to take the raw digital stream from the source to a downstream component to be decoded. That downstream component's capabilities dictate the limitations, and that is what happens with your Headroom Desktop AMP/DAC. Connecting via USB means decoding in the Headroom product, which limits it to 16/44, but connecting via SPDIF using the VLink or the Halide Bridge or any other product means 24/96 capability.
 
Sounds like you are on your way to 24/96 audio! Good luck, hope this helps.
 


Quote:

I can't understand why there is a need for a USB to S/PDIF (I could be an idiot). My desktop's mobo has an S/PDIF (Asus P8P67 Pro); I just assumed I could connect a DAC to that, am I wrong? I bought an S/PDIF and Toslink (Which I know works) just in case though.....
 

steel108, I assumed the OP did not have an SPDIF connector on their computer, otherwise they would have tried that connection by now (OP, you don't have an SPDIF connector, right?   ). That is why I recommended the converter...in your case yes you can absolutely connect your mobo to an external DAC. Unless there is some problem with the mobo SPDIF connector (static/electrical noise/pops and clicks), then there shouldn't be much (if any) difference between using the USB converter or an S/PDIF cable since they are both effectively serving as transports.