M-Audio Transit versus Edirol UA-1EX, does it matter?

[dodap]

I am looking for a small cheap USB-DAC with no extra power supply, that does not crowd my desktop or back of my PC. Function and prize wise the M-Audio Transit and the Edirol UA-1EX are roughly the same.
Do they sound different?
Which is more trouble free connected to a Windows XP PC?

 

[lipidicman]

Sorry dude, no answer. I just couldn't resist bumping this as it is exactly the question I have at the moment.

I like the edirol for the fact I can use it as a headphone driver too, however the transit seems to get all the love around here

 

[smartins]

Make that three. I have an X-Fi Platinum and it's capable of bit-perfect output but I'm also looking for a possible external card that does the simple job of outputing via coax or optical to a DAC.

Btw, a related question, are these external usb "cards" using the internal processor for whatever calculations needed to output the sound or do they use the computer cpu?

 

[OracleGuy]

I've got the Edirol and it works great. I use the optical out to feed a DAC-1.

The Edirol has a switch to select standard or "enhanced" drivers. The standard setting uses the Windows native USB audio driver, and the enhanced setting uses the Edirol-specific drivers.

I haven't compared the analog out of the Edirol vs. the Transit.

 

[retic3nt]

do either of them require an amp?

 

[lipidicman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by OracleGuy I've got the Edirol and it works great. I use the optical out to feed a DAC-1. The Edirol has a switch to select standard or "enhanced" drivers. The standard setting uses the Windows native USB audio driver, and the enhanced setting uses the Edirol-specific drivers. I haven't compared the analog out of the Edirol vs. the Transit.

Ok, can the edirol drive high impedence cans like the HD580. Normally I use my xcan but sometimes I may want to use it without an amp.

How is the noise floor (line out and headphone out), I am sensitive to hiss!

 

[lipidicman]

Anybody using the analogue outputs of the Edirol?

Are they any good? If they are, and the digital is fine then this is my ideal unit. If not I might have to look for a transit. I like the ideal of a headphone socket and real RCA's so let me know please!

Looking at the EMU 0404 usb too but it seems to have too much I don't need.

 

[Silentpug387]

I use the digital out on the ua-1ex too and it sounds good to me, but i really haven't compared it to anything else. I have a powerbook and the drivers were easy to install online and to use it is very simple. The biggest "problem" with it though is that you have to use a toslink cable with an 1/8" adapter (mini-toslink). They DO NOT sell these in stores (or at least the six stores i went to) so if you order one of these things you might as well order a cable with the adapter as well. For $20 you can get a toslink cable from belkin with an adapter.

 

[nichifanlema]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silentpug387 I use the digital out on the ua-1ex too and it sounds good to me, but i really haven't compared it to anything else. I have a powerbook and the drivers were easy to install online and to use it is very simple. The biggest "problem" with it though is that you have to use a toslink cable with an 1/8" adapter (mini-toslink). They DO NOT sell these in stores (or at least the six stores i went to) so if you order one of these things you might as well order a cable with the adapter as well. For $20 you can get a toslink cable from belkin with an adapter.

For Digital output, does UA-1ex have Optical output(mini toslink, 1/8") or Coaxial SPDIF output?

 

[audioengr]

If you want cheap and easy and dont care about perfect sound, the HagUSB fits the bill.

 

[Silentpug387]

Quote:

Originally Posted by nichifanlema For Digital output, does UA-1ex have Optical output(mini toslink, 1/8") or Coaxial SPDIF output?

It has an Optical output that requres a mini toslink adapter.