[voxdei_aer]

Hey everyone,

I just purchased a Zero amp/DAC. Well, I changed computers now, and do not have an optical or coaxial output. Is there any (cheap!) converter out there that I could simply run USB from my computer into the optical input??

I've tried to search for this, but came up with several different topics.

Thanks for any help. I really appreciate it.

 

[spacemanspliff]

how cheap?

Trends Audio TD-10 = very damn good.

 

[voxdei_aer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by spacemanspliff /img/forum/go_quote.gif how cheap? Trends Audio TD-10 = very damn good.

Well that runs around $110 doesn't it?

They don't make a simple cable that goes from optical to USB? Ya know...an inline cable or something really simple?

Thanks for the suggestion though. Just wanted something cheaper.

Also, will this change or alter the sound quality?

Thanks for the help!!

 

[spacemanspliff]

changes the sound quality big time. for the better.

 

[Solan]

This would make an optical-only Apogee mini-DAC into a mini-DAC with USB far cheaper than Apogee's own version.

CryoParts USB to SPDIF Converter

Any FireWire -> optical unit available, though?

 

[spacemanspliff]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solan /img/forum/go_quote.gif This would make an optical-only Apogee mini-DAC into a mini-DAC with USB far cheaper than Apogee's own version. CryoParts USB to SPDIF Converter Any FireWire -> optical unit available, though?

nice! and affordable too. wonder how the td-10 matches up?

 

[breakfastchef]

$30 for a Behringer U-Control UCA202.

 

[xFih2]

Is there somehow an audible difference when doing USB cord -> USB to Optical converter -> Optical cable -> DAC -> amp? I don't see how the sound is improved if you're still using the USB cord in the mix, but then again, I'm new at all of this

Any insight?

 

[spacemanspliff]

It cleans up the signal. That is about it. All the noise and crap from the pc is scrubbed. My very old sony digital pre(first to ever use dolby) sounds like an iMod now to me. This is what it does in my system anyway.

 

[Solan]

Any purchase links for the Behringer or the TD-10?

Oh wait ... I'm being lazy:

Amazon.com: Behringer U-CONTROL UCA202 USB-Audio Interface: Electronics

Try searching Amazon for "Trends Audio TD-10"

Actually, googling this term didn't yield much, but there seems to be a unit called UD-10:

http://www.trendsaudio.com/EN/Produc...Audio_desc.htm

Does it double as a DAC/head-amp in its own right, too? (OK, OK; lazy man sets out to search again ... )

Trends Audio UD-10 USB audio converter review - [English]

OK, I'll add in CryoParts:

AudioXsell - CryoParts PC Link USB to SPDIF Converter - Digital Sources - DACs - Audiophile Classifieds - Buy and Sell High End Audio Gear

Now, one problem with USB ... and now I see why Apogee upgraded to FireWire, is that USB only takes you to 48kHz, so higher quality audio than that is not possible via USB. Then again, that is CD quality, which is OK. Now, more links ...

Hagerman Technology LLC: HagUsb USB to SPDIF Audiophile Converter

 

[voxdei_aer]

Excellent posts everyone. Thanks for your help. I decided to go with the cheap Behringer U-Control. I will compare the sound quality (Behringer USB vs. optical) and may have to go with something else. I'll keep my fingers cross .