XXHighEnd

Just thought I'd ask if anyone could list the specific benefits of using a USB to spdif converter vs the integrated SPDIF on my motherboard?

I'm wondering how much it impacts SQ versus say upgrading the DAC as opposed to the SPDIF output (weakest link theory always to be considered) but i figure the USB converter could have superior clocking to the integrated SPDIF...

Ok. I read about your mill spec mobo and all, and even then ...

I'd say that any mobo SPDIF etc. isn't the best. Ok, it will be the worst. So, from that should follow that close to everything would be an improvement. But I am far from sure when this is USB related.

I don't think it matter much what others say about this (and I do NOT mean others in this forum - but elsewhere); It will merely be about what you'd imply for noise over that specific USB connection, which sadly includes around everything else around your system. O rules exist, nor can I give hints.

Generally, USB to SPDIF is a theoretical nice one, but I would not depend on the el cheapo solutions. Also, and this may come to you as strange or hard to understand - any change in "SQ" can easily be perceived as better, while actually it went the other way around.

Without further detailed explanation, think of very much filtering interlinks, them taking away harshness. So, good ?
No, never good. Especially not good once you'd have the idea that your interlinks *thus* are perfect, and it would be the last thing you'd ever change. However, now you obtainng something new like a good preamp, that one not showing the earlier harshness at all. But all what would be the result is dull sounding stuff because your oh so nicely chosen interlinks are still in there.

The only message is : USB is so "dangerous" on this aspect that without a reference first you won't be able to judge (well) while later you will run into troubles without recognizing it.

There's just too much noise on USB inherently ...

Peter

the very first time I hooked up my external DAC (VIA USB) the noise was so bad I immediately called the vendor to complain and he suggested trying the other connections, cheater plugs for the power cords (to eliminate ground loop)

the coaxial digital had much less noise (shielding)

and the optical was the quietest of all (Im sure due to the lack EMI with the optical cable)

but by your comments I'm assuming that the ideal connection to an external DAC (barring the NOS1 of course, I'm a few years away from that...) would be a high quality PCI sound-card with SPDIF out then?

I'm just wondering if an external DAC is handling the main load of conversion what sort of card should I be looking for a Cantatis  (used for less than $300 hopefully), or just a high end creative labs (quite affordable) to get a better optical out than my Mainboard

Indeed something like that Andrei.

But I wouldn't overdo it, because it won't be optimal anyway. And remember, this is about the coax (SPDIF) connection only. So, no expensive (I mean, the most costing) analogue stage and even D/A is needed.

If I were you, I would try a Juli@. It's cheap, it is proven for its drivers and if it doesn't work out you didn't spend all *that* much money ...

In a later stage you might be able to tweak your DAC for i2s-in, while at the same time the Juli@ can be tweaked for i2s out.
Please don't proceed on that subject now, but weigh it in as an argument for it.

Peter

To be clear, I meant the i2s subject. Not the subject in general of course ...

Use a high quality soundcards spdif out and you could get extremely good sound.
Like Asus Essence st(x).. Look at stereophiles measurements of the spdif connection.

Much better than usb-spdif in my setup

Sincerely

I'm interested in this subject also as a friend of mine is having me help him build a computer for xxhe (same friend peter... this has taking him forever to get around to.  he bought the external HDDs for the wav files last year heh).  I was also going to suggest the juli@ for a coax out to his preamp/dac (hardly optimal, but he's heard my system, so he'll have to judge from there).  If others have a cheap alternative to the dac, would like to hear them.

Musiland digital times.
I have not testet it yet but I will.
http://www.head-fi.org/products/musiland-digital-times-24-192-pci-card

(http://cdn.head-fi.org/2/22/800x600px-LL-22aa61c9_1779221061_b4543716_Musiland+Digital+Times.jpeg)

You may take a look at reasonably priced Schiit Bifrost DAC. Follow the link for the review: http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/schiit2/1.html

yet another alternative is here for about the same price:

http://www.avland.co.uk/aasp/teac/1120/udh01/udh01.asp

http://www.whathifi.com/review/teac-ud-h01

pics from inside:
http://www.coolaler.com/showthread.php/277333-TEAC-UD-H01-USB非同步傳輸昇頻與耳擴合一的CP值好物