idc:
I know that my present DAC is a specific USB DAC, the Burr-Brown PCM 2706. It is similar to the DAC used in the Fubar USB only DAC. So I would conclude that it is worthwhile finding out if the USB was part of the original design, or an add-on. That is maybe why Cambridge recommend optical over USB. One thing that Musical Fidelity are clear about is if using a USB connection do not use it through a hub, even a powered one, because of the possibilty of interference. So I would also conclude that it is better to find a DAC that had connection from PC to DAC in mind, as opposed to its original purpose being CDP to DAC.
My understanding is that the Dacmagic came from a digital audio angle and added the usb, this is is based on the comments in this thread http://community.whathifi.com/forums/post/135322.aspx
http://community.whathifi.com/forums/post/135322.aspxLooking higher up the price range you will often see usb as an extra addon eg the mgl audiolabs adds an extra convertor box to give it usb functionality and the benchmark dac has it as an extra addon.
My own D10 cobra has both in the one little box with a microcontroller to handle its amp/dac/pre modes and which input is active. I bought it for the opamp rolling and good reviews though, not the usb functionality. It does make charging the battery easy though =)
Given Music Fidelity's caution against hubs another option would be to go for a digital optical out and a DAC that matches. Like up the music I've heard that digital coax can give ground loop issues too.
If you do pursue the creative card make sure it fits, as there are different sizes of express card.
I know that my present DAC is a specific USB DAC, the Burr-Brown PCM 2706. It is similar to the DAC used in the Fubar USB only DAC. So I would conclude that it is worthwhile finding out if the USB was part of the original design, or an add-on. That is maybe why Cambridge recommend optical over USB. One thing that Musical Fidelity are clear about is if using a USB connection do not use it through a hub, even a powered one, because of the possibilty of interference. So I would also conclude that it is better to find a DAC that had connection from PC to DAC in mind, as opposed to its original purpose being CDP to DAC.
My understanding is that the Dacmagic came from a digital audio angle and added the usb, this is is based on the comments in this thread http://community.whathifi.com/forums/post/135322.aspx
http://community.whathifi.com/forums/post/135322.aspxLooking higher up the price range you will often see usb as an extra addon eg the mgl audiolabs adds an extra convertor box to give it usb functionality and the benchmark dac has it as an extra addon.
My own D10 cobra has both in the one little box with a microcontroller to handle its amp/dac/pre modes and which input is active. I bought it for the opamp rolling and good reviews though, not the usb functionality. It does make charging the battery easy though =)
Given Music Fidelity's caution against hubs another option would be to go for a digital optical out and a DAC that matches. Like up the music I've heard that digital coax can give ground loop issues too.
If you do pursue the creative card make sure it fits, as there are different sizes of express card.
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