Pro audio interfaces or dedicated DAC ?

[Overdose]

Does anyone have any experiences with audio interfaces compared to dedicated DACs in relation to streaming from a laptop?

My Sonos alternative turned out to be a small netbook, but my current DIY DAC is optical/coax only, so I need a USB interface.

I have seen several of both flavours that would appear to do the job, but was wondering if an audio interface would need to be connected to the laptop if using only one of the digital inputs instead of USB?

Options are...

DACs - HRT streamer, MF V-DAC, Fubar III

Audio Interfaces - M-Audio Fast Track Pro, E-MU 0404 and Edirol UA 25 (The Edirol is only USB powered, so may not be useable with another digital source without the laptop being on)

 

[bretty]

Hi, I can't really advise you on whether a DAC or an Interface would be better for you, but i've recently done research on interfaces, as I needed one for my Digital drum kit. I looked at all of the ones you have on your list, but eventually plumped for a TASCAM US 122 MK II. Better build quality than most (especailly the plasticky M-Audio) and great features. Best part is that it can be had for just over £100. I got mine off e-bay, but it's also HERE for a good price.

 

[Overdose]

Thanks for the reply. Sound quality is most important I suppose, but flexibility is up on the list as well, ie how many sources I can connect.

Thanks for the heads up on the TASCAM, it hadn't come across my radar.

 

[oldric_naubhoff]

My Sonos alternative turned out to be a small netbook, but my current DIY DAC is optical/coax only, so I need a USB interface.

hi

you don't need to go pro audio route if you don't want to. there's one more way. you can keep your existing DAC and add only a USB->s/pdif converter. something like Musical Fidelity V-Link. it simply sits between your laptop and DAC. you feed USB wire into such device and it transforms USB signal into s/pdiff so you then connect it into DAC using some s/pdiff input on DAC (usually it's toslink or digital coax).

 

[Overdose]

Thanks. Missed that one too.