usb vs s/pdif

[TitusG]

Hi

My pc only has a usb outputs. I am thinking of getting a dacmagic to replace my cyrus cd6. Looking at other threads everyone recommends either s/pdif or coax. Will the sound be equal or better than my current cd player through usb or will I need a new soundcard with s/pdif or coax outputs. Is there a great deal of difference between the three outputs?

Cheers

 

[Anonymous]

If you have wifi at home, also consider Apple Airport Express, you can stream your iTunes via wifi and connect the AE to the DACMagic with optical lead. This is my current setup. I did use the USB port from my laptop to connect to the DAC before getting AE and I think the AE way is better, plus the laptop doesn't have to sit near the HiFi rack.

 

[TitusG]

I was planning to use wma lossless and not wirelessly stream just yet. Just wondering about the usb at the moment.

Thanks

 

[Anonymous]

Okay I see, do check whether your PC/laptop has optical output via the 3.5mm headphone jacks. Apple Macs and some latest PCs have those, which you can then use to connect to DACMagic with optical. But failing that, and without incurring extra expense in a new sound card, you will find that the USB port on the DAC will be fine for normal 16bit/44.1khz lossless files. The optical/coaxial ports will accept higher 24bit/96khz files but they are not common with downloads. In fact, I was more than happy just playing Apple Lossless files using the USB -> USB route because the sound is, to my ears, better than my 10 year old £1000 CDP. I went wireless because of the convenience. Hope this helps.

 

[TitusG]

Thanks for the help. Unfortunately my laptop does not have a optical output. I will mostly be ripping from CD so I was viewing this route as a cheapish sonic upgrade from my CD player . Is there a difference between downloaded lossless files and ripped CDs sound quality wise?

Cheers

 

[chebby]

I would go for USB. (But not on the DacMagic where it has been added as an afterthought.)

No quality difference where USB has been properly implemented. (Some would argue it can sound better.)

There are DACs where the USB is capable of 24bit/96khz performance.

If you are getting the DacMagic then stick to optical or co-ax connection and forget USB. (The AE wireless suggestion is a workaround but restricts you to iTunes and adds £65 to the price.)

Don't dismiss USB but be prepared to spend some money to get a DAC where it has been implemented properly.

 

[Anonymous]

"USB on DACMagic added as an afterthought" Really??

 

[chebby]

Look out for this little box with 24bit/96khz on USB...

http://www.roland.com/products/en/UA-25EX/index.html

costs well under £200.

As you can see it has RCA phono outputs for connection to your amp...

http://www.roland.com/products/en/UA-25EX/images/image_03_L.jpg

 

[TitusG]

Thanks for the advice Chebby, I take it that these dacs will perform better than a dac magic. Also, off topic but, I see that you know about turntables. How much would you have to spend to get get a sound equalling my cyrus6. I was thinking of the projectIII with built in phono stage.

Cheers

 

[TitusG]

Is a 24/96 through usb dac what I should be aiming for. I take it the more you spend the higher the quality of dac. Pardon my ignorance, this is all new to me. I'm trying to learn!

 

[chebby]

TitusG:
Thanks for the advice Chebby, I take it that these dacs will perform better than a dac magic. Also, off topic but, I see that you know about turntables. How much would you have to spend to get get a sound equalling my cyrus6. I was thinking of the projectIII with built in phono stage.

Cheers

Never heard either Project III or Cyrus 6 so I am afraid so I could not comment.

I have heard the DacMagic (connected with both USB and optical) from iTunes with Lossless files on an iMac 20". The DacMagic was connected via Chord Crimson XLR balanced connects into a Primare i30 and Focal JM 716 speakers.

Compared to a Rega Apollo it sounded thick with overblown and boomy bass. I should say this is the only system I have heard a Dacmagic used in and was underwhelming.

This was an extensive listen over many hours on multiple occasions. (It is a friend's system.)

It is also fair to say my friend is happy with his DacMagic so I suggest you try it and if you don't like it then return it to Richer sounds. They are OK about that I am told.

 

[up the music]

There's this Maplin cheap option for £18. You can then use a DAC of your choice. It doesn't support 24/96, but CD is 16/44.1 (I think).
My system is in a state of upheaval at present so I've not properly compared it to my onboard spdif. I can say it's OK, and given the price an absolute bargain.