Musical Fidelity X-CANv8 USB DAC Information

<img src="http://www.computeraudiophile.com/files/mf-logo.jpg" style="padding: 10pt 10pt 7pt 10pt;" align="left">I was recently tipped off that there is some USB information in the latest Musical Fidelity X-Canv8 manual. Some of our readers have already mentioned information similar to this, but it is solid info and not readily apparent to many audiophiles. The new X-Canv8 is a headphone amp with USB input as well as analog in/output. I find it rather weird that the "word" DAC is only mentioned once in the manual, only under the software configuration paragraph for OS X. It really seems like Musical Fidelity is keeping the DAC part of this unit under wraps and not advertising the capability. MF doesn't even say what DAC is inside or if it does or doesn't do 24/96 (doubtful). If you're looking for a new headphone amp with a built-in USB DAC this might be an option for you, but I can't recommend it with such limited information. Read more for some good USB suggestions and information. <!--more-->

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From <a href="http://www.computeraudiophile.com/files/xcanv8-manual.pdf">Musical Fidelity X-Canv8 Manual</a>

Computer setup for input USB input

A good quality USB A to B cable is required to connect the unit to the computer (not supplied). Plug the B (square) end into the socket in the back of the X-CAN V8 Plug the A (rectangle) end into a free USB socket on the computer. The computer should detect the new hardware and install a generic driver automatically (No setup or driver disk required). CD, MP3, WAV files played on any software should now play through the X-CAN V8. This device has been designed to work with PC Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP as well as Apple Macintosh OS X.

Please note:

This device is a high speed serial data processor, and by its nature, requires a very high volume of USB bandwidth. It will benefit greatly from being the only device connected on its USB ‘bus’. Sharing the same bus with other devices may cause unwanted artifacts such as dropouts or temporary loss of signal. This especially includes the use of the X-CAN V8 on a USB hub/splitter alongside other USB components.

Problem:

Dropouts in sound (USB input) Shared USB port with another device

Possible Cause:

Computer busy with another application or Computer low on resources

Solution:

Avoid sharing the USB port with other devices, if possible. At times an application (program) may intervene, sometimes invisibly e.g. a virus scanner. When this happens, computer resources are temporarily used up, and playback may suffer. This is not a fault. Try running fewer applications if possible.