USB to SPDIF converters

[robcentola]

Do I need one? For now, I'm using a PC connected via USB to a Peachtree NovaPre and, to my ears, it sounds great. However, during my research of possible streamer, I've read about these converters. Do they really make that much of a difference? A bit confused about this one....

 

Anyone?

[wgscott]

The need for them was more compelling before async USB. i have one with my old nova since the USB was limited to 16 bit 48 kHz and the optical connection at 96kHz was unreliable. Some people suggest that a very good implementation of a USB/SPDIF converter will still be better than async USB.

[robcentola]

That's what I was hoping to hear.

 

BTW, wgscott, I got that Rythmik up and running. Love it! Now I work on getting another

[intermediatic]

Although a NovaPre is doubtless better than a Nova, which I used to own, I found the latter to be lacking in resolution so I would doubt that the converter would have made much difference. That said, the Audiophillio made a big improvement with my W4S DAC and with my Cary Audio Xciter (both of which were better than the Nova). The Halide bridge was not so impressive.

[eternaloptimist]

Although a NovaPre is doubtless better than a Nova, which I used to own, I found the latter to be lacking in resolution so I would doubt that the converter would have made much difference. That said, the Audiophillio made a big improvement with my W4S DAC and with my Cary Audio Xciter (both of which were better than the Nova). The Halide bridge was not so impressive.

 

I second this. I use an Audiophilleo2 - fantastic. I used to have a Wyred 4 Sound Dac2 and it was an improvement on the already good implementation of the W4S. I was surprised how much the USB to spdif made a difference. Reduced the impact of the software players considerably...