Think about this before purchasing a new computer this year

[regal]

The new computers coming out are USB 3.0, IME there are compatibility issues with many USB audio devices. I know they claim USB 3.0 is completely backward compatible but there is a good risk your favorite USB transport or DAC won't work with a USB3 port. The odds of small audio companies re-writing firmware or drivers to work with the new computers is fairly slim. Its just something to be aware of.

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

Hi Regal - Very good point.

 

[regal]

Good news is it does look like the higher end Sandy Bridge motherboards are including usb2.0 ports, not sure about the average SB motherboards.

 

[riderforever]

other than M2tech gear? Just to know what you have tried up to now

 

[audiofox]

I believe this is only true for PC hardware, as Apple has not yet adopted the USB 3.0 standard for their products.

 

[sr1329]

For the time being there will be both types of ports on all devices since Intel is not supporting USB 3.0 currently. This means that all computers can only support USB 3.0 with a 3rd party controller. This means that all computers that have USB 3.0 ports must also have USB 2.0 ports supplied by the Intel chipset.

 

 

[regal]

good news! Thanks

 

[Al Jones]

If USB 3.0 connectors run off a "third-party" controller and USB 2.0 connectors run off an Intel controller, does this mean that attached 3.0 devices are effectively isolated from attached 2.0 devices?

 

I have an external USB 3.0 HD and a USB 2.0 DAC connected to my Asus eee box 1012.

 

Does this mean that there is no possiblity of interaction/interference between them?

 

Thanks,

 

Al J.