My First DAC Setup... Question

[Nickneff5]

Hi guys!

 

Quick question: I am finally graduating to purchasing my first DAC! I’m going with the Audio Engine D1, and am hoping to complete a setup where I can use the optical audio input (for higher bit rate and sample rate) vs. the standard usb connection. 

 

The only port I have available on my PC is a DisplayPort, so I’m wondering if I bought a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, then run an HDMI cable from the adapter to an HDMI audio extractor, then run an optical audio cable from the extractor to the DAC, if that would work to achieve the higher bit rate? (Also, if I’m way over complicating this, please let me know haha, or if this is even worth doing for the higher bit/sample rate). 

 

Thanks in advance!:)

 

Links:

 

DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter:

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dynex-displayport-to-hdmi-adapter-black/8720184.p?skuId=8720184&ref=212&loc=1&extStoreId=521&ref=212&loc=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA2af-BRDzARIsAIVQUOdRL-uGyMpXprIw-KlixEpLPKBCij-aSjIMpkhvdi3y2lfZauV0aJQaApzvEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

HDMI Audio Extractor:

https://www.amazon.com/J-Tech-Digital-Extractor-Converter-JTDAT5CH/dp/B00BIQER0E/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=HDMI+Audio+Extractor&qid=1607103017&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzSFE0RjkyNEo4T0Q2JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzk2NzE4MzROOENQRk1UU0xDVCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTc5MDMzMUlYSjg2T0FJWVc3WCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX3Bob25lX3NlYXJjaF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

 

Auditor Engine D1:

https://audioengineusa.com/shop/components/d1-24-bit-dacheadphone-amp/

[pas]

USB?

[Nickneff5]

Yes, the DAC I am getting has USB audio input, but it gets less bit/sample rates than the optical audio input. 

[pas]

Yes, I now understand. I would stick with USB, your other plan will impact sound quality with too many items in the signal path.

[R1200CL]

7 hours ago, Nickneff5 said:

The only port I have available on my PC is a DisplayPort, so I’m wondering if I bought a DisplayPort to HDMI adapter, then run an HDMI cable from the adapter to an HDMI audio extractor, then run an optical audio cable from the extractor to the DAC, if that would work to achieve the higher bit rate?

You need to get USB out from the PC. If it’s a laptop, a docking station may help. If PC, then a cheap USB card. USB has highest bit rate. Avoid using USB 3. 
 

Even better, is to get an endpoint, like the microrendu. 

[ecwl]

16 hours ago, Nickneff5 said:

Yes, the DAC I am getting has USB audio input, but it gets less bit/sample rates than the optical audio input. 

Now I see what you mean, the specs for AudioEngine D1 says optical input is supposed to go up to 192kHz native whereas the USB input would resample to 96kHz. 
 

But I agree with everybody else that you should use USB. Here are the reasons:

1. You’re unlikely to have a lot of 192kHz sources. And usually, you want to play native sample rate into the DAC anyway. Currently, I’ve configured my system to only go up to 96kHz because I may have 3 albums that is above 96kHz that don’t matter to me.

2. Most DACs including Audio Engine have better USB implementation than Toslink so you’re going to get lower jitter off USB than Toslink. And that matters much more for sound quality.

 

[AnotherSpin]

USB path seem to be more easy. I do not think 192 vs. 96 is important in such setting. Nevertheless, I would try to listen both ways and compare which of these two options fit better to my liking. In my set both USB or toslink have their particular preferences.

 

 

[jcbenten]

If you are willing to do the convolutions and expense to convert DP to optical...just get a better DAC.

[Nickneff5]

Do you have any recommendations on better DAC’s? Thanks guys!!

[jcbenten]

Schiit (No DSD)

RME

Topping

Gustard

SMSL

iFi

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