MacBook Pro > ? > ATOLL DAC 100 > RWA Signature 30.2 > ZU Audio Tone

[akim]

Hello everybody,

 

I recently decided for a DAC: the Atoll DAC 100. I compared it to Cambridge Audio DagMagic, NuForce HDP, Musical Fidelity M1 and Benchmark DAC 1. (At least) via S/PDIF the Atoll "for my ears" sounded best.

 

Anyway.

 

Since I am no "USB-fan" and the Atoll via USB is limited to 16Bit, I used a M2Tech HiFace. Interesting, that also the 16Bit-Redbook-files improved a lot with the HiFace.

 

My problem resp. question: Are there any other "solutions" to get/convert the USB-signal to S/PDIF in the same price-range as HiFace AND are maybe even "easier" to use? (I don't like the connection of the HiFace with the USB-slot of my MacBook - the HiFace just doesn't feel "solid" in the USB-slot...)

 

Is it maybe possible to use a Firewire-to-S/PDIF cable/adaptor? If yes, does this require 24Bit/192kHz? Any problems with jitter?

 

As you can read: lots of questions and YES, I am not into technical details ;-)

 

Even better would be a solution with a replacement of the MacBook but with the same sound-quality.

 

Anybody tried Squeezebox via S/PDIF + external DAC?

 

I would highly appreciate any help.

 

Thanks a lot,

akim.