AudioAficionado.org  

Go Back   AudioAficionado.org > The Lounge > General Audio Discussion

General Audio Discussion All other Audio Q & A

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-12-2011, 01:25 AM
kfr01's Avatar
kfr01 kfr01 is offline
Music Provides Joy
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,359
Default USB/Firewire DACs with 24/192 USB

I'm creating a list of USB/Firewire DACs that support 24/192 via USB (without a separate converter). This post also contains a list of USB->SPDIF Converters that support USB at up to 24bit/192khz. Both lists have a very rough price-based sort. Most expensive up top, least expensive on bottom.

DACS that Support USB 24bit/192khz Inputs


Light Harmonic DaVinci USB DAC (~$12k)
(wow, real USB sample rates up to 384khz)
*brand new -- no reviews yet

Wavelength Crimson (~$7500 with 24/192, other options and upgrades available)
(tube design)

Weiss DAC202 (firewire rather than USB)(~$7k)
*seems to currently be the reference 192khz-capable DAC for a number of reviewers

Audio Research DAC8

Esoteric K-03

Empirical Audio Overdrive DAC
(~$4k base, many upgrades available) *recognized by TAS

MSB Technology Power DAC
(~$4k, more with options such as volume control)
+balanced XLR outputs

Northstar Design USB dac32
(~$3k?)

Resonessence Labs Invicta
~$4k
+ balanced XLR outputs

Aesthetix Pandora tube 24/192 DAC
($unknown)

Ambingdon Music Research AMR DP-777 DAC (~$5000)

Wavelength Cosecant
(tube design, balanced RCA outputs, not XLR for some reason)(~$3500, upgrades available)

Grace Design m903
(balanced RCA outputs, not XLR for some reason)

Calyx DAC 24/192
(looks like a mac mini, with balanced XLR outputs)

Cleo Max 24/192 USB DAC

Ayre QB-9
(units produced after summer 2010 are 192khz capable)
(only USB input -- no other input available)

Wadia 121 Decoding Computer (~$1300)
Includes balanced outputs

Wyred4Sound DAC2 (~$1500)
*recognized by TAS

Onkyo DAC-1000 (~$1000)

M2Tech Young DAC (~$1800) (no balanced outputs, actually supports up to 32/384)

Lindemann USB-DAC 24/192 (~$1000) (no balanced outputs)

----

USB 24/192 to SPDIF Converters
Berkeley Audio Design Alpha USB ($1700)
Empirical Audio Pacecar ($1700+ depending on options)
WaveLink HS 24/192 USB to SPDIF converter ~$900
Audiophilleo1 (~$900)(test tracks, display sample rate, a nice feature list)
Empirical Audio USB Offramp ($700 to $3k+, depending on options)
M2Tech EVO (~$500)
Audiophilleo2 (~$500)
M2Tech HiFace (~$200)(simple USB dongle design - uses USB power)

---


I'll start adding details beneath each one (key features, any bummer features, etc.). The pricing shown is my very broad stroke at MSRP, based on what I've read on blogs or other websites. It could be totally wrong. Please contact your personal dealers for real pricing info.

Can anyone name others?
__________________
Karl

Listening Room (2 Channel): Vandersteen 5A speakers, Simaudio Moon Neo 400M Mono Block Amplifiers, Esoteric D-07X DAC (preamp) via Apple Mac Mini (Roon), Furman IT-Reference 20i Power Cond., Wireworld.
Listening Room (HT Portion): Vandersteen VCC-5 Center, Vandersteen VSM Signature Surrounds, JL Audio CR1 Crossover, JL Audio f110 v2 Subwoofer, Marantz SR 5010 Receiver, Wireworld

Office: KEF R500 Speakers; Sonos Amp fed by Roon
Family Room: Monitor Audio Silver RX6 speakers, McIntosh MA6600 Integrated Amplifier, Pro-Ject RME 9.1 TT w/ Sumiko Blackbird MC Cart.

Last edited by kfr01; 08-28-2011 at 10:12 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 04-12-2011, 02:09 AM
RoadDawgWest RoadDawgWest is offline
Guest
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: California
Posts: 2,337
Default

Grace Design m903 could be added to the list.
m903 reference headphone amplifier
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-12-2011, 10:54 PM
kfr01's Avatar
kfr01 kfr01 is offline
Music Provides Joy
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,359
Default

Added. Also added is the Audio Research DAC8. I think the Grace is the only one so far that doesn't have balanced outs...

Anyone else?
__________________
Karl

Listening Room (2 Channel): Vandersteen 5A speakers, Simaudio Moon Neo 400M Mono Block Amplifiers, Esoteric D-07X DAC (preamp) via Apple Mac Mini (Roon), Furman IT-Reference 20i Power Cond., Wireworld.
Listening Room (HT Portion): Vandersteen VCC-5 Center, Vandersteen VSM Signature Surrounds, JL Audio CR1 Crossover, JL Audio f110 v2 Subwoofer, Marantz SR 5010 Receiver, Wireworld

Office: KEF R500 Speakers; Sonos Amp fed by Roon
Family Room: Monitor Audio Silver RX6 speakers, McIntosh MA6600 Integrated Amplifier, Pro-Ject RME 9.1 TT w/ Sumiko Blackbird MC Cart.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 04-12-2011, 11:01 PM
Masterlu's Avatar
Masterlu Masterlu is offline
AA Founder, Legend AV Owner



 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: South FL & Cape Cod MA
Posts: 78,536
Default

How about Benchmark...

DAC1 Series Overview | Benchmark Media
__________________
Ivan
FLORIDA
MX136, MC1.2KW(10) MC2KW(2), MCD1100, MS750(2) MVP881, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, HT-2 SUBS(2) HT3F(2) WS350(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) XCS350(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" MOTORIZED SCREEN, CINEMA-TECH SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Reference System: ACCUPHASE A300 AMPS, C3900 PRE-AMP, DP1000 CD/SACD TRANSPORT, DC1000 DIGITAL PROCESSOR, DG-68 DIGITAL EQUALIZER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS1230 POWER SUPPLY, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, WW PLATINUM CABLES
CAPE COD

MX150, MC501(2) MC1.2KW(10) MC2301(2) MR88, MVP881, MCD1100, MDA1000, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, ESOTERIC K-01X 30th ANNIVERSARY (BLACK) SACD/CD PLAYER, G02-X CLOCK, HT3F(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(4) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) KALEIDESCAPE STRATO & TERRA SERVERS 80-TB, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" SCREEN, SONUS FABER STRADIVARI, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, FORTRESS SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Analog Rig: CLEARAUDIO INNOVATION WOOD, UNIVERSAL ARM w/ Da VINCI' CART, 2nd UNIVERSAL ARM w/ GOLDFINGER STATEMENT CART, HRS-MXR REFERENCE RACK-GLOSS BLACK w/ M3X SHELVES, AESTHETIX RHEA SIG PHONO-PRE, BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, ACCUPHASE DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1X/D1X STACK, G1X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) WW PLATINUM CABLES

Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1X CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1’s, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2, SHUNYATA OMEGA QR’s, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Esoteric/Bryston System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS(4), BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2(2) EVEREST 8000 POWER CONDITIONER(2) ALTAIRA CG & SG HUBS, AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E800 INTEGRATED, DP570 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3’s, CANTON REF K5’s, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X2 SHELVES, WW GOLD CABLES
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 04-12-2011, 11:06 PM
kfr01's Avatar
kfr01 kfr01 is offline
Music Provides Joy
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,359
Default

Benchmark supports 24/192, but not via USB (capped at 96, currently).

... also, I'll add the Ayre QB-9. Productions since summer 2010 have supported 192 at the USB.

Hopefully this will be helpful to someone in addition to me. :-)
__________________
Karl

Listening Room (2 Channel): Vandersteen 5A speakers, Simaudio Moon Neo 400M Mono Block Amplifiers, Esoteric D-07X DAC (preamp) via Apple Mac Mini (Roon), Furman IT-Reference 20i Power Cond., Wireworld.
Listening Room (HT Portion): Vandersteen VCC-5 Center, Vandersteen VSM Signature Surrounds, JL Audio CR1 Crossover, JL Audio f110 v2 Subwoofer, Marantz SR 5010 Receiver, Wireworld

Office: KEF R500 Speakers; Sonos Amp fed by Roon
Family Room: Monitor Audio Silver RX6 speakers, McIntosh MA6600 Integrated Amplifier, Pro-Ject RME 9.1 TT w/ Sumiko Blackbird MC Cart.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 04-12-2011, 11:14 PM
kfr01's Avatar
kfr01 kfr01 is offline
Music Provides Joy
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,359
Default

Adding the Onkyo DAC-1000. Has anyone seen/heard/talked to anyone that has heard this DAC?

Onkyo DAC-1000 32bit/192kHz USB DAC
__________________
Karl

Listening Room (2 Channel): Vandersteen 5A speakers, Simaudio Moon Neo 400M Mono Block Amplifiers, Esoteric D-07X DAC (preamp) via Apple Mac Mini (Roon), Furman IT-Reference 20i Power Cond., Wireworld.
Listening Room (HT Portion): Vandersteen VCC-5 Center, Vandersteen VSM Signature Surrounds, JL Audio CR1 Crossover, JL Audio f110 v2 Subwoofer, Marantz SR 5010 Receiver, Wireworld

Office: KEF R500 Speakers; Sonos Amp fed by Roon
Family Room: Monitor Audio Silver RX6 speakers, McIntosh MA6600 Integrated Amplifier, Pro-Ject RME 9.1 TT w/ Sumiko Blackbird MC Cart.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 04-12-2011, 11:21 PM
kfr01's Avatar
kfr01 kfr01 is offline
Music Provides Joy
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,359
Default

Adding the Calyx DAC 24/192
__________________
Karl

Listening Room (2 Channel): Vandersteen 5A speakers, Simaudio Moon Neo 400M Mono Block Amplifiers, Esoteric D-07X DAC (preamp) via Apple Mac Mini (Roon), Furman IT-Reference 20i Power Cond., Wireworld.
Listening Room (HT Portion): Vandersteen VCC-5 Center, Vandersteen VSM Signature Surrounds, JL Audio CR1 Crossover, JL Audio f110 v2 Subwoofer, Marantz SR 5010 Receiver, Wireworld

Office: KEF R500 Speakers; Sonos Amp fed by Roon
Family Room: Monitor Audio Silver RX6 speakers, McIntosh MA6600 Integrated Amplifier, Pro-Ject RME 9.1 TT w/ Sumiko Blackbird MC Cart.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 04-12-2011, 11:30 PM
Puma Cat's Avatar
Puma Cat Puma Cat is online now
Cool, calm scientist
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: East Bay, CA
Posts: 10,945
Default

Word on the street is that HRT will be releasing a Music Streamer that supports 24/192 at some point in the reasonably near future.
__________________
Lumin P1 streamer/DAC/preamp, Constellation Inspiration integrated TT: Michell Gyro SE MkII, SME V, Koetsu Urushi Vermilion, EAR324. Harbeth 30.2s, REL R-305, Shunyata Alpha V2 ICs, Alpha V2 SPs, Sigma XC, Sigma NRv2, Omega QR-s & Alpha NRv2 PCs, segmented Altaira SG stack w/ Alpha & Omega CGCs, Everest 8000 PD. Remote Server Room: Uptone EtherREGEN, AfterDark Master Clock & LPS, Alita, Battle Angel, (Akasa NUC Roon Core), iFi DC Purifiers (for SMPS used for Alita & router), Shunyata Gemini combo power distributor & Altaira-type CG GP-NR hub, Venom & Alpha CGCs, Shunyata NRv14 power cords for digital components.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 04-12-2011, 11:32 PM
kfr01's Avatar
kfr01 kfr01 is offline
Music Provides Joy
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,359
Default

Wowsa. This one looks great:

Aesthetix Pandora tube 24/192 DAC

Digital Audio Blog: Aesthetix Pandora tube 24/192 DAC
__________________
Karl

Listening Room (2 Channel): Vandersteen 5A speakers, Simaudio Moon Neo 400M Mono Block Amplifiers, Esoteric D-07X DAC (preamp) via Apple Mac Mini (Roon), Furman IT-Reference 20i Power Cond., Wireworld.
Listening Room (HT Portion): Vandersteen VCC-5 Center, Vandersteen VSM Signature Surrounds, JL Audio CR1 Crossover, JL Audio f110 v2 Subwoofer, Marantz SR 5010 Receiver, Wireworld

Office: KEF R500 Speakers; Sonos Amp fed by Roon
Family Room: Monitor Audio Silver RX6 speakers, McIntosh MA6600 Integrated Amplifier, Pro-Ject RME 9.1 TT w/ Sumiko Blackbird MC Cart.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 04-12-2011, 11:49 PM
cmalak's Avatar
cmalak cmalak is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,602
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by kfr01 View Post
Wowsa. This one looks great:

Aesthetix Pandora tube 24/192 DAC

Digital Audio Blog: Aesthetix Pandora tube 24/192 DAC
kfr01...I have been waiting for the Pandora DAC and/or the Romulus Transport/DAC to get reviewed. This is the first digital offering from Aesthetix which obviously started out with some great phono and linestage preamps before moving to power amp and now digital offerings. Does not seem to be much discussion in other forums about either of these. If you dig up any user info/feedback on these please let us know. The ARC DAC 8 has been reviewed out there and has a fair amount of user feedback on the forums and is the other unit I am eyeing. But I am intrigued by the Aestheitx offerings.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Audioaficionado.org tested by Norton Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 07:06 AM.



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.10
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
©Copyright 2009-2023 AudioAficionado.org.Privately owned, All Rights Reserved.
Audio Aficionado Sponsors
AudioAficionado Subscriber
AudioAficionado Subscriber
Inspire By Dennis Had
Inspire By Dennis Had
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Wyred4Sound
Wyred4Sound
Dragonfire Acoustics
Dragonfire Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
Esoteric
Esoteric
AC Infinity
AC Infinity
JL Audio
JL Audio
Add Powr
Add Powr
Accuphase - Soulution
Accuphase - Soulution
Audio by E
Audio by E
Canton
Canton
Bryston
Bryston
WireWorld Cables
WireWorld Cables
Stillpoints
Stillpoints
Bricasti Design
Bricasti Design
Furutech
Furutech
Shunyata Research
Shunyata Research
Legend Audio & Video
Legend Audio & Video