USB to Optical

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=34128#features

anyone tried these ? I have an old lappy and thought this combo through a MF vdac would sound pretty good ? and save on ubber expensive DAC,s etc

 

The V-Dac has a USB input, so it shouldn't be necessary to add another layer of conversion. Plug the V-Dac into your laptop, select it as the default device for audio output and you're done.

 

Ok thanks i thought maybe the conversion to optical would give better sound but i guess from usb its already a digital stream

 

Another question while reading. Do the rectifiers in a push pull amp (WAD Kat 6550) Have an influence in sound quality ? I have read that they don't.

 

They do IMO.
There are several types of 5U4, some with traditional heaters and some using a ribbon construction which have higher current rating and are far less prone to flash-over.
These are superb IMO:

http://www.hotroxuk.com/5u4gb-eh-8288-0.html

 

Ok cheers Rob that is the type i had in but realized that it was those rattling like a rattle snake on speed. worn out i guess,

I have for now put some Chinese ones in (rattle stopped) but don't like them and noticed a flattening in the sound stage. (thought it was just me as other posts say they make no difference)

I will order some of those tomorrow cheers !

 

Get yourself a Behringer UCA202. It is about £35. There also seems to be a new replacement called the UCA222 but I don't know how that performs.

The UCA202 has a USB connection and provides analog outputs, analog inputs and an optical output. I bought it not expecting much but the analog outputs are great. Here is a comparison with the VDAC.

You will see the UCA202 has higher second harmonic but very few higher harmonics, which is a very good thing indeed.

 

I had never thought of connecting up my UCA202(its in the kitchen system) to my main system wonder how it compares to an Audiosmile 2496 DAC?

 

Hmm maybe i should use the optical out on that from usb to the Vdac (vdac already ordered)

 

That would be entirely pointless. If it were me I'd get a refund on the V-DAC and get the UCA202. But if the money doesn't worry you, stick with the V-DAC, it is very good.

 

Ok thanks i think i will stick with the VDAC and order a Mac mini as the server i can then use optical straight from the mac through the vdac with touch as the remote. Thanks for your help though Tenson

 

Only £24 here if anyone is looking for one!

 

there are two true miths if not three, 1st: compresion on both , usb and optical, meassurements mean nothig, phisics do, digital rca's are based on a termination of 60 ohms, the one that can rech the proper rca coaxial termination is via bnc, but the reading unit must be able to accept bnc and the ohms loading,
nando, ps, rca is 2nd best.