(yet another) USB to SPDIF converter

[Azazel]

This one, "Taralabs"...

Native 24bit 96k USB to Spdif I2S Converter for DAC - eBay (item 270517709517 end time Feb-17-10 17:30:38 PST)

... but I read "Teralabs". Whatever, it does use the Tenor chip, like the Prodigy Cube I am using now, but it is a simpler desing (no DAC inside so no line outs and no headphone out) with the option of off-board power supply.

I am happy with my unit (does native 24/96 and changes the sampling frequency on the fly with foobar) save for a problem with some 24/88'2 files (does not recognise the 88'2 fq). But "no drivers" makes me happy...

Anyone to test it? Padam were you not looking for something like that?

[padam]

I need to set up the Parasound first but it hasn't arrived yet, then decide whether this or the HiFace.

[Azazel]

Yups, remember the Parasound does not go higher than 48kHz: you can use a simpler adapter with it (even put inside the case to avoid one more connection), there are many around based on the 270X chips for around $30.

The beauty of this "Taralab" (sic) is going up to 96kHz with no drivers. The beauty of the HiFace looks to lie on its layout and clocks.

[padam]

Yes I know, but the asynchronous data transfer should provide an advantage on 16bit as well. Or maybe I am wrong

[Voltron]

The thing seems to be called "TeraLink X2" and the company is TeraDak Audio Electric Company. Tera Labs makes audio cables only as far as I know.

[cetoole]

Yes I know, but the asynchronous data transfer should provide an advantage on 16bit as well. Or maybe I am wrong

You aren't.

[digger945]

Yes I know, but the asynchronous data transfer should provide an advantage on 16bit as well. Or maybe I am wrong

You aren't.

Indeed. I have experienced much improvement using async usb to spdif from 16/44 to 24/96.

[padam]

The main problem with the HiFace is that one cannot use magic USB cables with it

[manaox2]

The main problem with the HiFace is that one cannot use magic USB cables with it

You just have to order it terminated to USB-A female; waiting for the someone that will do this and actually end up only lowering their bandwidth and getting farther from spec.

[rogue]

Good to see more cheap async USB SPDIF converters coming out. $900 for a wavelink is just nutso. FWIW, I'm very happy with my HiFace.

[Currawong]

From what I gather though, the Tenor chip is unreliable according to the maker of the chip themselves, something re-enforced by my Audiotrak Prodigy Cube (which uses one) dying on me soon after I bought it.

[rogue]

From what I gather though, the Tenor chip is unreliable according to the maker of the chip themselves, something re-enforced by my Audiotrak Prodigy Cube (which uses one) dying on me soon after I bought it.

Heh. Buggy chips are pretty commonplace, but it's rare to hear of silicon that just dies outright. Is this because of overheating, or something else entirely?

[Azazel]

I do have a Prodigy Cube working fine since many months ago... bad luck Curra??

[Currawong]

Could be that too, but this supposedly came from Tenor themselves. I figured it was worth noting in case anyone intends to buy one.

[Spiug31]

just a note to say I am using the "Teralink-X" at present (reinterpreting usb into spdif/bnc to feed the buffalo), it is still settling in but currently is at around 80 hours playing time.

In windows vista it has been and is buggy, sometimes it just doesn`t output a digital feed, don`t know why as the pc clearly shows it is recognised and being fed the audio :shrug: .

In Linux (Opensuse 11.2, my main OS) it has shown no bugs and is fully plug and play

[Shahrose]

I've used the Teralink-X2 with good results. It definitely colours the sound though. Warm, smooth, large soundstage. Not as transparent as the M2Tech hiFace but more pleasing IMO.

[n_maher]

I've used the Teralink-X2 with good results. It definitely colours the sound though. Warm, smooth, large soundstage. Not as transparent as the M2Tech hiFace but more pleasing IMO.

I would not say that a USB-SPDIF converter that colors the sound is a "good result".

[Shahrose]

I would not say that a USB-SPDIF converter that colors the sound is a "good result".

more like "malfunctioning product."

Both valid points, but some will prefer its MO just like some prefer the coloration of certain tube amps over SS.

[grawk]

you won't find a lot of support for random "broken is better" products here...

[grawk]

true enough. I was specifically talking about audio gear

[valesina]

Perhaps we could compile a list of the growing number of USB > SPDIF converters out there, from the CryoParts/Pop Pulse thing right up to the megabucks versions: seems to be the flavor of the month.

[grawk]

Feel free

[Spiug31]

just a note to say I am using the "Teralink-X" at present (reinterpreting usb into spdif/bnc to feed the buffalo), it is still settling in but currently is at around 80 hours playing time.

In windows vista it has been and is buggy, sometimes it just doesn`t output a digital feed, don`t know why as the pc clearly shows it is recognised and being fed the audio :shrug: .

In Linux (Opensuse 11.2, my main OS) it has shown no bugs and is fully plug and play

The Vista reliability problem got solved once I installed the C-media driver rather than the default vista one - it is no longer buggy. Sound quality is still less impressive than I get natively in linux but good enough for light gaming and background/burn-in music. Playing via Linux remains the way I listen to flac/streamed music