Considering a DAC...have questions

You need a Toslink cable or a kind of USB to SPDIF converter. Can not connect the MBP's USB to the DAC directly. The USB on the DAC is for USB memory and iPod, not for computer.

what are some recommended usb to spdif converters to be used with the Naim Dac?

hiFace is what I'm using

quote:

Originally posted by Woods Scot:
what are some recommended usb to spdif converters to be used with the Naim Dac?

The HiFace is widely used and recommended and also reasonably priced.

I would suggest you use the find function in this forum and search for HiFace, you will find loads of usefull tips and experiences.

-
aleg

Thanks. I will check it out. If anyone has any other suggestions and/or experiences, please share.

Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by scotman1973:
Thanks. I will check it out. If anyone has any other suggestions and/or experiences, please share.

Thanks

Considering the price, HiFace is a good choice without too much risk. For a bit more budget you have much wider choice, the bigger HiFace EVO is one of them, but there are dozens of others as well.

If you are just starting out on computer ausdio its also worth checking out the Computer Audiophile site.

The M-Audio device also seems to be recommended. You can also use the firewire interface and a range of convertors.

As mentioned the HiFace seems to be very popular

Scotman,

There are a number of USB/Firewire converters out there, at wildly varied pricing.

M-Audio Transit ($70)
M2Tech Hiface ($200ish)
M2Tech Hiface EVO (?)
Wavelength Wavelink ($900)
Weiss INT202 (Firewire) ($1300ish)

Just to mention a few.

There are also a great many PCI sound cards that can cut out the USB converter middle man (not unlike you using your stock output mini-Toslink you might have on your Mac)

Just to get the ball rolling, you might want to simply try the stock digital output of your Macbook. You will only need a Mini-to-Standard Toslink cable. Or a standard toslink cable with an adapter for the mini jack on the Mac.

And when you say "considering a DAC", you obviously mean "getting the Naim DAC", right?

-Patrick

quote:

Originally posted by pcstockton:
Weiss INT202 (Firewire) ($2000ish)

-Patrick

Fixed.

$2000???????????????? Whoa. For a converter? Somewhere in the world Andy just puked in his mouth.

Thanks for the correction JS.

It is really good when you add a napsc. Make that $2500

JS,

How exactly do you modify the NAPSC to use it with anything other than the appropriate NAC?

Do you think you could modify the NAPSC to be used on the Mtech EVO?

How much would that modification cost approximately?

Thanks,
Patrick

Sure. No warranty and not too much more than stock. Naim has never authorized this sort of thing. I think we should stop there as this isn't a sales forum. I think ferenc may try one for the evo.

gotcha. thx

quote:

Originally posted by js:
Sure. No warranty and not too much more than stock. Naim has never authorized this sort of thing. I think we should stop there as this isn't a sales forum. I think ferenc may try one for the evo.

Sure, no time yet unfortunately. Plus I am thinking to try a Supercap with a Sonic 305 (or MH ULN8, it is almost the same)...

I am also new to computer audio so be kind! But, there are some DACs (like the Tranquility USB DAC) which allow direct connection from computer to DAC via USB cable, without the need for a Hiface connection between. If correct, this provides a much neater solution.

quote:

If correct, this provides a much neater solution.

Yes, but with what kind of performance? Demo the DACs, pick the one you like most (and can afford).

Dont sweat the connection details.

While it would be nice if the Naim DAC had this option, its stellar performance makes it a moot point in my book.

I have heard a few USB DACs and none even come close to the enjoyment the Naim DAC brings for me (although a few were quite nice). Scott Nixon NOS, Benchmark, DACMagic, Empirical Audio, Wavelength Brick etc....

The All Naim system is something VERY special.

Arcam have a DAC which is hitting the shops for about £300 which has an asynchronous USB interface built in, and wireless promised - might be a more than acceptable solution for the money and let you get into the game.

quote:

Originally posted by pcstockton:
I have heard a few USB DACs and none even come close to the enjoyment the Naim DAC brings for me (although a few were quite nice). Scott Nixon NOS, Benchmark, DACMagic, Empirical Audio, Wavelength Brick etc....

As a matter of interest, have you heard of dB Labs USB Tranquility DAC? Seems it is very analog sounding and brings music very close to vinyl.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by likesmusic:
Arcam have a DAC which is hitting the shops for about £300 which has an asynchronous USB interface built in, and wireless promised - might be a more than acceptable solution for the money and let you get into the game.[/QUOTe

musicical fidelity has produced a stunner. dac at £400 and sounds great

quote:

As a matter of interest, have you heard of dB Labs USB Tranquility DAC?

I have not.