Audiophilleo USB-SPDIF

Any connection replacing an optical output from a PC is an upgrade.

And yes Audiophileo is a decent USB-SPDIF coverter.

cheers

Aleg

I believe Naim use Audiophilleos asynchronous USB technology in the DAC-V1 so, given that, wouldn't it be better to put the money towards a V1?

I tried one expensive and nothing special, the M2Tech HiFace was IMHO smoother less metallic and considerably better value.

H

Thanks! I'll see if I can get a s/h M2Tech to compare. I don't need a streamer in my study, since I've always got my PC on when I'm working - so I might replace my ND5XS with the nDac.

I have the Audiophilleo 1 into my nDAC and it is a very noticeable improvement over the optical out which I tried initially.

I currently run it from my MacBook Pro using Audirvana to bypass the Mac's audio engine and stream to the A1. My ALAC files are on a NAS drive over CAT5 Ethernet. Support on the A1 is good, regular firmware updates and good documentation.. something which is often overlooked on these discussions.

Never heard the M2Tech, but I am sure there are some good comparisons on the web.

The M2Tech seemed to make the music hotter sounding. I borrowed it, but did not buy one.

I use an inexpensive usb/spdif converter, the Nuforce U192S which had reviews saying that it sounded good but was a little temperamental. I have had no problems with it.

I use it between a CAPS Music Player (via a v2 Paul Pang USB card out to the Nuforce usb/spdif converter that again goes into a Metrum Octave v1 DAC. I really like what this combo does.

There is a thread on another hifi forum where 15 spdif/usb-cpnverters are compared by a user called Elberoth (Adam Wysokowski).

Best wishes,

Peter

I had a HiFace which was fine until Mac changed OSX then it wouldn't work. I bought a JKenny Ciunas spdif to usb converter which sounds much better. Both far better than optical.

MacBook, Audirvana+, Ciunas, nDac, 52, S/Cap DR, 135s and briks.

Thanks SAT ! The Ciunas comes with a USB - 2.1mm cable for battery recharge, right ? How long is this cable ? Best, nbpf

My charger cable (as supplied)is 1.5m

Aaaarrgh, sorry nbpf the cable USB-2.1 is 0.8m, my 1.5m cable attaches to the wall wart that charges my ciunas when it's not in use. I tend to run it off battery to minimise number of wall warts.

I quite fancied experimenting with DSD ,my dealers kindly lent me one of their Weiss INT204 converters,onlow that is a super bit of kit.

H

Thanks ! nbpf

I guess the real question is whether a USB-SPDIF converter has a significant impact on the SQ of a Naim DAC (with or without PS) and, if so, which converters are recommended. There are many popular USB-SPDIF converters (Stello, M2Tech, etc.), a few new devices (HydraX+) and devices which have not been very much reviewed (TeddyU2S) out there.

Using M2Tech hiFace Evo, anyone tried Audiobyte HydraX+ or Teddy Pardo U2S ? Thanks, nbpf

Yes, the INT204 is another quite interesting device. It's a pity it too requires yet another external power supply, though.